For many riders, the return to school and work also means getting back to regular riding, training and, of course, arena maintenance. Horses are back in work, lessons are filling up and your equestrian arena surfaces is about to see plenty of action again.
The holidays are over. The suitcase is back in the cupboard, the beach towels are drying, and the sand between your toes is slowly becoming a memory.
Now it’s time for a different kind of sand.
So, before you get fully back into your riding routine, it’s time to give your Noviun surface some attention.
A well-maintained horse riding surface gives your horse a consistent place to train and helps equestrian arena surfaces perform well throughout the season. With a regular maintenance routine, you can keep your Noviun surface in good condition and ready for the months ahead.
Start with a good surface check
Before jumping straight back into full training, take a walk around your arena and have a close look at the surface.
Check for uneven areas, deeper spots, compacted sections and places where the surface has moved towards the edges. Pay particular attention to corners, entrances, fences and areas where horses regularly stop, turn or work.
These areas usually experience more traffic, which means the horse riding surface can change faster there.
Regular checks give you the chance to spot small changes before they become bigger maintenance issues.
Get your harrow ready
After a summer of riding, your harrow is ready to come out of retirement too.
Regular harrowing helps redistribute the surface material, level the arena and maintain consistent footing across the riding area.
Vary your harrowing direction and pattern. If you always follow exactly the same route, you can gradually move the surface material in the same direction and create uneven areas.
And remember, deeper isn’t always better. Harrowing too deeply can disturb the structure of your Noviun surface and move material unnecessarily.
The goal is consistent equestrian arena surfaces, not an unexpected gardening projects.
Don’t forget the edges
Arena edges are easy to forget.
Over time, horses, riders and equipment can gradually push surface material towards the perimeter. This can leave the main working area with less material while creating deeper areas around the edges.
Regularly bringing the surface back into the working area should be part of your arena maintenance routine.
It is a simple step, but it helps keep your Noviun horse riding surface more consistent across the entire arena.
Keep an eye on moisture
Water plays an important role in the performance of horse riding surfaces.
If your arena becomes too dry, you may notice more dust and changes in how the surface behaves. If it becomes too wet, the footing can become heavy and move differently under the horse.
Your Noviun surface has specific maintenance requirements, so make sure you follow the recommended care routine for your particular surface and installation.
As summer turns into autumn, changing temperatures and increased rainfall can also change how your equestrian arena surfaces behaves. Keep an eye on moisture levels, drainage and your watering routine, and adjust your maintenance when needed.
Don’t wait for a problem
Good arena maintenance starts before you see a problem.
Regularly check how your horse riding surface feels and looks. If one area repeatedly becomes deeper, harder or wetter than the rest, investigate it early.
It is also worth checking your arena drainage, entrances and borders. These areas can have a big impact on the condition of your Noviun surface, especially as the wetter months arrive.
Back from the beach and back in the arena
The holiday may be over, but the riding season is getting started again.
As lessons, training sessions and competitions fill up your calendar, your arena will be working hard too. Give your Noviun surface the attention it needs, keep your maintenance routine consistent and keep an eye on how the surface responds to weather and increased use.
Then it is time to get back in the saddle.
The beach sand can wait until next summer.
For now, it’s back to arena sand, back to riding and back to doing what you love.