01/22/2026
For indoor arenas, calcium chloride (CaCl2) and magnesium chloride (MgCl2) (often called "mag chloride" or "MAG flakes") are common salts used to control dust by attracting and holding moisture from the air, improving footing, and preventing freezing in cold climates. They are effective but require careful management, as they can dry hooves and corrode metal equipment, necessitating rinsing horses and equipment after use. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Types of Salts
• Calcium Chloride (CaCl2): Effective, but more corrosive and drying to hooves than MgCl2.
• Magnesium Chloride (MgCl2): Widely used, considered less corrosive and less drying than calcium chloride, and works well in colder indoor settings. [1, 2, 4]
How They Work & Application
• Moisture Magnet: Salts draw moisture from the air into the footing, keeping it damp and reducing dust.
• Dust Control: Best for indoor arenas where watering isn't feasible due to freezing, or to supplement watering.
• Application Rate: Around 20-50 lbs per 1,000 sq. ft., applied evenly.
• Reapplication: Needed every few months as moisture is used up or lost. [1, 2, 3, 5, 6]
Important Considerations (Drawbacks)
• Hoof Health: Can dry out and crack horse hooves; rinse thoroughly.
• Corrosion: Highly corrosive to metal arena structures and drag equipment; rinse equipment immediately.
• Not for Outdoors: Washes away in rain and rain/snow can make it less effective. [1, 2, 3, 4, 7]
It is important to remember what's in your arena when horses are allowed to free lunge. If they are rolling regularly in these products you can cause skin issues as well as hoof issues.
Riding arenas, particularly indoor arenas, are plagued with dust problems. Dust causes eye and nose irritations and contributes to respiratory damage in both horse and rider. It is estimated that an idle horse inhales 16 gallons of air per minute and during strenuous exercise can inhale up to 600 ga...
