🌟 From Foundation to Finish: Building a Grand Prix Arena Riders Can Trust

Trust in an arena footing system is earned over time—and at Beverly, our main arena has delivered consistent, reliable performance since 2016. That same expertise, analysis, and proven approach is now being applied to the Grand Prix ring as an extension of what we know works. 

At the same time, great footing is never static. The development of the Grand Prix arena is an active, ongoing process, which is why we have been working on it continuously—refining materials, adjusting composition, and making deliberate improvements—to ensure it meets the same standard riders have come to expect from Beverly.

Here’s an update. And some background on how we build arenas at Beverly.

The Standard: What “Good Footing” Actually Means

A competition surface must deliver:

• Consistency from the first round to the last

• Stability at takeoff and landing

• Elasticity to support horse longevity

• Predictability so riders can ride forward with confidence

These are not abstract goals—they are measurable through how the ring performs under real use.

Sand: The Foundation of the System

The particles that make up what we call “sand,” is the single most important component of any arena. If the sand is wrong, no additive can fix it.

Our sand selection process for the Grand Prix arena has been deliberate and ongoing since we built our first fiber outdoor arena. We have sourced materials both locally and from significant distances—including sand brought from as far as New Jersey—when those materials better matched the performance profile we require.

What we are looking for:

• Angular particles that lock together for stability

• Balanced particle size distribution to avoid extremes of dust or looseness

• Consistent composition across loads

• Reliable drainage and compaction behavior

Just as important is what we have learned over time: a quarry is not a constant. As quarries mine different veins, the sand changes. The same source that performed well years ago may no longer meet the same standard today. Because of this, we maintain ongoing relationships with multiple quarries and suppliers, continuously evaluating and comparing materials rather than relying on a single fixed source.

This is how we ensure consistency—by actively managing variability.

Fiber: Proven Performance, Thoughtfully Applied

To complement the sand, we use geotextile fiber from Premier Equestrian—the same material that has performed exceptionally in our main arena for years.

The role of fiber is to:

• Create a binding structure within the sand

• Improve traction and stability under load

• Add elasticity without increasing depth

The Grand Prix ring was initially installed with this fiber in the fall. In preparation for spring, we are adding additional fiber to further refine the footing profile based on how the ring has been riding and settling.

This is intentional. Fiber ratios are not fixed—they are adjusted based on:

• Usage patterns

• Environmental conditions

• Desired performance outcomes

The Interaction: Why It’s a System, Not a Product

The key to high-performance footing is not sand alone or fiber alone—it is how they function together.

Our focus is on achieving the correct balance:

• Cushion without excessive depth

• Grip without stickiness

• Stability without rigidity

This requires precise calibration of:

• Sand composition

• Fiber volume and distribution

• Moisture levels

• Daily maintenance practices

Each element influences the others. The result is a surface that feels the same across the entire ring and throughout the day.

Management: Where Performance Is Maintained

Installation is only the beginning. The long-term performance of any arena depends on how it is managed.

Our program includes:

• Regular dragging to maintain even distribution

• Moisture control to preserve consistency

• Monitoring compaction and rebound

• Ongoing adjustments based on real-time conditions

This is why we view footing as a living system—one that requires attention, observation, and refinement.

April 25: A Deliberate Test

The Spring 2 show on April 25 is an important step in this process. It allows us to evaluate:

• Performance under full competition traffic

• Consistency across divisions

• How the footing responds over the course of a full day

This is not just preparation—it is validation.

The Result: Trust

Our goal is simple: When riders enter the Grand Prix ring, they should feel the same confidence they feel in our main arena.

That confidence comes from:

• Proven materials

• Thoughtful sourcing

• Continuous refinement

• Real-world experience

Because ultimately, footing is not defined by what goes into it: it is defined by how it performs—ride after ride, day after day.

We can't wait for you to try it out.