Footing First

Footing First is our newest and  most exciting venture in the horse footing business After

Tired of dust kicking up every time you ride or your trainer steps into the arena?

Reviewed by Ann Pruitt, InfoHorse.com · Updated May 2026

FootingFirst dust-free riding arena surface installed in an indoor equestrian arena

Footing First brings you the best in selections of quality Footings and Arena Design!

About Footing First

Footing First is our newest and most exciting venture in the horse footing business After years of hands-on experience, we were determined to create a superior dust-free footing product... hours of research later, we have done just that.

Our Superior Riding Surface blends address issues that, in the past, have been problematic:

It is NOT temperature-sensitive
It provides tremendous stability
Allows adequate movement
It is a consistently forgiving surface
Offers a dust free riding environment

TravelRight™ Footing

TravelRight™ is our premier footing. High-grade rubber, the finest silica sand, fibers and wax are combined in precise proportions to create footing that is similar to natural turf, with distinct advantages over natural footing. TravelRight is dust-free; both horse and rider will benefit from the clean air surrounding TravelRight, and your arena and connecting areas will also remain cleaner. No dust also means less maintenance and no irrigation.

Travelite™ Footing

Travelite Footing™ is a new budget friendly no dust footing-and has received rave reviews. Travelite consists of silica sand, fiber and wax making it a consistent and dust free footing. This footing is characteristic of traditional footing, it will move and give in similar ways. However, Travelite still provides good traction and better support for your horse than most footing at this price on the market today.

TravelBright™

TravelBright™ is our newest arena footing, a unique blend of high-quality silica sand, 100% clean rubber, Geo textile fiber and the highly-effective dust control product, Stay Put. TravelBright is lighter in color than other footing, less adhesive, and tolerates climate changes very well. Its lighter color makes this footing ideal for indoor rings, and the superior quality of the sand in this blend promotes excellent drainage for outdoor rings.

TravelBright provides excellent traction and stability and just the right amount of cushion to enhance your horses’ natural movements. It has been installed in arenas from New York to California, with great reviews.

TravelBright is:

Resilient and durable
Brighter in color
Environmentally friendly
Requires less maintenance and no irrigation

TravelBright is also less temperature-sensitive than other footing products, making it ideal for indoor and outdoor arenas.

TravelBright also offers remarkable stability and excellent value.

All Right™

All-Right footing is our newest blend of traditional dust-free footing. This blend will provide a good surface for many types of riding including reining, as the sand will allow the horse to slide through. However, the blend can be tweaked by rolling the footing. In doing so, you will create better stability. You can also drag it to create a more lively blend. All-Right can be used for many disciplines such as the training track seen here.

How Does Installation Take Place?

Footing First will be happy to make the installation process easy and hassle free using our state-of-the-art equipment. We can also address all drainage needs and options. Footing First has a wide variety of aggregates to be used for base material on both indoor and outdoor arenas.

What Do Customers Say Footing First?

To be honest, I was nervous to make a major change in our footing, but now, after what was a monumental change for us, I am truly pleased with the results Footings First has made. Of course the footing is amazing and it is perfect in every weather condition... not only far superior to train on, but a huge asthetic improvement for our farm.

Ward McClain- Nationally known show jumper

Second to none, there is no comparison!
Hyde Moffat,
Canadian Show Jumper

Fantastic from start to finish. TravelRight was a pleasure to work with; the footing is outstanding, everything they said it would be.
Cheryl Dorricott,
Barn Owner

Horses ride through the corners much better; excellent traction. I haven’t found a horse yet that doesn’t like it!
Jimmy Doyle,
Irish Show Jumping Trainer

Don't Your Horses Deserve The Best? Call Footing First Today!

Discover why we are so passionate about the arenas we build. Discover why your horse will thank you after working on a FootingFirst™ surface. Discover why a professional like McLain Ward believes his FootingFirst™ surface is the best he's ridden on... in the world. Quality footing is important for the comfort and health of your horse. Don’t wait call today and tell us about your horses!

Who builds FootingFirst arena surfaces?

FootingFirst was co-founded by Lawton Adams and Karen Leeming, who each bring nearly 30 years of hands-on experience in arena planning, construction, and footing installation. Rather than simply selling bagged product, the company treats footing as a service it engineers for each facility — captured in its motto, "We don't just sell surfaces, we create them." The brand carries the tagline "Those who put footing first, choose FootingFirst," along with "Because winning starts at home."

FootingFirst TravelRight dust-free sand and paraffin footing blend close detail

What goes into the dust-free footing blends?

FootingFirst's dust-free surfaces are built from a specialized sand that is precisely blended with a select paraffin, coating each grain so the footing rides like good turf without kicking up airborne dust indoors or out. The line includes four signature blends: TravelRight, the flagship blend prized for traction, stability, and cushion; TravelBright, which shares those qualities but rides lighter and brighter in color for a striking indoor look; TraveLite, a cost-effective blend with more movement and shear; and All-Right, the newest adjustable blend suited to dressage, jumping, reining, and racing.

FootingFirst E.B.U.S. recycled polyethylene foam underlayment mat installation

How does the E.B.U.S. underlayment protect a horse's joints?

The Equestrian Buffer Underlayment System (E.B.U.S.) is a shock-absorbing mat installed beneath the footing, manufactured from clean, post-industrial polyethylene foam diverted from landfills and topped with a non-woven geo-textile filtration fabric that separates the mat from the footing while preserving drainage. It markedly reduces concussion and vibration, easing stress on joints and soft tissue. The mats ship in roll form to minimize seams beneath the footing, are impervious to mildew, bacteria, and rot, are chemically resistant, and hold their shape under repetitive compression.

FootingFirst engineered arena footing with E.B.U.S. shock-absorbing subbase

What about water-dependent surfaces for tighter budgets?

For riders who want a traditional hydrated surface, FootingFirst offers water-dependent footings built on a top-quality, predetermined silica-fiber blend, with the option to mix in local masonry sand to fit a facility's needs and budget. The Superior Riding Surface (SRS) is a high-performance blend that, when properly hydrated, stands up to heavy traffic while delivering traction, stability, and cushion. Econoblend is the budget-friendly alternative that holds to FootingFirst's safety and performance standards for facilities watching costs.

How is FootingFirst tested and proven?

The company backs its surfaces with measurable engineering, putting the E. B. U. S. system through Gmax impact testing, HIC (Head Impact Criteria), and vertical deformation measurements to confirm shock absorption and safety. On the competitive side, Olympic gold-medal show jumper McLain Ward endorses the footing as among the best he has ridden on in the world. FootingFirst surfaces appear at notable facilities including Castle Hill and Crann Briste.

How do you get a FootingFirst surface for your arena?

Because every arena differs in climate, discipline, and use, FootingFirst works with owners to customize the right blend and subbase rather than shipping a one-size product. Interested riders, trainers, and facility owners can reach the company directly at (914) 980-0123 to discuss surface selection, E.B.U.S. underlayment, installation, and ongoing maintenance education. The team also retrofits the E.B.U.S. mat beneath qualifying existing surfaces, not just under new installations.

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The Solution Section (FAQ)

What does Footing First do?

Footing First manufactures and installs premium dust-free riding surfaces for horse arenas, and also handles arena design. After years of hands-on experience, the company set out to create a superior dust-free footing product that solves the problems common to older arena surfaces.

What footing products does Footing First offer?

Footing First makes several engineered blends: TravelRight™, its premier footing of high-grade rubber, fine silica sand, fibers and wax; Travelite™, a budget-friendly no-dust blend of silica sand, fiber and wax; TravelBright™, a lighter-colored blend with rubber, geo-textile fiber and Stay Put dust control; and All Right™, a traditional dust-free blend suited to disciplines like reining. Each is built for a different need and budget.

Is Footing First arena footing really dust-free?

Yes. A dust-free riding environment is central to every Footing First blend, so both horse and rider benefit from cleaner air and the arena and connecting areas stay cleaner too. No dust also means less maintenance and no irrigation.

What makes a good riding surface, and how does Footing First address it?

Footing First's Superior Riding Surface blends target the issues that have long been problematic: they are not temperature-sensitive, provide tremendous stability, allow adequate movement, stay consistently forgiving, and offer a dust-free environment. The goal is a surface that protects the comfort and health of your horse.

Which Footing First footing is best for an indoor arena?

TravelBright™ is well suited to indoor rings because its lighter color brightens the space, and it tolerates climate changes very well. Its high-quality silica sand also promotes excellent drainage, making the same blend a strong choice for outdoor rings.

Does Footing First handle installation and arena base work?

Yes. Footing First handles the installation process using state-of-the-art equipment to keep it easy and hassle-free. The company can also address drainage needs and options, and carries a wide variety of aggregates for base material on both indoor and outdoor arenas.

How do I get a quote or talk to Footing First about my arena?

Reach out to Footing First and tell them about your horses and your arena project. Call 914-980-0123, email [email protected], or visit www.footingfirst.com to learn more about their surfaces and design services.

What is FootingFirst?

FootingFirst is an equestrian arena footing company that engineers, installs, and maintains high-performance riding surfaces for indoor and outdoor arenas. Founded by Lawton Adams and Karen Leeming, the company offers dust-free footing blends, water-dependent surfaces, and the E.B.U.S. shock-absorbing underlayment system. Its motto, 'We don't just sell surfaces, we create them,' reflects an approach centered on custom-engineered footing rather than off-the-shelf product.

Who founded FootingFirst?

FootingFirst was co-founded by Lawton Adams and Karen Leeming. Each brings nearly 30 years of hands-on experience in arena planning, construction, and footing installation, which is why the company emphasizes designing a surface for each facility rather than just selling a bag of footing.

What makes FootingFirst's dust-free footing dust free?

The dust-free surfaces are made from a specialized sand that is precisely blended with a select paraffin. The paraffin coats the sand grains so the footing holds together and does not throw airborne dust, creating a healthier riding environment for both horse and rider indoors and outdoors. This also means the surface does not depend on constant watering to control dust.

What dust-free blends does FootingFirst offer?

FootingFirst offers four dust-free blends. TravelRight is the flagship blend known for traction, stability, and cushion; TravelBright shares those qualities but is lighter and brighter in color for a striking indoor appearance; TraveLite is a cost-effective option with more movement and shear; and All-Right is the newest adjustable blend designed for disciplines such as dressage, jumping, reining, and racing.

What is the E.B.U.S. system?

E.B.U.S. stands for Equestrian Buffer Underlayment System. It is a shock-absorbing mat installed beneath the arena footing, manufactured from clean, post-industrial polyethylene foam diverted from landfills and topped with a non-woven geo-textile filtration fabric. The fabric separates the foam mat from the footing while still allowing the arena to drain properly.

How does E.B.U.S. protect a horse's joints and soft tissue?

The E.B.U.S. foam mat absorbs concussion and vibration that would otherwise travel up through the footing into the horse's legs. By cushioning every stride, it reduces stress on joints and soft tissue. FootingFirst validates this performance with GMAX impact testing, HIC (Head Impact Criteria), and vertical deformation measurements.

Can E.B.U.S. be installed under an existing arena, or only a new one?

E.B.U.S. can be installed beneath new FootingFirst proprietary footings or retrofitted under existing surfaces that meet certain standards. The mats are produced in roll form, which minimizes the number of seams beneath the footing and allows for quick, efficient installation in either scenario.

What are FootingFirst's water-dependent surfaces?

Water-dependent surfaces are traditional hydrated footings built on a top-quality, predetermined silica-fiber blend. They are designed to perform when properly watered and can be customized by mixing in local masonry sand to suit a facility's needs and budget. They are positioned as a more affordable alternative to the dust-free line.

What is the Superior Riding Surface (SRS)?

The Superior Riding Surface, or SRS, is FootingFirst's high-performance water-dependent blend. When properly hydrated, it stands up to heavy traffic while providing traction, stability, and cushion. It can be customized anywhere from a competitive-grade mix down to a softer blend for lighter use.

What is Econoblend?

Econoblend is FootingFirst's budget-friendly water-dependent footing option. It is built for facilities working with financial constraints while still maintaining the company's safety and performance standards, making a quality engineered surface accessible at a lower cost.

Is FootingFirst suitable for both indoor and outdoor arenas?

Yes. The dust-free surfaces are formulated for use in both indoor and outdoor arenas, and the company offers blends and subbase configurations that can be customized to a facility's climate and usage patterns. TravelBright in particular is noted for looking especially good in indoor settings because of its lighter, brighter color.

Does FootingFirst footing reduce the need for watering?

Yes, that is a central benefit of the dust-free line. Because the sand is coated with paraffin to control dust rather than relying on moisture, the dust-free surfaces require minimal upkeep and do not depend on constant watering the way conventional sand arenas do. Riders who prefer a traditional hydrated surface can instead choose the water-dependent SRS or Econoblend blends.

Has FootingFirst been endorsed by top riders?

Yes. Olympic gold-medal-winning show jumper McLain Ward endorses FootingFirst, describing the surface as among the best he has ridden on in the world. FootingFirst surfaces have also been installed at notable facilities including Castle Hill and Crann Briste.

Is E.B.U.S. environmentally friendly?

E.B.U.S. is made from clean, post-industrial polyethylene foam that is diverted from landfills, giving the system a recycled-content backbone. The mats are also impervious to mildew, bacteria, and rot, chemically resistant, and hold their shape under repetitive compression, so they are built to last rather than be replaced frequently.

How do FootingFirst surfaces feel for the horse?

FootingFirst designs its blends to create conditions resembling good turf, allowing horses to travel on a surface similar to their natural environment. The blends deliver excellent traction, stability, and cushion, and when paired with the E.B.U.S. underlayment they add a layer of shock absorption that further reduces the impact of each stride.

How do I contact FootingFirst or get a surface for my arena?

You can reach FootingFirst directly at (914) 980-0123 to discuss surface selection, the E.B.U.S. underlayment, installation, and maintenance. Because the company customizes footing to each arena's climate, discipline, and budget, the conversation typically starts with your facility's specific needs rather than a fixed catalog price. The team also provides education on maintaining the surface after installation.

What does FootingFirst mean by 'we create surfaces, not just sell them'?

It reflects the founders' background in arena planning and construction. Instead of shipping a single standardized product, FootingFirst engineers a footing blend and subbase tailored to the facility, then supports owners with installation and maintenance education. The philosophy ties to the brand's taglines, 'Those who put footing first, choose FootingFirst' and 'Because winning starts at home.'