Geo textile carpet fibres and recycled fibres make up the new age of footing. Fibres have been used for many years in footing and turf to help strengthen and stabilize the footing. However, after many years of trial and error with different types and applications of fibre, the final years of real research and development have us on the forefront.
Since there are many different types and sources of fibre, we have found that at times often a blend works best. Jessica Harrington Racing has had great success with their inoor arena, again this year the footing received rave reviews, from riders, trainers and the course designer.
Quality fibre blends can be used as an amendment to improve cushion and stability in existing footing. This is best achieved by using the correct sand, which should be angular in shape and extremely fine in texture. It is also important to recognize that the type of blend used and the installation of the blend are integral for achieving the best results. Geo textile and strand fibres cut at the correct length and size have proven to help most any footing; when blended into the sand, the fibre creates a consistent and forgiving surface. The Geo textile fibres can be mixed with high quality Wexford Sand to create a custom surface. Silica
Sand and fibre have proven to be popular in the horse show world. However, too many of a certain type of fibre will create a footing that is very firm without any give; there is a fine line for these blends. Fibres help to rejuvenate and stabilize an old footing, which will then add life to the footing instead of having to replace the footing. Adding fibres to existing footing creates cushion without depth, which is the biggest bonus that fibres provide.
It is also important to note that when producing new footing, sand and fibre alone will not make a quality footing; however, the proper blend engineered to the discipline of the user will create a footing that has tremendous traction, stability and cushion while having very good durability and low maintenance.
Fibres are an additive; they will help extend the life of an older arena by not needing to add additional sand causing more depth, therefore fibres are a great additive, with additive being the correct word of choice. Fibres are not a footing; they are an additive that when used and installed correctly can help create a very good footing. We can improve your old footing or create a new footing that will last for many years.
John Ormonde of John Ormonde Wexford Sand Ltd, has been using fibres for the last 15 years in many of his footing blends. The footing industry has followed many trends some better than others. At the moment, adding fibre is one of the best cost-effective additives on the market and is proving to be an excellent trend. John Ormonde Wexford Sand Ltd has many cost-effective ways to improve your arena. Obviously, our most popular dust-free footing Equitech is also one of our best footings, offering excellent traction, stability, cushion and longevity. Now over ten years old, this footing blend has been improved upon tremendously due to all our research and development.
John Ormonde Wexford Sand Ltd offers many different types of footing from completely dust free to some of the best sand and fibre blends. Please feel free to contact us here for more information.
