Introduction
At The Jelka Group, we pride ourselves on bringing solutions to the market that promote equine welfare, performance and efficiency. One such innovation is the HIT Active Aqua, an
underground irrigation system designed to transform horse riding surfaces with precise, reliable, and sustainable water management.
In this blog, we’ll explore how the HIT Active Aqua improves horse performance and safety,
contributes to environmental sustainability, and offers a cost-effective alternative for arena
owners. Along the way, we’ll highlight the real-world experience of JP Daker, the owner of Bow
House Equestrian in Shropshire, who has seen remarkable benefits since having the system
installed by Jelka back in 2022.
An Overview of HIT Active Aqua
The HIT Active Aqua is an advanced underground irrigation system for equestrian arenas, sand
schools and menages, designed to maintain consistent moisture levels across the riding
surface. Unlike traditional overhead sprinklers, this system ensures even hydration throughout
the entire arena, eliminating the risks of dry patches or overwatered zones. JP Daker shares,
"The most key thing with this system is the consistency you get throughout the entire surface.
Everywhere in this arena will be watered exactly the same because of how the system works."
This uniformity ensures optimal footing for horses, no matter the intensity or discipline of riding.
Elevating Horse Performance and Safety
Rider and horse safety is paramount in any equestrian environment, and the HIT Active Aqua
excels in providing a secure and dependable surface. By maintaining consistent moisture levels
within the arena surface, the system eliminates inconsistencies, like deep, dry areas, that could
lead to injuries. This is especially crucial during high-intensity activities like jumping, where
uneven surfaces can pose significant risks to both the horse and rider. Daker explains, "An
overhead sprinkling system where you've got areas which are much more watered than other
areas... you’ll have dry patches, and it's the patches which can cause the injuries to horses,
particularly if you're jumping and doing things at a higher speed."
Beyond safety, horses respond positively to the natural sand-and-water footing provided by the Active Aqua. The system offers the perfect balance of grip, allowing horses to perform with
confidence and precision. "We feel also that the horses really benefit from this system... The
horses grow in confidence during their sessions on it," says Daker. Riders and competitors at
Bow House Equestrian have even observed significant performance improvements, with clients frequently commenting, "My horse goes well on that surface. It's never gone so well."
Environmentally Friendly and Cost-Effective
Sustainability is a cornerstone of the HIT Active Aqua system. By drastically reducing water
usage compared to overhead sprinklers, it offers both environmental and financial benefits. At
Bow House Equestrian, the system reduced irrigation time from eight hours to just one hour and 20 minutes daily, saving substantial amounts of water. "It's a very, very good economical
watering system, which is also environmentally friendly because of how much less water we
use," Daker highlights.
Additionally, the efficiency of the system means reduced labour and maintenance costs. Once
installed, the system runs seamlessly without constant oversight. "It’s extremely easy to use. I
don’t have to think about it. We set it up once, and it just does its thing. It’s always the same,"
says Daker. This long-term cost-effectiveness, combined with its eco-friendly design, makes the
HIT Active Aqua a sound investment for any arena owner looking to future-proof their facilities.
A Worthwhile Investment for Equestrian Properties
Whether you’re managing a private equestrian facility or hosting competitive events, the HIT
Active Aqua offers unparalleled benefits in performance, safety, and sustainability. The
consistent, high-quality surface it provides enhances equine welfare, boosts the horse's
confidence, and ensures a reliable footing for every ride. As Daker summarised, "We teach
enormous amounts of people, and an awful lot of people come back and say, ‘My horse goes
well on that surface.’ And we do honestly find that this is true throughout... Horses love this
surface."