Winter Maintenance

We understand that it can be a challenge to maintain your riding arena during the winter, but a well-kept surface will help keep you training and reduce the risk of injuries. 

The type of maintenance you perform will vary depending on your surface and the daily conditions, but to make things a bit clearer, we’ve outlined some of the key points below:

Sand and Fibre Surfaces

Waxed 

Wax surfaces perform well during the winter because they have a lower freezing point than non-coated footings. However, they can become overly compacted if not maintained correctly. 

• Maintain your surface last thing at night to help prevent a build-up of frost
• Grade slightly deeper to prevent compaction and promote drainage
• Remove snow by hand, do not harrow it into the surface 

Non-waxed

Non-coated surfaces are susceptible to frost because they retain more moisture and have a higher freezing point. You should apply the same maintenance tips as above, but also:

• Use frost covers at night to provide additional protection and insulation

Sand & Rubber Surfaces

Rubber is frost-resistant and provides excellent protection when used as a surface topper. However, the sand underneath will still freeze if it contains enough moisture. 

• Maintain your surface as usual, unless covered in snow
• Remove snow by hand, do not mix it into the surface
• We recommend topping up your rubber in autumn, ready for winter