Everything you Need to Know About Maintaining Wax Surfaces
Maintaining a wax equestrian surface is important to keep performance and safety for both you and your horse. Wax offers a great surface that can be used in Nearly all weather conditions.
Understanding how to properly care for your wax arena surface gives it a longer lifespan and enhances your riding experience. But what are wax equestrian surfaces and how do you maintain them?
What is a Wax Equestrian Surface?
A wax equestrian surface is a blend of sand, fibre and wax. It is designed to provide excellent footing for your horse.
Wax equestrian surfaces are known for their consistent performance. Also, they are lower maintenance compared to traditional sand arenas. However, wax arena surfaces can still need regular watering during drier periods to keep the surface consistent.
Waxed surfaces can be used all year round. But with all surfaces heavy downpours followed by low temperatures can cause the water on the surface to freeze.
How do you Maintain a Wax Equestrian Surface?
Check your surface daily for debris and ensure your arena is evenly distributed. Any uneven areas can cause a hazard for your horse. Ensuring the surface is level will help maintain your horse’s health.
You should harrow your surface daily or weekly depending on the usage to ensure it is still providing your horse with high levels of shock absorption. Deep harrowing your surface monthly can help aerate the surface.As well as this, you should assess whether your wax equestrian surface needs watering.
A great way to check this is to walk on it and see if it feels consistent. If your surface feels dry and hard, you should water your arena to ensure it provides the best support for your horse. Additionally, a dry, dusty surface can be detrimental for a horse because they can cause respiratory issues
Seasonal Maintenance
During dryer seasons ensure your surface is watered and maintained. This reduces the risk of the surfaces becoming hard and clumping together. Combi-Wax can be added to a dry tired wax surface to rejuvenate it and make the surface more consistent again for your horse.
When the weather becomes colder and the frost sets in, it is important to maintain your arena. Wax surfaces are more resistant to frost. However, you should take extra care to ensure you can continue to use your arena. Harrowing your surfaces to a deeper level than normal can mix the surface and help drainage.
What are the Benefits of Wax Equestrian Surfaces?
Consistency
Wax equestrian surfaces provide stable footing for your horse which can reduce the risk of injury due to uneven terrain. Using a consistent arena is important for safe and reliable riding. As well as this, the right surface can ensure your horse’s performance without tripping or slipping on uneven ground.
Cushioning
Our Combi-Wax, when added to an existing wax surface, binds sand and fibre together, offering your horse cushioning every step they take. This reduces the impact on their joints, reducing the likelihood of injuries and ensuring a more comfortable ride for you and your horse. Having a surface that is cushioning is important for both daily training and competitions.
Low Maintenance
Compared to traditional sand arenas, wax equestrian surfaces require less maintenance. Wax can retain moisture and maintain structure, meaning you don’t need to water your arena as often. Even though they are low maintenance, it is still important to carry out regular maintenance to maximise their longevity.
Outdoor Riding
Wax surfaces are ideal for outdoor riding arenas. This is due to their consistent footing and durability in all weather conditions. This ensures a safer and more effective outdoor riding arena, allowing you and your horse to work at your best.
Rejuvenate Your Arena Surface With Combi-Wax
Ensure your horse’s safety and performance with a well-maintained Combi-wax surface. Regular maintenance helps prevent the risk of injury by providing a consistent footing. As well as this, Combi-Wax can save you money and has less impact on the environment instead of changing your surface.
Rejuvenate a wax surface, don’t replace it. Get in touch with the Combi-Ride team for more information on maintaining your wax arena surface.