There are an infinite number of equestrian footing materials and combinations of
materials for riding rings. Wood products, crumb rubber, finely shredded leather,
stone, dust, sand, etc have all been used and are currently being used. The common
denominator is that they all break down. The common problem is that they start out
good but quickly develop dust because the pounding of hoof action pulverizes the materials.

Dust is not just a nuisance or unsightly it is dangerous. The US Dept of Labor has
some staggering statistics about the ill effects of dust and respiratory illness caused by
it. Dust related diseases are incurable. These dust-induced diseases affect not only
the riders but any spectators, and the horses as well. Horses have an incredible need
for huge quantities of oxygen. A horse uses 3000% more air when working or
performing than when at rest. This makes dust control critical in equine areas.

While there are many types of dust, all dust is the result of material becoming so finely
pulverized or broken down that that it is light enough to become airborne and
consequently inhaled. The easiest way to mitigate the problem is with the addition of
liquid to weigh down the particles and prevent them from floating. While many
products may work for a short time most “wear out” quickly requiring reapplication,
which at the very least may happen at an inconvenient time so it doesn’t get done
when needed most. ArenaKleen saves the day in this respect because once enough of
the product is in the soil it remains and does not wear out.

Once committed to using ArenaKleen you will never apply water to your riding ring
again. The advantages of no water are many; consistent footing, no chlorides to dry
out the horse’s hooves, damage tack, or corrode equipment, no frozen ground during
winter months, and no soft spots or mud.

Summary

ArenaKleen, while not inexpensive is probably the best overall arena conditioner/dust
control product available. Over the long term it becomes very cost effective because
eventually very little “touch-up” is needed and then not very often. Realize that rings
need time to equilibrate or settle. The first few weeks may be incredible and then a
little bit of dust begins to break out as the fines from underneath are churned up from
the churning forces of hoof impact. Maintenance doses of ArenaKleen will take care of
it and gradually less and less will be required as all of the footing to depth becomes
treated.

Because ArenaKleen never dries up, never evaporates, never hardens, and does not
wash away with rain it is ideal in outdoor riding rings as well. Even dusty parking
areas can benefit from treatment.

Over 80% of all “soundness” related injuries are a result of poor arenas - Alan Donnell, D.V.M.

ArenaKleen improves the riding surface of the arena by reducing soil compaction.
Compared to adding rubber or synthetic materials to your arena, ArenaKleen is very
cost effective.