Fibar Horse Footing — Arenas (Fibar’s selected wood fibers have been scientifically engineered and…)

Fibar Horse Footing ✓ Verified

Fibar’s selected wood fibers have been scientifically engineered and manufactured to provide

Tired of hard, dusty arena footing that's wearing down your horse's legs?

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

Fibar engineered wood fiber footing in an outdoor horse arena

Fibar Horse Footing By The Fibar Group, LLC
Fibar’s selected wood fibers have been scientifically engineered and manufactured to provide a soft, dust-free footing horse people can count on in all kinds of weather.

How Did Fibar Come To Be?
Fibar started with an idea: Wouldn't shredded wood fibers be a better horse training surface than dirt or sand? The question occurred to company founder Robert Heath, because, as an avid horseman, he saw that conventional surfaces were hard on horses' legs.

Wood fiber, on the other hand, was naturally springy, good to look at, and never turned to mud. The next step was development work that eventually resulted in Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF), which he called "Fibar." That was in 1979. Fibar was readily accepted by horse owners, professionals, and veterinarians from Kentucky horse country to British Columbia. Within five years, the company turned Heath's idea into a thriving business, which has supplied the surfacing for over 2,000 horse facilities in the United States and Canada. Today, there still is no more superior riding surface than Fibar.

Why Does Footing Matter?

Poor footing’s a sore point with most horses. Working a horse on suboptimal footing riding surface can hurt more than his performance. It can also do irreparable damage to his legs, feet or attitude.

A hard, rocky surface can give a horse splints, stone bruises, and bucked shins. A deep, cuppy surface could make a horse bow a tendon, strain a suspensory, or slip a stifle. And training every day on a surface that makes him uncomfortable may make a horse resent his job. After all, would you like to run, jump or dance if it hurt?

What Kind Of Horse People Are Benefiting From Fibar?

The Spanish Riding School recently selected Fibar for it’s recent U.S. Tour and several Olympic Riders use Fibar. In addition, performance-oriented owners and trainers through out the USA and Canada are switching to Fibar riding surfaces. Fibar is engineered to provide resilient, rock-free footing that stays useful under all weather conditions. Veterinarians report that racehorses that train on Fibar surfaces suffer fewer injuries than on other surfaces. And training track managers say that even sore horses can train comfortably on Fibar. Whether your horses are sound and trying to stay that way or sore and trying to get better, they’ll put their best foot forward on Fibar.

But What If I Have An Outdoor Arena Subject To The Weather?

We guarantee it. No more mud! If there wasn’t something special about our product, our name might be Clay’s Dirt or The Hard Way Crushed Stone Company. But the name Fibar stands for something very special: selected wood fibers that have been scientifically engineered and manufactured to provide a soft, dust-free footing horse people can count on in all kinds of weather.

Its unsurpassed reliability has made Fibar the footing of choice for performance-oriented owners and trainers who depend on it to keep their training tracks, riding rings, shed rows, gallops, hot walkers and breeding sheds in full-time operation.

Its unsurpassed reliability has made Fibar the footing of choice for performance-oriented owners and trainers who depend on it to keep their training tracks, riding rings, shed rows, gallops, hot walkers and breeding sheds in full-time operation.

What matters to these experts is not the Fibar name. They care about Fibar’s results. Rain or shine, wind, sleet or snow, a Fibar surface means no rocks, no puddles, no ice, no dust and no slop. A footing by any other name would not stay so sweet.

Is It True That Fibar Is Also Used For Playground Footing?

Yes, it is just that safe and cushioning! See our video below:

What Exactly Is Fibar?

Fibar is a unique blend of processed wood fibers. The wood fibers knit together forming a firm and stable surface, yet providing great cushioning properties. Fibar is not wood chips and contains virtually no bark.

What Is An “All Weather” Riding Surface?

Fibar uses an integrated drainage system under the entire arena or track. No matter how severe the rainstorm, the riding surface will be totally unaffected. In fact, many customers say the more rain it gets, the better the Fibar surface.

Does Fibar Get Dusty?

Indoor arenas surfaced in Fibar should be watered as conditions dictate. Fibar requires far less watering than any other indoor materials. Outdoors, most arenas never require watering. Tracks that get a lot of use find watering helps keep the track “tight.”

Does Fibar Freeze?

Under prolonged sub-zero conditions, Fibar will freeze, but much later than sand and other conventional surfaces. It also thaws much more quickly, and there is none of the undesirable mud typical of dirt arenas. Snow can be plowed off a Fibar arena, and salt can be worked into the surface to prolong winter use.

How Long Does Fibar Last?

This is a difficult question to answer because each installation is subject to different amounts of usage. As a rule of thumb, arenas and tracks will need a top-off after the first three years, and thereafter a top-off every two or three. Fibar does not rot, but is broken down mechanically by the pounding of the horses’ hooves. Lightly used private arenas and tracks can last longer between top-offs.

Is Fibar Treated With Chemicals?

Absolutely not! Fibar is manufactured from specially selected woods that exhibit unique fibrous qualities. Due to the drainage design, the wood fibers never become waterlogged.

How is Fibar Installed At My Facility?

Fibar provides simple guidelines to be given to a local contractor. Indoor arenas and breeding sheds are generally installed in just a few hours. Our staff is happy to answer your questions and welcomes your calls.

What Do Fibar Users Have To Say?

Says Renowned Dressage Trainer, Gunner Ostergaard:Horses are comfortable on Fibar. The springy surface- in combination with the lack of dust- is what I like most about Fibar.
Sharon Stewart of Cedar Hills Farm in California says:Reducing wear and tear- that’s why Fibar was installed 10 years ago. We have no training injuries on this surface. It is very easy on horse’s legs!

Contact Fibar Today!

Our friendly representatives understand the needs of horse owners and their properties. Fibar is one of the most affordable and dependable footing you can have for your indoor or outdoor arena! We are happy to talk to you about Fibar and will work hard to ensure your complete satisfaction! Please give us a call today and let us help you on your way to the best footing at the best prices for your arena!

Fibar’s selected wood fibers have been scientifically engineered and manufactured to provide a

What exactly is Fibar footing?

Fibar is Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) — selected wood fibers that have been scientifically engineered and manufactured into a soft, resilient, dust-free riding surface. Rather than dirt or sand that turns hard, slick, or muddy, Fibar lays down a naturally springy footing that horse people can count on in all kinds of weather. The fibers knit together to form a stable, rock-free base that cushions every stride while shedding water instead of pooling it.

Fibar dust-free wood fiber footing in an indoor horse arena

Who makes Fibar, and how did it start?
Fibar is produced by The Fibar Group, LLC, headquartered at 80 Business Park Drive, Armonk, NY 10504. The story began in 1979 when founder Robert Heath, an avid horseman, asked whether shredded wood fibers would make a better training surface than dirt or sand. He had seen how hard conventional footing was on horses' legs, while wood fiber stayed springy, looked good, and never turned to mud. Within five years his idea had grown into a thriving business supplying surfaces for thousands of horse facilities.

Fibar all-weather wood fiber riding surface in an outdoor arena

Where does Fibar perform best?

Fibar footing serves indoor arenas, outdoor arenas and riding rings, training tracks and gallops, breeding sheds, hot walkers, and shed rows. It is especially popular across breeding country in Kentucky and at performance and racing facilities where consistent, all-weather ground is non-negotiable. Rain or shine, wind, sleet or snow, a Fibar surface means no rocks, no puddles, no ice, no dust and no slop — the footing stays usable year-round instead of forcing cancelled sessions.

Fibar engineered wood fiber footing installed in a breeding shed

How does Fibar protect a horse's legs and hooves?

The material you choose for footing matters more than many riders realize — ground that turns hard, wet, or slippery can lead to injuries and lasting health complications. Continuous moisture exposure invites white line disease, thrush, abscesses, scratches, and sole bruising, and wet hoof walls make it harder to keep shoes properly nailed. By staying dry, resilient, and rock-free, Fibar cushions concussion on legs and joints, reduces slipping and kickback, and keeps hooves out of the standing wet that breeds infection.

How much maintenance does Fibar require?

Compared with gravel, dirt, or sawdust, Fibar asks for very little upkeep. Because the engineered fibers hold moisture and resist breaking down into dust, most facilities only need an occasional light misting to keep conditions dust-free. The surface does not wash out into ruts or freeze into ice the way bare dirt does, so day-to-day grooming stays minimal and the footing rides the same in July as it does in January.

How do I get a quote for Fibar?

The Fibar Group works directly with horse owners, trainers, breeders, and racing operations to spec and install footing. Call (800) 342-2721 or request a quote through the equestrian footing page at fibar.com to discuss your arena, track, or breeding-shed project. With more than 100,000 installations across North America behind the FibarSystem, the company brings decades of surfacing experience to every equestrian build.

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The Solution Section (FAQ)

What is Fibar — and how did it come to be?

Per The Fibar Group, LLC: founder Robert Heath wondered as an avid horseman whether shredded wood fibers would be a better horse training surface than dirt or sand. He saw conventional surfaces were hard on horses' legs.

Per the company: development work resulted in Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) — "Fibar" — in 1979. Within five years, the company turned Heath's idea into a thriving business that has supplied surfacing for over 2,000 horse facilities in the United States and Canada.

Why does footing matter?

Per Fibar: poor footing is a sore point with most horses. Working a horse on suboptimal footing can hurt more than performance — it can cause irreparable damage:

Hard, rocky surface: splints, stone bruises, bucked shins
Deep, cuppy surface: bowed tendon, strained suspensory, slipped stifle
Training daily on uncomfortable footing may make a horse resent his job

Who uses Fibar?

Per Fibar: the Spanish Riding School recently selected Fibar for its U.S. Tour, and several Olympic riders use Fibar. Performance-oriented owners and trainers throughout USA and Canada are switching.

What's the safety record on Fibar surfaces?

Per Fibar: veterinarians report that racehorses that train on Fibar surfaces suffer fewer injuries than on other surfaces. Training-track managers say similar.

What's the all-weather profile?

Per Fibar: engineered to provide resilient, rock-free footing that stays useful under all weather conditions. Wood fiber is naturally springy, good to look at, and never turns to mud.

How do I order Fibar?

Per The Fibar Group, LLC: Phone (800) 342-2721, email [email protected], website http://fibar.com/horses/index.htm. Pricing varies by arena size and installation; pricing as quoted is subject to change due to economic factors.

What is Fibar horse footing made of?

Fibar is Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) — selected wood fibers that have been scientifically engineered and manufactured into a footing surface. The fibers knit together into a naturally springy, resilient mat that cushions a horse's stride. It is designed to be soft, dust-free, and rock-free in all kinds of weather.

Who makes Fibar footing?

Fibar footing is produced by The Fibar Group, LLC, based at 80 Business Park Drive, Armonk, NY 10504. The company has been engineering wood fiber surfaces since 1979. Today it is one of the leading surfacing suppliers in North America with more than 100,000 installations.

How did Fibar come to be?

Fibar started in 1979 with a question from founder Robert Heath, an avid horseman: wouldn't shredded wood fibers be a better horse training surface than dirt or sand? He had seen how hard conventional surfaces were on horses' legs, while wood fiber stayed springy, looked good, and never turned to mud. That idea became Engineered Wood Fiber, which he named Fibar.

Who was the founder of Fibar?

Fibar was founded by Robert Heath in 1979. Heath was an avid equestrian who wanted a safer, springier training surface for horses than dirt or sand. Within five years his idea had grown into a thriving business supplying footing to thousands of horse facilities.

What kinds of horse facilities use Fibar footing?

Fibar is used in indoor arenas, outdoor arenas and riding rings, training tracks, gallops, breeding sheds, hot walkers, and shed rows. It is especially popular in breeding country in Kentucky and at racing and performance facilities. Any operation that needs consistent, all-weather ground is a candidate.

How does Fibar perform in bad weather?

Rain or shine, wind, sleet or snow, a Fibar surface means no rocks, no puddles, no ice, no dust and no slop. The engineered fibers shed water rather than pooling it, so the footing stays usable year-round. It does not freeze into ice or wash out into ruts the way bare dirt does.

Is Fibar dusty?

No — Fibar is engineered to be dust-free. The wood fibers hold moisture and resist breaking down into airborne dust. Most facilities only need an occasional light misting to keep the surface free of dust.

How much maintenance does Fibar require?

Very little compared with gravel, dirt, or sawdust. The surface resists washing out, freezing, and dusting, so day-to-day upkeep stays minimal. Typically an occasional light misting is all that is needed to maintain dust-free conditions.

How does Fibar protect a horse's legs?

Fibar's naturally springy, resilient wood fiber cushions the concussion that hard or uneven footing transmits to a horse's legs and joints. Because it stays rock-free and does not turn slick, it reduces the slipping, sliding, and falling that cause injury. The company's founding insight was that conventional surfaces were hard on horses' legs, and wood fiber was gentler.

Can poor footing actually harm a horse's hooves?

Yes. Fibar notes that continuous moisture exposure from wet, poor footing can lead to white line disease, thrush, abscesses, scratches, and sole bruising. Wet conditions also soften hoof walls, making it harder to keep horseshoes properly nailed. Keeping a horse on dry, well-drained footing helps avoid these problems.

How does Fibar compare to sand or dirt?

Unlike dirt that turns hard, slick, or muddy, Fibar stays springy and dust-free and never turns to mud — that was the founder's original observation in 1979. Sand and dirt can pack down hard or wash out, while Fibar's engineered fibers maintain a resilient, rock-free surface. Testing on the playground side of the business showed Fibar wood fiber absorbed shock far better than sand, grass, dirt, or gravel.

What is Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF)?

Engineered Wood Fiber is the technical name for the shredded, scientifically engineered wood fiber material that Fibar manufactures. It interlocks into a springy, shock-absorbing surface that is soft underfoot yet stable. Fibar is the original brand name Robert Heath gave the material when he developed it for horses.

Does Fibar handle drainage and water well?

Yes — keeping water off the surface is central to Fibar's design. The footing avoids puddles, ice, and slop that plague dirt and sand arenas. The broader FibarSystem used in playground installations even adds a patented drainage system, illustrating the company's focus on water management.

Where is Fibar located and how do I contact them?

The Fibar Group, LLC is headquartered at 80 Business Park Drive, Armonk, NY 10504. You can reach the company by phone at (800) 342-2721. Equestrian footing quotes can also be requested through the website at fibar.com.

How do I get a quote or buy Fibar footing?

Call The Fibar Group at (800) 342-2721 or request a quote through the equestrian footing page on fibar.com. The company works directly with owners, trainers, breeders, and racing operations to spec and install footing for arenas, tracks, and breeding sheds. They will help you scope the right surface for your project.

How experienced is The Fibar Group?

Fibar has been engineering wood fiber surfaces since 1979 and has grown into one of the leading surfacing suppliers in North America, with more than 100,000 installations. The same material that protects horses' legs was later adopted as a playground safety surface, where IPEMA testing confirmed its shock absorption. That depth of experience backs every equestrian installation.

Is Fibar a good choice for breeding sheds and racetracks?

Yes. Fibar footing is widely used in breeding sheds — it is especially popular in Kentucky — as well as on training tracks, gallops, and hot walkers. Its consistent, all-weather, low-dust surface suits the demands of breeding and racing operations where reliable footing is critical. Performance facilities choose it for ground that rides the same in every season.