On The Rail

103. Mastering Arena Footing: Insights with Premier Equestrian

On The Rail

Show Notes

In this episode of On The Rail podcast, we engage in an in-depth discussion with Dax Hardy, an arena footing consultant from Premier Equestrian.

The episode begins with the introduction of a new giveaway sponsor, IRide Equestrian Lifestyle, before moving into the complexities of arena base construction and footing materials.

Topics include achieving the right composition for various riding disciplines and the importance of additives for arena quality. Dax shares expert advice on common misconceptions, maintenance tips, and different climate considerations.

The episode also covers detailed solutions for arena sand issues, including sand testing procedures, the benefits of sieve analysis, and microscopic examinations. Listeners are encouraged to reach out to Premier Equestrian for free consultations, blueprint access, and further information available on their blog. This episode is a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to build or enhance their equestrian arena.

Related Links/Products Mentioned:

-IRide Equestrian Lifestyle, Giveaway Sponsor

-Learn more about the Ride Fit Life

00:00 Welcome and Exciting Giveaway Announcement

01:02 Introducing Our New Sponsor: I Ride Equestrian Lifestyle

01:47 How to Participate in Our Giveaways

02:04 Meet Our Guest: Dax Hardy from Premier Equestrian

03:05 Dax Hardy's Journey into Arena Footing Consulting

06:19 Understanding Arena Footing Basics

10:32 Constructing a Good Riding Arena Base

18:27 Regional Considerations for Arena Construction

22:40 The Importance of Sand Quality in Arena Footing

31:23 Silica Sand and Its Benefits for Equestrian Arenas

37:43 Challenges of Arena Footing for Different Disciplines

38:48 Introducing RideFitLife: Fitness for Riders

39:23 Footing for Western Events: Limestone and Clay Bases

42:07 Understanding Arena Additives

47:49 Addressing Concerns About Synthetic Footing

52:10 Common Arena Footing Issues and Misconceptions

58:47 Building a Round Pen: Footing Considerations

01:00:17 Indoor vs. Outdoor Arenas: Key Differences

01:05:01 Innovative Footing Technologies: Ebb and Flow Systems

01:07:49 Conclusion and Contact Information

More from On The Rail

May 5, 2025

Since we launched On The Rail Podcast in August 2022, we've proudly released a new episode every Monday without fail - 142 episodes and hundreds of thousands of downloads later. Week after week, we've shown up with new conversations, stories, laughs, lessons, and memories. It's been a wild, fun, humbling ride.

Apr 28, 2025

In this episode of On The Rail Podcast, Abby Wimer, marketing director for the Celebration Centre and Bar K Bar Arena in Lyons, Kansas, talks about the realities of managing a horse show facility in a rural area.

Apr 21, 2025

In this comprehensive episode of the On The Rail Podcast, accomplished guests Chelsea Sinclair and Jim Dettmer discuss the often misunderstood world of stallion collection, semen processing, and shipping.

Apr 14, 2025

In this episode, we welcome back Kyle Elliot, a professional flat-shod Tennessee Walking Horse trainer from Shelbyville, Tennessee.

Apr 7, 2025

In this episode of the On The Rail Podcast, we get into an unstructured and candid conversation about our personal experiences with horse showing. We discuss the reasons they love showing horses, the challenges we face, and how our perspectives have evolved over time.

See all episodes →