Slippery sand arena surface - what is it?

[maya2008]

Twice now I have encountered surfaces (at arenas we hired) that were slippery. Not deep, just slippery. Both were beige sand, one had carpet on top (which made it less slippery in places there was still the carpet present). In the one with the carpet all the ponies would actually slip a little on corners (heavier ones most), and in both they moved oddly with less impulsion and were not as keen to canter as usual.

I have since visited a school with a surface that looks identical to the slippery sand and carpet one, that was absolutely fine…so I am a little confused! Any ideas anyone?

 

[milliepops]

Was there enough surface? And was it quite loose? I used to be on a yard with the wrong kind of sand and thin areas not covering the base well enough. That would move underfoot in a horrible way. Didn't use the school unless it had rained as that helped it bind together better

 

[Gingerwitch]

I had a horse land on me after slipping on a slippy surface. Broks me leg and pelvis. Wish I had realised how dangerous it was prior to the incident

 

[Lois Lame]

Sounds terrible.

I'd have a look. Is there some sort of growth going on in the moisture? Sliminess comes to mind. I've never known of a slippery arena surface but I'd never want to ride on it if I did.

 

[ThreeFurs]

I did have to leave a place that had deep slippery beach sand arena. It had no proper base, just clay earth, and when the horse's foot slid through the sand, it hit clay and went 'woosh'. Not good.

Not sure what the beige sand one is but this is a handy guide to what footing should be like https://inside.fei.org/system/files/Equestrian_Surfaces-A_Guide.pdf