Testimonials
Matt Ryan
Triple Olympic Gold Medallist
Turffloat™, Equisilicasand and Hydrogel™
Matt Ryan, Triple Olympic Gold Medallist (Eventing)
Having moved to a new property without an arena, I was in the enviable position of being able to choose exactly the surface I wanted. Having researched the market, I decided to call Equestrian Direct.
I was initially interested in having a sand and rubber arena, as I have ridden on those in the past and found it to be a very practical all-weather surface, but the team at Equestrian Direct suggested I tried their Turffloat™ binding fibres.
They explained that Turffloat™ has many of the positive properties of a sand and rubber arena, with added benefits. I was pleased to find out that Turffloat™ was far more ecologically friendly than many of the alternatives on the market, but the greatest advantage for me was the adaptability of the surface.
As I train quality horses to a high level, it is very important to me that a surface gives both energy return and hoof support. With correct maintenance, I am able to achieve the perfect surface to ride on, the going can be adjusted to meet the requirements of the rider
The advisors at Equestrian Direct suggested that I used their premium Equisilicasand, EQ8A with the Turffloat™, as its angular grain shape creates ideal conditions for the Turffloat™ to work in, and allows free draining.
A major concern of mine was that the arena might dry out in hot summer conditions, and Equestrian Direct advised the use of Hydrogel™, a rehydration crystal which absorbs 300 times its own weight in water and slowly releases it back into the surface. This has really reduced the necessity for watering the arena, and I can now get on and ride whatever the weather.
I believe the combination of Turffloat™, Equisilicasand and Hydrogel™ to be the best surface available on the market; it is certainly the best I have ever ridden on. Even my farrier has said that my horse's feet have improved since they have been working on it. I am so pleased with it that I am now installing a round pen with the same surface!
Flexiride™
Gillian De Vere
I have had my Flexiride™ surface down for nearly two years now and would like to let you know how it has performed. With long periods of hot dry weather, weeks of pouring rain and occasions of Sub Zero temperatures, it has remained a constantly springy ride with constant footing.
There has never been any weather conditions so far that has made the arena unusable and gives the same ride in exteme hot dry conditions as it does in minus temperatures. It never rides to hard or to dep, does not blow on the wind or ball on the horse's feet and also needs minimum maintenance.
My horse who is a 20 yr old ex International Grand Prix dressage horse with very big paces finds this surface very easy to work on and really appreciates the return that the Flexiride™ offers. His legs and joins remain in perfect condition.
The surface has been much admired by amongst other people my vet, my trainer and my blacksmith and surfice to say that I am delighted with the product and would have no hesitation on recommending it.
Flexiride™
Rebecca Longhurts
I have had my Flexiride™ surface put down in November 2008 and am really impressed and pleased with its performance. We had several hard frosts this winter, as well as temperatures as low as -10. During these sever conditions we have been able to use the arena everyday, whilist our neighbours sand and rubber arena was totally frozen! The Flexiride did not freeze and we were even able to use it as a 'turnout' for the horses.
Flexiride™
Lucinda Green, six time winner of Badminton Horse Trials and Olympic Silver Medallist (Eventing)
I had a sand and rubber arena, but had to remove the rubber as the neighbours disliked the smell it gave off in hot weather. Sand alone is 'dead' to ride on, and a friend recommended I called Equestrian Direct for advice.
I approached Equestrian Direct in 2004, and explained that my arena was too firm -but that I was loathe to return to rubber. Their knowledgeable team instantly pointed me in the right direction -to Flexiride™.
Realising that there were more and more environmental concerns with many available surfaces, and being environmentally conscious myself, I was pleased to hear that Equestrian Direct use only recycled materials, and have come up with ecologically sound alternatives to various popular surfaces. Flexiride™ in particular is an excellent alternative to rubber.
Flexiride™ is made from synthetic textile and polymer materials, blended with cushioning foam. It is a stable surface, and being softer than rubber it reduces impact and the risk of concussion-an obvious advantage, particularly when jumping. It is also guaranteed 100% wire free, which most rubber manufacturers cannot claim.
Flexiride™ is a very economical surface, and is working equally well 18 months after it was laid. It is not disappearing into the sand or breaking down, and I can see it will be a long time before I will need to replace it. I hardly have to maintain it, and it is an excellent surface in all conditions, as it rarely freezes or blows -and it doesn't smell on hot summer days either.
I believe that Flexiride™ is extremely suitable for all disciplines at all levels -it performs to meet professional needs but is so cost-effective that even a smaller yard may find it affordable.
Hydrogel™
Jenny Evans
Our Indoor arena has a very old surface on it, but we find on the whole it rides very well when sufficiently watered. Unfortunately, our only way of watering is with a sprinkler. We finally realised that we had to do something when a hosepipe ban was enforced in our area, and called Equestrian Direct for advice.
Their friendly, helpful advisor suggested Hydrogel™, a rehydration crystal which, when rotorvated into the sand and watered, retains moisture and slowly releases it back into the surface. What made it all the more attractive was that it was a cost-effective way of rejuvenating our arena, when the alternative seemed to be to replace the surface.
We installed the Hydrogel™, and it has made all the difference. The arena now requires considerably less watering, and the surface gives a better ride than ever. It is more even, and has a degree of 'bounce' that was lacking before.
My experience of Equestrian Direct was a very good one. Their customer service is excellent, and their innovative products work beautifully.
Equiride Super & Equisilicasand
Mrs Pitchford
Dear Everyone at Equestrian Direct
Just a note to say thanks for the excellent service and quality surface you provided, I will have no problem with recommending you to friends who will be putting in riding arenas.
Thanks
Equicushion/Ecoarena
Jane Ogle
Dear Equestrian Direct
I would like to let you know how delighted we are and our horses are with our recently completed Ecoarena. The surface is really good to ride on and the horses have enjoyed doing flatwork, jumping and polocrosse on it.
Tim Pearman, the contractor, was a delight to work with and the whole construction seemed to go very much to plan.
Many thanks