I spread 5 large drums of oil - that was lots because the arena had not been oiled in over 30yrs when I took it over and people never picked their horses’ droppings either so it was one dusty area. Imagine 30 years of poop ground into the dirt. When I originally called to get the oil and gave the arena size the company said 2 barrels should be sufficient but once I gave the detail about the condition they doubled it and then I added an extra barrel for the ‘just in case’. I did use all the barrels the very first time I oiled. Since then (about 14-15 yrs ago) I have oiled it twice as I mentioned above. Once I used 2 drums and two yrs later I lightly did it in certain areas using about 3/4 drum as I still have some left.
[QUOTE=Trails;8517645]
I spread 5 large drums of oil - that was lots because the arena had not been oiled in over 30yrs when I took it over and people never picked their horses’ droppings either so it was one dusty area. Imagine 30 years of poop ground into the dirt. When I originally called to get the oil and gave the arena size the company said 2 barrels should be sufficient but once I gave the detail about the condition they doubled it and then I added an extra barrel for the ‘just in case’. I did use all the barrels the very first time I oiled. Since then (about 14-15 yrs ago) I have oiled it twice as I mentioned above. Once I used 2 drums and two yrs later I lightly did it in certain areas using about 3/4 drum as I still have some left.[/QUOTE]
What oil did you put down?
In the dim dark past, people put down used crankcase motor oil…which then turned your riding arena into a toxic waste Superfund site.
Hii Everyone
You can use Arenaclear for dust control issues. I have been using it since last six months.It will make your arena a joy to ride in and breeze to maintain. It has reduced the water usage upto 50% Arenaclear is the best, cheapest and long lasting product for indoor and outdoor arena.To know more about this product,visit website
Does anyone in Kansas (or somewhere with similar humidity/weather) have experience with Mag? Our indoor is SO dusty it’s going to be an issue when we have to ride indoors more this winter. Ideas on how much it would take to do an arena 175x80?
Hi Hunter Mom, long-time lurker here, first post.
I live in Missouri, so I’m familiar with your humidity and weather! I use Mag flakes in my indoor and absolutely love them. I have a formula around here somewhere to estimate what you’ll need, but I need to dig around for it. I’ll post back when I can find it.
Hunter Mom. I live in KS
Been using Mag Flakes for a year now and love it!!! Not a drop of water in 12 months! My barn is in Basehor/Linwood.
We have a local distributor who will deliver 1/2 pallet or more. Call Melissa Clark at CE Distribution (913) 915-2327
Call me if you have any questions 913-908-6992
I found that my indoor arena sand needs watering to help it bind together and not be so deep. Will Mag Flakes/other brands help with this (as winter approaches?)
OTTBs - I have sand/GGT footing. I know others that have just sand. Mine seems to last longer with the GGT able to hold some moisture too. But those I know w just sand seem to love it too.
It is not just one application and done. you have to maintain but it does eliminate watering.
I put down 40 - 50 lbs bags last november. recommendation was 50 but I didn’t want to over do it. I put down 20 more in April…if I have put down the 50 recommended in November 2015 I don’t think I would have had to do this one. Then I put down 20 just last week to prepare for winter. we have not had to water in a year now and we have had absolutely no dust. I don’t wait until there is visible dust per the recommendations - you stay ahead of it and it costs less in the long run.
My calculations are by the time I added up the cost for water and the cost of labor to do the watering, I have at the very least broken even if not saved money.
I’m in central IL with a 60x120 indoor arena that is a mix of sand, broken down mulch (so very fine dirt) and rubber. It was god awful to ride in without watering. I put down 35 bags of mag this spring, then about a month later 18 more bags. I’ve added another bag or two in the corners since then but it’s been wonderful. No watering, no dust…
Awesome guys! Thanks.
Stoneymeadows - I’m pretty sure I’ve been to your place before to watch a dressage show or two. 
Skeegee - thank you & congrats on your first post.
what about safety for dogs and cats???
[QUOTE=mroades;8916830]
what about safety for dogs and cats???[/QUOTE]
Totally safe for pets to be around. You wouldn’t want them to eat the raw flakes but once it has been absorbed it’s just fine.
Magnesium Chloride is very safe. Even more so than Calcium Chloride. Think baking soda safe.
You may need to apply several applications until you reach optimal performance. I laid down an entire pallet (one ton) in my arena the first year. Another half ton the second. The rest sometime thereafter. This is the first year that I did not add any additional over the summer. It was getting a bit dry, but if I had added any it would now be too damp. So you need to be careful not to over do it. You can always add more.
Also, if your arena is really dry, I recommend watering it really well PRIOR to putting down the MagChlor. This won’t wash it away but will give you a head start on moisture. You do not want to water after application as it will wash it out. You could probably do a light spritz now and then.
The Mag website recommends 2.5 pounds per square yard, which would be 77 bags for your arena. As others have said, start with a little over half of that (40-45?) and then add more a couple of weeks later if you think it’s needed. Also be sure to rinse your spreader right away because it will corrode the metal.
With regard to pets, I’ve never had any problems with my barn cat or the dogs who visit occasionally. However… I frequently find dead frogs in the sand. I guess the salt dries them up? It’s strange because my drainage is excellent on all 4 sides and I never have any standing water around the outside. I feel sorry for the little guys and I wish I could figure out a way to keep them out! So… if you have any riders who might be grossed out by seeing frog carcasses in the arena, you might do a quick check first, especially in our rainy season.
Anyone have advice on how to put it down? I tried a fertilizer spreader and that didn’t work at all. It put it on too lightly - I had to go over the same area about 10 times to get it on heavy enough - and I had patches with clumps and patches with none. I ended up using a wheelbarrow and grain scoop and hand tossing it. OMG that took all day and my arm was dead the next morning. Not to mention I had prune hands from all the salt.
And just a tip - don’t walk over the areas where you’ve spread it until you have a chance to work it in with your drag. It sticks to your shoes and you end up tracking your arena dirt everywhere LOL.
Hunter Mom - must have been my old boarding facility. Sold that a few years back and built a private barn not too far away.
The first times I applied it with a fertilizer spreader, trying to make it look like it snowed, as is recommended. Took FOREVER. Running one way, then the other, then diagonally. PITA as the stuff is really heavy and it would sometimes bind up. Then I tried scooping it out of the bag and tossing it by hand. That went much quicker, but as mentioned hard on the arms. The last time I spread it, I DUMPED entire bags at various intervals and used a manure fork to fling it around. Worked just fine. It gets all mixed around anyway by the horses when you ride on it.
About how much does a bag of MAG flakes cost?
[QUOTE=stoneymeadow;8918090]
Hunter Mom - must have been my old boarding facility. Sold that a few years back and built a private barn not too far away.[/QUOTE]
I remember my trainer mentioning that now. Yes, it was your old place right on the highway.
[QUOTE=bettyk;8918725]
About how much does a bag of MAG flakes cost?[/QUOTE]
I bought a pallet (50 bags). Delivered to my door it was $900. I think delivery was about $150 of that, so $750 for the Mag. That was the cheapest I could find in my area (central IL). If anyone has any cheaper sources, let’s hear 'em! LOL
