Arena Footing and Stall Bedding: How Much to Buy
Footing and bedding are two of the biggest recurring horse costs, and both are bought by volume or weight. This guide shows the math for ordering the right amount and how to pick the material.
Arena footing: the volume formula
Footing is sold by the cubic yard or by the ton. To find cubic yards, multiply length by width by depth, all in feet, and divide by 27. Convert the depth from inches to feet by dividing by 12. A 60 by 120 foot arena with 3 inches of footing is 60 × 120 × (3 ÷ 12) = 1,800 cubic feet, or about 67 cubic yards. The Arena Sand Calculator does the math, adds an allowance for compaction and turns the result into tons. For other conversions use the Cubic Yards to Cubic Feet Converter.
Cubic yards to tons
Sand is heavy. Dry sand weighs roughly 1.3 to 1.4 tons per cubic yard, and damp sand weighs more. Ask the supplier for the weight per yard of their product, since some quote about 1 ton per yard, which understates it. The 67 cubic yards above would be roughly 87 to 94 tons.
| Arena size | Depth | Cubic yards |
|---|---|---|
| 60 x 120 ft | 2 in | 44 |
| 60 x 120 ft | 3 in | 67 |
| 20 x 40 m (66 x 131 ft) | 3 in | 80 |
| Round pen, 60 ft diameter | 3 in | 26 |
How deep should footing be?
Most riding arenas ride best with 2 to 3 inches of footing over a firm, well-draining base. Too shallow and the horse feels the base; too deep and hooves sink and twist, which strains tendons. Start shallow, since you can always add. Round pens and areas for fast work or sliding have their own needs. Footing is only as good as the base underneath: a compacted stone base with good drainage and a slight crown or slope is essential. Add an allowance of 10 to 20 percent for compaction and settling, and top up as needed.
Choosing the footing material
- Sand: common and affordable, drains well; angular sand holds together better than round, and it needs moisture control to reduce dust.
- Sand with fiber or rubber: adds cushion and stability, but costs more.
- Stone dust and screenings: firm, good for lighter use but can pack hard and dusty.
- Wood products: soft and cushioned but break down and need replacing.
The Arena Footing Finder matches material to your discipline, budget and climate.
Stall bedding: how much do you need?
A stall needs enough bedding to cushion and absorb urine. A typical horse uses between roughly 1 and 3 bags of shavings a week for topping up and 1 to 2 bales for a full clean-out, depending on the stall size, how often the horse is stalled and the type of bedding. The Bedding Amount Calculator estimates the amount for your stall size, bedding depth and number of horses and the number of bags or bales per month. Typical bedding depth is 3 to 6 inches over the full stall floor, and more along the walls.
Bedding types
| Type | Strengths | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Wood shavings | Absorbent, widely available, comfortable | Black walnut is toxic to horses; avoid it |
| Straw | Cheap, natural, composts well | Horses may eat it; can be dusty |
| Pellets | Very absorbent, low dust, compact to store | Needs water to expand, and a learning curve |
| Paper and hemp | Low dust, suit allergic horses | Cost and availability vary |
The Bedding Finder helps match a bedding to your horse, such as one with allergies, and to your budget and manure disposal.
Cutting waste
- Pick out manure and wet spots daily, and add fresh bedding only where needed.
- Use stall mats under bedding to reduce the amount.
- Store shavings dry and under cover.
- Buy in bulk when you have the space.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting to divide by 27 when working in feet.
- Ordering by volume and being quoted by weight, or the reverse.
- Putting footing over a poor base.
- Choosing a bedding without checking the source for toxic wood.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate cubic yards for an arena?
Multiply length in feet by width in feet by depth in feet, then divide by 27. Convert inches of depth to feet by dividing by 12. Add 10 to 20 percent for compaction.
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
Dry sand weighs roughly 1.3 to 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Damp sand is heavier, so ask your supplier.
How deep should arena footing be?
Most arenas ride best with 2 to 3 inches of footing on a firm, well-drained base.
Tools used in this guide
- Arena Sand Calculator
- Bedding Amount Calculator
- Arena Footing Finder
- Bedding Finder
- Cubic Yards to Cubic Feet Converter
More guides
- How to Estimate Your Horse's Weight Without a Scale
- Feeding Horses: Hay, Grain and Supplements
- Body Condition Scoring with the Henneke Scale
- Deworming Strategy for Horses: Fecal Egg Counts and Targeted Treatment
- All HorseCalcs guides
Figures in this guide are general guidance for planning. Every horse is different, so work with your veterinarian, farrier or trainer on health, hoof and training decisions, and read our disclaimer.