Dust control in your arena is not just a comfort issue; it is a health and performance priority for both horses and riders. Pairing the right dust control products with a high-quality footing system like GGT Footing helps you create a safer, more consistent riding environment with less daily maintenance. By choosing moisture-retentive additives, salt-based products, and the correct footing blend, you can dramatically cut down on airborne particles and watering frequency.
Arena dust is made up of very fine particles that become airborne whenever the footing dries out and is disturbed by hooves or equipment. Dust control products work by either holding moisture in the footing or binding these fine particles together so they are too heavy to become airborne. When these products are applied to a well-constructed footing like GGT Footing, they help stabilize the surface and keep the riding environment clearer and more comfortable for longer periods between treatments.
Arpolith is GGT Footing’s organic moisture control product, made from volcanic ash granules designed to absorb and slowly release water within your arena surface. These granules can hold many times their volume in moisture, which keeps the footing damp longer, reduces dust, and significantly extends the time between watering cycles. When mixed into GGT Footing textiles and sand, Arpolith supports a consistent, springy surface that stays rideable and low-dust even in hot or dry conditions.
Magnesium chloride is a popular salt-based dust control product that works by drawing moisture from the air and holding it in the footing, helping to keep the surface slightly damp without constant watering. It is often used in indoor arenas or dry climates where natural humidity is low, and can provide long-lasting dust suppression when applied at the correct rate and maintained with periodic reapplications. Because salts can influence footing texture and may affect metal equipment over time, they should be applied carefully and used on GGT Footing systems according to professional guidance to preserve footing performance and safety.
Beyond Arpolith and magnesium chloride, there are liquid dust control concentrates and organic treatments designed to work with existing footing. Some of these products are plant-based or biodegradable liquids that bind surface particles and provide dust control without making the footing oily or overly slick, which is especially important for arenas with textile-enhanced footing like GGT. Choosing products labeled as horse-safe, low-odor, and compatible with synthetic fibers ensures they complement GGT Footing’s structure rather than breaking down the textiles or altering the surface feel.
GGT Footing combines carefully selected sands with textile fibers to create a stable, resilient riding surface that is already less prone to extreme dust when properly maintained. Adding Arpolith into this blend helps lock in moisture throughout the footing profile, while surface treatments like magnesium chloride or organic liquids can be used as a top layer solution for additional dust suppression in challenging climates. For best results, groom the arena regularly, monitor moisture levels, and follow product-specific application rates so that your dust control products, Arpolith, and GGT Footing work together to deliver a clean, consistent arena surface day after day.
