TRUTEX ADDITIVES - DIY INSTALL GUIDE

Installing Your TruTex Footing Additive: A Straightforward Process with the Right Tools

Before beginning installation, make sure your arena has the appropriate type and amount of sand, evenly spread on a properly compacted, graded base that supports drainage and doesn’t hold water. With this foundation in place, installing your TruTex footing additive can be a cost-effective and manageable project when following the steps outlined below.

If you choose a DIY installation or work with your own contractor, please note that TruTex supplies the footing additive, but you are responsible for installation, sand procurement, blending, watering, and ongoing maintenance—all crucial to achieving optimal footing quality. TruTex is here to provide detailed guidance and is readily available to answer any questions before, during, and after installation. However, self-installations do not come with an implied warranty of perfection, as some trial and error may be expected.

Our team is dedicated to supporting your success and is available to help you troubleshoot any questions as you install and maintain your arena.

Quick Overview of Arena Footing Installation

Detailed Installation Steps

1. Moving the bales

2. Opening the bales

3. Spreading the fibers

4. Watering the fibers

5. Blending the fibers

6. Dragging the arena

Required Tools

Wire cutters (safety goggles recommended)

Tractor  

Manure Spreader  

Rototiller (optional)

Ability to water arena

Compatible groomer

Hand rake

1. Moving the bales

Your footing will be delivered on pallets, which can be moved using either a forklift or tractor with a fork attachment.

Alternatively, you can move the bales individually using the bucket on your tractor as shown in the video in this guide.

2. Opening the bales

Your TruTex Footing will be packaged in highly compressed bales that are tied with a steel wire banding.

A heavy-duty set of wire cutters will be required to cut the banding.

Be sure to remove all wiring from the arena immediately.

3. Spreading the fibers

Using a manure spreader helps to save time and labor but if a spreader is unavailable, it is possible to spread the bales by hand.

The fibers need to be fully broken apart in order to blend into the sand properly.

After spreading, be sure to break up any remaining clumps of fibers before watering.

After spreading, rake any stray fibers in about 6″ from the edges of the arena boards or fencing to ensure the tiller will be able to reach them for blending.

4. Watering the fibers

This stage is crucial to ensure that the fibers will bond with the sand correctly.

Water the fibers thoroughly until very moist but not muddy.

Lack of moisture is the most common mistake we see when someone is having difficulty with the blending of the materials.

5. Blending the fibers

A Harley Power Rake or a Rototiller are both great tools for blending the fibers into the sand.

Blend the fibers into the upper 2″-2.5″ of the sand ensuring that the tiller does not touch your arena base whatsoever.

It will take several passes with the tiller before the fibers are blended sufficiently.

If you find that the fibers are not bonding with the sand enough and are staying up on the surface it is most likely that they are too dry. Add more water and then continue with the blending process.

6. Dragging the arena

A compatible drag, with a roller component is essential for best results out of your footing.

After the tilling stage, your footing will be very fluffy and contain a lot of air so we recommend setting the tines on your drag quite shallow and placing more emphasis on rolling and re-compressing the footing for the next few days until it feels more firm.

At this stage, the footing can be ridden on right away and over the next several weeks, you will notice that it becomes more integrated with the sand becomes more stable as the root system created by the fibers becomes fully established.

Have questions? Contact us!

Please contact us if you have any questions about our horse arena footing products. Our dedicated team of arena experts are committed to helping you reach your goals.

Your feedback after riding on the surface and observing your horse’s response is invaluable to us. We welcome and encourage you to continue sharing any photos and insights you may have with us. Additionally, we’re available to answer any questions you may have, both before and after incorporating TruTex fibers into your arena.

We love nothing more than receiving your “before & after” installation photos. Don’t forget to tag us! @trutexfooting #trutexfooting