Mag chloride effects on different footing

[ihearttbs]

As an experiment, I applied mag flakes to 1/3 of my outdoor arena to prevent freezing. I know there’s a chance they will wash away and I will have to replace, but I teach riding lessons so financially it is worth it for me, plus if you add up the rental costs of an indoor going that route isn’t cheap either and I hate riding in indoors.

In any case I’m wondering if anyone has had success doing this but also if they’ve noticed any other effects on their footing? The reason I ask is that after applying the mag chloride and dragging, the clay/sand footing fluffed up more than it has since the first few months the arena was put in. I’ve had a hard time, even in relatively dry weather getting the bottom inch or so of the footing uncompacted, and mixed with the other footing since it’s the last to dry and I’ve been worried that the sand and clay is stratifying. This seemed to help with getting them mixed.

Thanks!

[clanter]

@ihearttbs

after applying the mag chloride and dragging,

one of the reason why vehicles driven up north rust completely out is from mag chloride use on highways

Mag chloride is considered a corrosive substance that can eat away at metal, leading to rust development, especially on exposed areas like the undercarriage of a car.

[Greys]

I use it in my indoor arena year round to keep dust down and noticed that it makes the sand “plush.” My horses like it.

But as clanter said, it can be caustic; I personally haven’t had a problem with horse hooves, and my equipment is fine. I do thoroughly wash down my equipment after applying (as seasonally possible.)

I refresh in small quantities yearly, but as you noted, the environmental exposure will likely require more application.

greys

[beau159]

@ihearttbs

As an experiment, I applied mag flakes to 1/3 of my outdoor arena to prevent freezing. I know there’s a chance they will wash away and I will have to replace, but I teach riding lessons so financially it is worth it for me, plus if you add up the rental costs of an indoor going that route isn’t cheap either and I hate riding in indoors.

In any case I’m wondering if anyone has had success doing this but also if they’ve noticed any other effects on their footing? The reason I ask is that after applying the mag chloride and dragging, the clay/sand footing fluffed up more than it has since the first few months the arena was put in. I’ve had a hard time, even in relatively dry weather getting the bottom inch or so of the footing uncompacted, and mixed with the other footing since it’s the last to dry and I’ve been worried that the sand and clay is stratifying. This seemed to help with getting them mixed.

Thanks!

I cannot speak from experience (I don’t have my own arena) but most of my friends that do have indoors have switched over to “Whoa Dust” instead of mag flakes. They like it way better.

[ihearttbs]

I should have clarified- i used the MAG flakes that are much more expensive than regular magnesium chloride and are intended for use in riding arenas and claims to be pet safe non-toxic etc and have a lower level of chloride than regular magnesium chloride road salt