Rubber arenas

[Pebble101]

I have been told that one of our local vets does not like rubber surfaces specially the ones with large rubber pieces and strips. He thinks that it causes concussion and prefers deep sand to rubber.

What so you all think? Any vet comments are of interest too.

 

[miller]

BD (or someone in conjuction with them) did a survey a couple of years back and as far as I remember sand/rubber was one of the least injury causing - not sure if it's online anywhere.

From a personal view, I've known more horses have lameness/soft tissue injuries from deep sand arenas than from well maintained sand/rubber - not sure about the newer specialised surfaces

Edited as I can't spell

 

[flyingfeet]

I read quite an interesting article in Just Dressage magazine about achieveing the perfect surface.

Deep sand would not be good, as the toe goes in too far and puts strain on the rest of the tendons and muscles.

However I've ridden on the strip rubber your vet is referring to, and agree its quite horrible and very slippery when wet (not to mention that despite being not from tyres, my neddies came back with black legs!)

You also need different surfaces depending on your main discipline and rubber crumb definitely provides more spring and softens the impact for jumping compared to sand or sand and PVC.

 

[I_A_P]

ther crumbly rubber is better than the strips i think

I think there is a lot of variation!

 

[Queenbee]

i like the sand rubber mix, you bounce better when you fall

Plus on a serious note my mare moved lovely on it.