
Original Post: November 25, 2021
Updated: October 10, 2022
New Dressage Arena Footing Installation:
Every rider loves a freshly groomed arena and everyone who grooms that arena loves an easy to maintain arena.
By fall 2021, our East Hill Farm indoor arena was packing super hard every day and we had our eyes out for a solution.
We found an awesome amendment option not far from home with Vermont-based RecycleBalls’ Green Gold footing amendment. This unique crumb rubber amendment, made from tennis balls, can be easily incorporated into many existing processes, such as riding arena footing.
RecycleBalls GREEN GOLD is a non-toxic processed natural crumb rubber and nylon mix obtained through the specialized grinding of recycled tennis balls, collected through a national collection program. The natural rubber and geotextile felt (Nylon 66) provide a perfect pre-mixed blend for a high-quality equestrian arena footing amendment.
In October 2021, we installed 3600 pounds of Green Gold Arena Footing in the East Hill Farm indoor arena. It took me about two hours to get it spread and mixed into my current footing. I felt great about getting new footing AND keeping all those balls out of the landfill!
We love our new RecycleBalls Green Gold surface!
Ruth Hogan-Poulsen
I was a little skeptical at first. It was very bright when first spread, but by the end of the mixing process the first day – it was was just a green “hue” and even seems to brighten the lighting in the arena!
We caught the installation on video, so check out the fun below.
After just 4 days on the Green Gold, I was so happy with the new feel of my indoor arena footing. The amount of amendment that RecycleBalls recommended was perfect. It’s not deep, not sticky, it’s quiet to ride on and the horses just feel softer.
As I write this (about a month after application), the weather is getting colder in Vermont and we love our new footing even more! Plus, we’re using less fuel for the tractor and I won’t have to order the “diggers” for my drag for months yet! 😊
We’re looking to a great season for our riders and trainers using the East Hill Farm indoor arena all winter. And, I’ll be sure to update this article as we keep using this great surface!
Want to find out how to get Recycleballs’ Green Gold footing amendment for your arena? Go to www.recycleballs.org and fill out the inquiry form and mention you heard about it from Ruth Hogan-Poulsen!
6 Month Update for Dressage Arena Footing:
1 Year Update for Dressage Arena Footing:
Have a few more questions for me about Green Gold footing? Add your question as a comment under the latest Facebook thread…
Not on Facebook? Drop me an e-mail. If I can help, or answer any questions, I will!