Geo textile carpet fibers and recycled fibers make up the new age of footing. Fibers have been used for many years in footing and turf to help strengthen and stabilize the footing. However, after many years of trial and error with different types and applications of fiber, the final years of real research and development have us on the cutting edge.

Since there are many different types and sources of fiber, we have found that at times often a blend works best. Fairfield Hunt Club has had great success with their outdoor arena, again this year the footing received rave reviews, from riders, trainers and the course designer.

Quality fiber blends can be used as an amendment to improve cushion and stability in existing footing. This is best achieved by using the correct sand, which should be angular in shape and extremely fine in texture. It is also important to recognize that the type of blend used and the installation of the blend are integral for achieving the best results. Geo textile and strand fibers cut at the correct length and size have proven to help most any footing; when blended into the sand, the fiber creates a consistent and forgiving surface. The Geo textile fibers can be mixed with high quality Silica Sand onsite but an experienced operator should always do this. Silica Sand and fiber have proven to be popular in the horse show world. However, too many of a certain type of fiber will create a footing that is very firm without any give; there is a fine line for these blends.

Fibers help to rejuvenate and stabilize an old footing, which will then add life to the footing instead of having to replace the footing. Adding fibers to existing footing creates cushion without depth, which is the biggest bonus that fibers provide.

It is also important to note that when producing new footing, sand and fiber alone will not make a quality footing; however, the proper blend engineered to the discipline of the user will create a footing that has tremendous traction, stability and cushion while having very good durability and low maintenance.

Fibers are an additive; they will help extend the life of an older arena by not needing to add additional sand causing more depth, therefore fibers are a great additive, with additive being the correct word of choice. Fibers a re not a footing; they are an additive that when used and installed correctly can help create a very good footing. We can improve your old footing or create a new footing that will last for many years.

Lawton Adams, a partner in FootingFirst, LLC, has been using fibers for the last 20 years (?) in many of his footing blends. The footing industry has followed many trends some better than others. At the moment adding fiber is one of the best cost-effective additives on the market and is proving to be an excellent trend. FootingFirst has many cost-effective ways to improve your arena. Obviously, our most popular dust-free footing TravelRight is also one of our best footings, offering excellent traction, stability, cushion and longevity. Now over ten years old, this footing blend has been improved upon tremendously due to all of our research and development.

FootingFirst, LLC offer’s many different types of footing from completely dust free to some of the best sand and fiber blends. Please feel free to contact us for more information.