Chopped up carpet and foam carpet padding was used extensively in Europe over 20 years ago. I’m not sure how you could chop up carpet without some type of machine. What I saw was mixed with sand and worked really well. It was used indoors and out.
Anyone try Novium from Performance Footing? I am also curious - am looking for something to mix with my sand. My arena is on a slope over a creek and during rainy season a huge amount runs into the creek so for environmental reasons would only consider a natural additive. I do add Dust Halt every May when i get new sand and it keeps the dust down a bit so i water less but am interested in if Novium would do that, add cushion and reduce run off. Novium is made from coconut fibers - not plastic or rubber fibers like the others.
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I just ended up getting the Noviun and blended it with the FoamFooting since we have that in our other arena. The Noviun really locks into the sand with the yoga mat footing and we have great stability and rebound now. Its really a game changer in my mind. Inexpensive as well. Im adding a photo
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That stuff sounds really interesting! I wonder how long it lasts. How does the price compare to the foam footing?
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That is SO interesting. I was planning to add rubber. Can you compare how it feels compared to rubber? @cavecreek you mention rebound. Rebound like rubber would feel?
And you said it’s inexpensive?
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The Foam Footing is much better than rubber. I had rubber before. it smelled like rubber and never bound with the sand. It also was more dusty. The FoamFooting was surprisingly about the same as rubber anyway so was a no brainer. I think it feels the same as rubber actually more stable but I am also not havign to water like i did with rubber to keep dust down. I added the Npviun mixed with the foam in my other arena because it is right next to a stream and i wanted it to be tighter.
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With the foam footing, do you need to use a groomer? Or can you use a drag?
i’d love to know how Novium does just mixed with sand. I won’t add rubber or foam for environmental reasons - we are near a creek that goes right into the ocean. I have been at barns with foam and rubber and it spreads all over the property - doesn’t stay in the arena. I can’t do that on my own property. Love to hear a Novium review!
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panpiper—Thanks for making me aware of Noviun. Sounds like a wonderful product. For ages I’ve felt incredulous that “everyone” seemed so casual about all the toxic materials they were putting into their arenas. Hope this is part of a big change.
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I think mixing an organic material with sand for footing sounds like a horrible idea. Isn’t it going to break down, and turn to goo?
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Right. She’s got out outdoor. But, think about a coconut fiber mat. Don’t think it would break down to goo would it?
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My door rugs do. They need to be replaced every couple years.
OK. That is good to know.
i’d like to hear what happens in the rain with this product too! Sounds like a great option for the summer months but i agree it will be interesting to know what it does in the rain. You could ask the company? But that is why i posted it here - wanted to hear if anyone had experience. I am in SoCal where we have no rain for many hot dry months but we do have a winter rainy season.
According to the website https://www.performancefooting.com/product/noviun-fiber-footing/ - doesn’t say all coconut fibers. In fact says “The 100% organic fiber footing blended with natural elastomers to reduce dust and concussion on tracks, arenas and pens…This performance fiber footing is an all-natural blend of fibers and elastomers designed to reinvigorate sand arenas and tracks to world-class riding surfaces, by providing superior traction and grip with natural absorption and cushioning.” So who know what is really in this! Dying to hear from a real live customer since the pricing is also great on this
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Don’t waste your money on rubber. I added it to my outdoor years ago, most of it eventually washed away. Every time it rains, the rubber would separate from the sand, and the horses also tracked it out of the arena.
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How did it do in the rain?
The image I uploaded was it saturated after a large rainstorm and then I dragged it. Everything has been very stable and it drains well (thanks to my basecore base) but Ive heard other additives like carpets or textiles hold onto moisture and dont allow for great drainage.
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