ArenaMate

ArenaMate® is a leading manufacturer of equestrian equipment, designed and made in the UK. We design, manufacture, deliver and demonstrate all our products.

Arenamate is a small family business, established for over twenty years. We are the only company that demonstrates to every customer before they part with any money. We offer good old fashioned, second to none personal service! For more information please call 07775 607339 for more information.

26/05/2026

At the end of the day, this is who we really do it for 🐴

Designed for performance. Built for consistency. Made for them.

22/05/2026

The moisture levels in your arena surface could be far more important than you think, and here's why 👇

Moisture determines the properties of the sand, which in turn influences the functionality of the entire riding surface. According to the FEI Equestrian Surfaces Guide, water is the single most important factor that influences the properties you want from an arena.

💡 What does moisture actually do?
When sand is dry, it’s simply a collection of loose particles held together by friction. As soon as moisture is introduced, water fills the gaps between those particles and creates adhesion, binding them together.

This transformation allows the surface to:
✔ Support more weight
✔ Improve stability
✔ Absorb impact more effectively

🧠 What does the research say?
Increased moisture improves stability and shear resistance, how well the surface holds together under movement. Both too little and too much moisture can increase peak forces on the horse’s limbs. Sand typically performs best within a moderate moisture range at around 8–17%.

When moisture drops too low, the surface becomes loose and deep.
When it’s too high, the surface can lose strength and become unstable.

There is no one-size-fits-all moisture level. It depends on; your surface type, the size and shape of your sand particles, your discipline, among other variables.

For example, a surface designed for reining may need to be slightly drier to allow for controlled sliding and rotation, whereas other disciplines benefit from a firmer, more supportive footing.

Why do consistent moisture levels matter? Even small changes in moisture levels can affect surface compaction, increase impact forces on the horse's limbs, and lead to uneven wear and performance across the arena.

To learn more, have a read of our blog: https://bit.ly/3OixBrf

18/05/2026

Our ultimate satisfaction 😍 The results for these before and afters speak for themselves!

15/05/2026

💭 Which levelling pattern do you usually use?

While there are several commonly used levelling patterns, the reality is that there is no single “perfect” method that works for every arena.

What's often overlooked is that repetition of the same pattern can create compaction and unevenness over time. If you consistently travel in the same direction or follow the same track, you may unintentionally shift surface material into certain areas while leaving others less worked. This can lead to variations in depth, consistency, and ultimately the quality of the footing your horses are working on.

That’s why we always recommend taking a flexible approach to arena maintenance. Rather than sticking rigidly to one pattern, try to vary your direction and routine each time you level. This helps to redistribute the surface more evenly across the entire arena and prevents the development of bank or compacted zones.

Feel free to experiment with different approaches based on your arena size, discipline, and footing type. The key is to keep movement varied and intentional, ensuring every part of the arena receives equal attention.

💡 In summary:
✔ Use established patterns as a starting point
✔ Avoid repeating the same direction every time
✔ Vary your approach to maintain even distribution
✔ Focus on consistency across the whole surface, not just individual sections

13/05/2026

Easily pleased as long as a freshly harrowed arena is involved 👌

12/05/2026

Built by hand. Backed by family. Trusted for the long run 🇬🇧

Jared shares what sets ArenaMate® apart from the rest... every leveller is hand-built by our family-run team. Proudly Made in Britain, and ISO certified for quality you can rely on.

07/05/2026

Despite being one of the most influential factors in the safety and performance of an arena surface, footing depth, is frequently overlooked. Depth plays a critical role in determining how a surface performs under load, directly affecting shock absorption, traction, and the way forces are transmitted through the horse’s limbs.

When an arena surface is too shallow it can quickly compact underfoot, forming a firm layer. This reduces the surface’s ability to absorb impact, increasing concussive forces through the hooves and joints. Over time, this can contribute to fatigue, discomfort, and an elevated risk of strain-related injuries, particularly during high-intensity work. Additionally, compacted surfaces often provide reduced traction, which may compromise stability and increase the risk of slipping.

Conversely, excessively deep footing presents a different set of challenges. Deeper surfaces require greater effort from the horse with each stride, increasing the forces on muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This can lead to earlier onset fatigue and place unnecessary strain on the musculoskeletal system.

Deep or uneven footing can shift under load, reducing stability and increasing the likelihood of tripping or missteps. Even minor inconsistencies in depth across the arena can disrupt rhythm and movement, as horses adjust their stride in response to changing surface conditions.

Assessment of arena depth should be a routine yard task undertaken every 3 months or so. Measuring the surface at multiple points using a probe or measuring stick allows uneven areas to be quickly identified, and helps to track changes over time.

For more information on how arena depth impacts safety and performance, what the optimal depth of your arena should be, and a step-by-step guide on how to correctly measure depth, have a read of our latest blog: https://bit.ly/4neJH1J

04/05/2026

How about that for fresh footing 😮‍💨
We love seeing your freshly harrowed arenas!

29/04/2026

Every corner, every line, every time 😮‍💨

24/04/2026

Has your arena had a spring clean yet? 🌼

After a long winter of changeable British weather, many arena surfaces are left compacted, uneven, and struggling with drainage. Freeze-thaw cycles, excess rainfall, and reduced maintenance over the colder months can all take their toll. As riding activity starts to pick up again in spring, now is the ideal time to reset your arena surface and ensure it’s safe, consistent, and performing as it should.

Before getting started, take the time to properly assess your arena. A few key things to check:
• Surface depth- most arenas perform best with around 7–12 cm of footing
• Compaction caused by winter freeze–thaw cycles
• Ridges or shallow spots, especially along the ridden track and more high-traffic areas
• Drainage issues or water pooling on the surface after excess rainfall
• Debris and displaced material such as leaves, twigs, or manure

Why does this matter? An inconsistent or compacted surface doesn’t just affect how your arena looks, it also directly impacts how your horse moves and performs. Uneven footing can lead to reduced traction, increased strain on joints and tendons, and a higher risk of slipping or injury. Maintaining a consistent, well-balanced surface helps support correct movement, improves comfort, and allows horses to perform at their best.

By breaking up compaction, restoring an even footing depth, and keeping on top of regular levelling, you’re not only improving ride quality, but also protecting the underlying base. This is key to extending the lifespan of your arena and avoiding costly repairs further down the line.

Spring maintenance shouldn't be a one-off job, establishing a regular routine as usage increases will make all the difference in keeping your surface in top condition throughout the season.

📖 Have a read of our full Spring Arena Maintenance Checklist to learn more: https://bit.ly/4tC0HBo

Address

Misterton
CT13AA

Telephone

+441427728700

Website

http://www.arenamate.co.uk/

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