✓Reviewed by Ann Pruitt, InfoHorse.com·Updated April 2026
West Coast Footings professionally groomed riding arena footing surface
Arena DESIGN & Construction by West Coast Footings Tractor Dean is nationally known for his expertise in Arena Design, Construction or Equipment. Available in person or by phone, "Tractor Dean" Hendrickson has the knowledge and skill to design and/or build the arena of your dreams!
What Makes "Tractor Dean" Hendrickson of West Coast Footings Different?
Tractor Dean, owner of West Coast Footings, is a well-known figure at major horse shows around California and at the trade shows, as he is frequently hired to manage and care for the footing at the shows. Arena consultants, like Tractor Dean of West Coast Footings,can help with building your arena and will be well worth the initial investment when compared to vet bills, water costs, and the frustration associated with less than ideal arena conditions.
Dean has been working with and studying footing for eight years, after a long career in aircraft manufacturing. That background instilled in him the critical nature of what happens at the point of impact, whether on a tarmac or in a riding arena, along with the conviction that customer service and attention to detail are as important as equipment and material.
We are not just selling you the footing material," says longtime principal and renowned dirt expert John Dienhart (Tractor Dean's Father in Law). "We deliver the whole pie. We can diagnose the footing challenges and talk about solutions," he continues. "We have the products and knowledge to change the characteristics of what the footing is doing: to modify it to provide the right combination of stability and cushion for any discipline.
Why Should I Hire Tractor Dean For My Arena?
Can't I Just Do It Myself?
Of course you can do it yourself, but do you have years of experience building, maintaining and designing arenas? Can you identify challenges that need affordable yet reliable solutions before you start? How much can a lack of knowlede cost you? Potentially Thousands! Why not invest a little with an expert who can help you know where, how, how much, what kind, and what's best-- Before you start? Tractor Dean will help you every step of the way!
Is It True That Tractor Dean Is An Expert In Arena Construction (and Design)?
YES! Soundness and performance are the main focus on most discussions of riding surfaces. Ever since people started using riding arenas when working with their horses they were experimenting with the large variety of materials for the use of footing. Today`s findings from scientific research on equestrian footings can be combined with our specialists` practical experiences to produce a sound and good surface.
Advice on the design and construction of riding arena surfaces has been based on experience and personal opinion. Experience and know-how is important to create a good riding surface, maintenance and moisture content is key to performance of any riding ring.
Due to these variables there is no single recipe for a perfect riding arena. With our experience gained in years of supporting the equine showing community, we found that the products we offer are the best solution – economically and environmentally – to help you prevent lameness of your horse and minimize veterinary bills.
What If I Need Horse Stalls or Stall Components?
Many of our clients rely upon Tractor Dean to supply, design or customize Horse Stalls or Components. Everything we do is the best in design, looks, installation ease, durability and longevity-- and, of course, at the Best possible prices!
Is It True That Many of Tractor Dean's Clients Are Show Managers?
Yes! Show managers are in charge of the entire showing experience and absolutely must have premium footing and well maintained arenas for the horses that are showcased there. These managers are frequent clients, with projects that range from installing completely new riding surfaces in one or more arenas, to providing equipment for the manager or venue's crew to maintain the ring on their own.
Is Tractor Dean A Valued Reseller of GGT-Footing? WHY?
It's the best and that is why Tractor Dean loves it!
We as a company and installers of GG T-Footing™ understand, that equestrian arena surfaces are a major investment for stable owners, riding clubs and private horse owners.
Our mission is to offer protection of the Equine Athletes that give so much to their riders and owners.
GGT Footing Benefits
Reduces dust
High water storage capability
Optimal impact resistance
Higher slide strength and additional stability
Prevents packing
Offers perfectly adapted spring for energy rebound
Supports your horse’s joints and ligaments.
Facilitates a strong jump and a secure landing
Improves the shear strength of the surface
Note: Our GGT footing uses the highest quality nonwoven geotextile available as well as the highest quality polyester fiber, with a high tensile strength and UV rating. This assures that your arena footing will last longer and not break down
Remove The "Guess Work" For Your Arenas and Call "Tractor Dean" Today!
It will be the least- and the Best- money you spend! Dean's expertise, friendly manner, and sincere desire to help you design, and build, the arena of your dreams will win you over in moments. You'll have a friend for life and be thanking yourself for years to come that you made that call. Call today and tell Tractor Dean about the arena of Your dreams!
West Coast Footings professionally groomed riding arena footing surface
What does West Coast Footings actually deliver?
West Coast Footings is a full-service riding-arena company that handles everything "From Concept to Completion" — design, construction, footing supply, installation, maintenance, and harrow sales. The team builds both conventional surfaces and water-managed "Ebb & Flow" footing systems, renovates existing arenas, and installs footing additives for dust control and cushion. Their promise runs across the whole job: "Every Arena. Every Detail. Every Ride."
Tractor Dean West Coast Footings arena design and construction showcase
Who is "Tractor Dean" and why does his name carry the brand?
"Tractor Dean" Hendrickson is the owner and the hands-on craftsman behind West Coast Footings, carrying forward the tradition started by founder John Dienhart, whom Dean partnered with and succeeded when John retired. Dean personally manages each project from the initial tractor pass to the final touch, backed by more than 25 years of arena-footing experience. As the company puts it, "If Tractor Dean was on the job, you know it's done right."
West Coast Footings arena footing and surface preparation work
What footing materials and systems can they build into your arena?
West Coast Footings designs custom surfaces around the discipline being ridden, blending sand with footing additives and engineered fiber for the right grip, rebound, and dust control. They offer conventional builds, "Ebb & Flow" sub-irrigated systems for consistent moisture, base repair, and arena renovation for facilities that have gone hard, deep, or uneven. Surface texture is optimized per use case, and "Laser Controlled" grooming turns the footing over to an exact, level depth.
West Coast Footings patriotic semi truck hauling arena footing materials
How does the arena-building process work from first call to final pass?
It starts with a consultation and on-site assessment, where Dean evaluates the existing base, drainage, and intended disciplines before recommending a footing recipe and build method. From there the team handles base preparation, footing delivery and installation, and final laser-controlled leveling — and because Dean is present on every job, the standard stays consistent from groundwork to the last grooming pass. Consultations and design advice are available in person or by phone at (800) 585-7000.
Which disciplines and facilities is this footing built for?
West Coast Footings prepares and maintains surfaces for barrel racing, cow horse, cutting, dog agility, dressage, hunter/jumper, polo, and western competition — each needing a different balance of firmness and give. Their work spans private barns, boarding facilities, and high-stakes show grounds, with the philosophy that "When footing equals dollars for your facility or event, West Coast Footings delivers." Whether it's a backyard ring or a competition arena, the same detail-first approach applies.
What harrows and equipment can you buy, and how do you order? The company sells, services, and repairs arena harrows, currently offering three drag styles — the Double Sided Tip, the Double Coil Tine, and the S-Tine — along with parts, training, and ongoing maintenance support. An online parts store is marked "Coming Soon," so for current harrow and parts availability the fastest route is to call. Reach West Coast Footings (also known as Tractor Dean) at (800) 585-7000,, or visit them out of Clovis, CA 93619.
West Coast Footings, run by "Tractor Dean" Hendrickson, designs, builds, and equips riding arenas. Dean is nationally known for his expertise in arena design, construction, and equipment, and works with you in person or by phone to plan the arena you want.
Why hire an arena consultant instead of building the footing myself?
You can build an arena yourself, but the wrong footing can cost you thousands in vet bills, wasted water, and frustration from less-than-ideal conditions. An arena consultant like Tractor Dean helps you decide where, how, how much, and what kind of footing to use before you start, so the upfront investment pays off.
What is GGT-Footing™ and why does Tractor Dean recommend it?
GGT-Footing™ is a geotextile-and-fiber arena footing that West Coast Footings installs and resells because Dean considers it the best available. It reduces dust, stores water, resists impact, prevents packing, and provides spring for energy rebound while supporting your horse's joints and ligaments.
Can the right arena footing help protect my horse from injury?
That is the core of the company's mission — to protect the equine athlete. The GGT footing they install offers optimal impact resistance, higher slide strength, added stability, and spring that supports a strong jump and secure landing, helping prevent lameness and minimize veterinary bills.
Why is there no single "perfect" recipe for arena footing?
Soundness and performance depend on many variables, and maintenance and moisture content are key to how any riding ring performs. West Coast Footings combines current scientific research on equestrian footings with hands-on experience to diagnose your footing challenges and dial in the right mix of stability and cushion for your discipline.
Does West Coast Footings also supply horse stalls and stall components?
Yes. Many clients rely on Tractor Dean to supply, design, or customize horse stalls and components, with a focus on design, looks, easy installation, durability, and longevity. Stalls are quoted at his best possible prices alongside arena work.
Do show managers and professional venues use West Coast Footings?
Yes. Show managers are frequent clients because they must have premium footing and well-maintained arenas for the horses on display. Projects range from installing entirely new riding surfaces in one or more arenas to providing equipment so a venue's crew can maintain the ring themselves.
How do I get help designing my arena?
Tell Tractor Dean about the arena of your dreams and he'll help you every step of the way. Reach West Coast Footings by phone at 800-585-7000 or by email at [email protected], or visit https://www.westcoastfootings.com/ to start the conversation.
Who owns West Coast Footings?
West Coast Footings is owned and run by "Tractor Dean" Hendrickson. He partnered with the company's founder, John Dienhart, and took over to uphold the West Coast Footings tradition when John retired. Dean is personally hands-on, managing each project from the first tractor pass to the final touch.
How much experience does Tractor Dean have?
West Coast Footings cites over 25 years of arena-footing industry experience. Dean is known for being present on every job, and the company's reputation is summed up in the line, "If Tractor Dean was on the job, you know it's done right." That long track record covers private barns through major competition grounds.
How do I contact West Coast Footings?
You can call them at (800) 585-7000 or email [email protected]. The business is based in Clovis, CA 93619. Dean is available for design help and consultation either in person or by phone.
What footing materials does West Coast Footings use?
They build custom surfaces by blending sand with footing additives and engineered fiber to achieve the right cushion, grip, and dust control for the intended discipline. The exact recipe is tailored to each arena rather than being one-size-fits-all. They also handle footing-additive installation and dust-control solutions as standalone services.
What is an Ebb & Flow footing system?
Ebb & Flow is a water-managed, sub-irrigated footing system that West Coast Footings builds as an alternative to a conventional surface. It manages moisture from below to keep footing consistently watered, which helps maintain stable cushion and reduces dust without constant top-watering. It's one of the build types they offer alongside conventional construction.
Does West Coast Footings renovate existing arenas?
Yes. They offer arena renovation to upgrade existing facilities, including base repair and re-mixing or refreshing footing that has become hard, deep, or uneven. This is a good option if your current ring rides poorly but the overall structure is sound. They assess the existing base and drainage before recommending a fix.
What disciplines is the footing designed for?
West Coast Footings prepares and maintains surfaces for barrel racing, cow horse, cutting, dog agility, dressage, hunter/jumper, polo, and western competitions. Each of these needs a different balance of firmness and give, so the footing recipe and grooming are tailored to the discipline. They serve both everyday riding arenas and high-stakes event grounds.
What harrows does West Coast Footings sell?
They currently offer three harrow drag styles: the Double Sided Tip, the Double Coil Tine, and the S-Tine. Each is designed to turn over and level arena footing for consistent depth and cushion. They also sell parts and provide service, repair, and training for harrows.
Can I buy harrow parts online?
An online parts store is listed as "Coming Soon" on their site. Until it launches, the company directs customers to contact them by phone for current parts availability. Call (800) 585-7000 to check stock and order harrow parts.
What is "Laser Controlled" grooming?
Laser Controlled grooming is a deep turnover and leveling method West Coast Footings uses to groom footing to a precise, even depth. Using laser guidance keeps the surface level across the whole arena rather than developing high and low spots. This produces a more consistent, predictable ride for both horse and rider.
Does West Coast Footings offer consultation before a build?
Yes. They provide consultation and planning that runs from an initial on-site assessment through project completion. Dean evaluates the base, drainage, and intended disciplines, then recommends a footing recipe and construction method. This guidance is available in person or by phone.
Where is West Coast Footings located and what areas do they serve?
The company is based in Clovis, CA 93619, and is known for arena work across California and at major horse and trade shows. Tractor Dean is frequently hired to manage and care for footing at competitions. For travel and service-area questions on a specific project, call (800) 585-7000.
Does West Coast Footings handle dust control?
Yes. Dust control is built into their footing recipes through additives and is also offered as part of consultation and maintenance. Properly blended additives and moisture management reduce airborne dust, which protects both equine and rider respiratory health. The Ebb & Flow system also helps keep dust down by managing moisture from below.
Can West Coast Footings prepare footing for a horse show or event?
Yes. Tractor Dean is well known for managing and caring for footing at horse shows and trade shows, and the company explicitly markets event preparation across multiple disciplines. Their philosophy is, "When footing equals dollars for your facility or event, West Coast Footings delivers." Event organizers can call to arrange show-footing management.
What makes West Coast Footings different from other arena builders?
The key differentiator is that Tractor Dean is personally on every job, managing it from the first tractor pass to the final touch rather than delegating to crews. The company describes his attention to detail as unmatched and credits over 25 years of experience plus the lineage from founder John Dienhart. That hands-on continuity is the core of their reputation.
How do I get a quote or start an arena project?
Start by calling (800) 585-7000 or emailing [email protected] to set up a consultation. Dean will assess your site and intended use, then recommend a footing and build approach. From there the team handles base prep, footing installation, and final laser-controlled leveling to complete the arena.