Riding surface investment

When it comes to building an equestrian arena, the investment is often substantial, but without proper maintenance, that investment can quickly lose its value. Moisture management in arenas is essential not just for dust control, but for surface consistency, horse biomechanics, safety, and long-term performance.

Traditional methods of irrigation

Many facilities still rely on traditional overland sprinkler systems. While common, they come with major limitations: uneven watering, interruptions to riding schedules, and high labour input. That’s where the HIT Active Aqua sets a new standard.

Differences with underground irrigation of riding surfaces

This advanced underground irrigation system delivers water directly to the arena subbase via drip feeds, ensuring even, consistent coverage without the dry or soggy patches often caused by sprinklers. Even better? Riders can use the arena while it’s being irrigated, eliminating downtime and boosting productivity.

Equipped with intelligent moisture sensors, HIT Active Aqua only waters when the conditions require it, dramatically reducing water use and labour. For example, Bow House Equestrian, which installed the system in 2022, went from manually watering their arena 6–8 hours a day to running the system just 1 to 1.5 hours a day, all while maintaining ideal surface conditions for training and events.

Cost effectiveness of sub surface irrigation

While the upfront investment may be slightly higher than a waxed surface installation, the ongoing savings on water, time, and surface maintenance make HIT Active Aqua the more sustainable and cost-effective solution in the long run, especially when paired with a borehole for efficient water sourcing.

If you’re looking to maximise your arena’s performance and lifespan while reducing your workload and environmental impact, HIT Active Aqua is the forward-thinking solution.

Read the full article now to explore the full breakdown, real-world case studies, and cost comparisons at https://www.equestrianindex.com/news/smarter-year-round-arena-surface-irrigation