Owner-installed additive over local sand, with TruTex guidance
From Family Land to Lifelong Dream
Before RoseCroft Equestrian became a go-to destination for clinics, training, and top-level instruction, it was just a stretch of empty fields and a barn built for livestock, not horses. But where others saw vacant property, Kristin Layton saw the foundation of a lifelong dream.
"I drew the layout of the barn I wanted when I was 12. This has always been the plan, even if I didn't know exactly how it would unfold."— Kristin Layton
In 2015, after convincing extended family members to sell their shares of the land, Kristin and her husband, Brandon, a grading contractor, undertook the massive task of building the infrastructure themselves: barns, fencing, and their first outdoor arena.
From there to here: the successful completion of the 14-stall barn.
Laying the Foundation, Learning the Hard Way
Armed with construction knowledge but no formal arena-building experience, Brandon scoured the internet and picked apart venues by hand, literally digging into arena footing at competitions, to piece together what might work. But like many equestrians, they discovered the path to achieving a reliable surface wasn't exactly straightforward.
Breaking ground on the outdoor arena.
"We ended up using masonry sand. It wasn't the right choice, but it's all we could source locally. It worked well enough at first, but the maintenance was exhausting."— Kristin Layton
As RoseCroft evolved into a serious training operation, that surface could no longer keep up.
"We were dragging the ring every night. And even then, it was hard to keep it consistent; it was not sustainable. Especially not with 10 to 12 horses a day riding on it."— Kristin Layton
Choosing a Partner That Gets It
When they began researching alternatives, the couple quickly realized how expensive and overwhelming upgrading their footing could be. They received quotes from several well-known vendors. But the costs were steep, and the guidance was minimal. Then they found TruTex.
Brandon doing a test area with TruTex Element footing additive to see how they liked the feel, stability, and moisture retention before doing the full arena.
"We sent in a footing sample, and they walked us through the whole process. They didn't just tell us what fiber to buy. They told us which type of sand would work best with it, where to get it, and how to blend it. They even helped coordinate with the quarry and found us the best pricing."— Kristin Layton
Brandon and his father, Larry Layton, loading the spreader with TruTex Element fiber to spread in the outdoor arena.
With TruTex's product and support, Kristin and Brandon upgraded the outdoor arena themselves, using their equipment and a rented tiller.
"It took us one day. We mixed it, watered it, dragged it, and rode on it the next morning."— Kristin Layton
RoseCroft Equestrian's completed outdoor arena, featuring TruTex Element footing additive.
Real-World Results, Ride After Ride
The change was immediate.
"We used to have deep spots where horses would get bogged down. That's gone now. It rides consistent and even. Dragging the arena dropped from every night to twice a week."— Kristin Layton
Durability isn't just about daily traffic. RoseCroft has hosted multiple high-volume clinics on their TruTex footing. Olympic-level rider Anna Buffini taught 18 riders in one weekend. Dom Schramm's clinic drew another ten. Even a working equitation clinic brought in 15+ riders in groups throughout the day.
Student Lindsey Brock aboard her horse, B Pop, in the Dominic Schramm jump clinic.
"It holds up beautifully. We're not patching or fixing the footing midday. I have students ask if they can ride in the rain, and I tell them: yes. We never have to close the arena. That alone sets us apart from so many other facilities in the area."— Kristin Layton
Student Carly Hunter and her horse, Goldfish, in the Dominic Schramm jump clinic.
Building a Second Arena — Doing It Right the First Time
In 2024, Kristin added a second arena to her property: a 75×150 covered arena, specifically designed for year-round training. This time, she knew exactly who to call.
The new covered arena, featuring TruTex Oasis premium footing additive.
"I reached out to TruTex before we broke ground. They helped me select the sand and fiber for our needs so that we could do it right from day one, and it's been amazing."— Kristin Layton
The covered arena has opened new doors for Kristin's business, allowing her to host top-level clinicians while giving her a space to continue her own high-level dressage training year-round.
Kristin Layton teaching student Brittanie Maye aboard her horse, Jip.
"I'd argue that the riding surface is the most important to my training program. It's everything. Too deep, and you risk soft tissue injuries. Too hard, and you're dealing with joint issues. Getting this right changed everything for us."— Kristin Layton
A Self-Made Success, Legacy in Motion
RoseCroft isn't just a training facility; it embodies a vision that began in childhood. It's a story of family land repurposed, dreams reimagined, and a rider who built her program, like her horse, from the ground up.
"Everything I've accomplished, I've built from nothing."— Kristin Layton
Her personal horse, Lindin, was an unstarted three-year-old when she bought her. Today, they're training at FEI levels and pushing toward Grand Prix, with an eye on CDI competition. "This farm, this program — it's all been about showing up every day and building something that lasts."
Kristin aboard Lindin, winning the CBLM FEI Prix St. Georges Championship.
Kristin's also earned her USDF bronze and silver medals with distinction. She continues to train remotely with Olympic short-listed rider Anna Buffini from San Diego, thanks to tech-enabled virtual lessons and a consistent, dependable training surface.
With TruTex footing beneath her and big goals on the horizon, Kristin Layton isn't just maintaining her dream. She's riding it forward.
Advice to Other Facility Owners
If you're considering TruTex, Kristin's advice is simple:
"Do it. We could've saved so much hassle, money, and maintenance if we had done it from the start."— Kristin Layton
She speaks from experience. Two arenas, a growing training program, and dozens of horses riding daily on her footing, and it's all held up beautifully.
"TruTex didn't just make it easy, they made it possible. And they made it better."— Kristin Layton
What could you do with the right footing?
Discover what's possible with the right surface — we'll help you match the right additive to the right sand for the way you ride.
