How TruTex Footing Fares in Wet Conditions
As a product designed to be kept moist, TruTex footing thrives in wet conditions. It is incredibly durable since there are no organic materials that could mold or rot. That said, your base plays a crucial role in the lifespan of your arena in wetter climates.
If your arena resembles a muddy swimming pool after a heavy downpour, you likely need more than just footing improvements.
Arena Base Construction
Your base should be engineered to shed or drain water appropriately, especially in wetter climates. Assuming your base is in good shape, adding fibers increases the saturation point of your footing versus sand alone. This enables higher water absorption, which delays saturation that causes your surface to get too loose and slippery.
A traditional compacted base will be either crowned or sloped in order to shed water across its surface, whereas a free draining base is designed for the water to drain down through the base and can be carried away via drainage pipes below the surface. There are pros and cons to both designs, which we will dive into in another post.
The Ultimate All-Weather Base
If you need all-weather riding conditions, the Equibase OT40 mat is the best option. With the ability to absorb more than 40% of the force applied to the surface, the mats offer unrivaled health and performance benefits to the horse versus a traditional base. Their highly efficient drainage features combine with moisture retention for easier arena maintenance and more consistent footing regardless of weather.
For outdoor arenas, the Equibase mat is equipped with alternating drainage vents and water reservoirs for more consistent moisture throughout your footing. The drainage holes allow excess water to pass through the footing, out through the mat, and out of your base while retaining up to one gallon of water per mat. Indoor arenas see additional benefits in that each mat holds two gallons of water, which is wicked up into the surface as needed. If you’re unsure about how many mats will fit your arena space, our easy-to-use mat calculator can help.
Boots on the ground Equestrian Knowledge
TruTex is owned and operated by equestrians who, like you, used to struggle to find the best footing additives for their arenas. That’s why they sourced the best ingredients and formed TruTex!
Now the team is excited to bring these premium products to you and your arena. Contact us at 812-558-2669 or through our online form if you’re still unsure about what product is perfect for you. You can also request a free personalized quote. We look forward to helping you and your equine business prosper.
