Students in the Equine Industries program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst are now enjoying safer, more confident riding in the indoor arena on new footing installed by IGK Equestrian this past January – just in time for the spring semester.

There were significant safety issues with the old arena footing, according to Bill Mitchell, Assistant Dean and Director of the Stockbridge School of Agriculture.“We had a real dust problem, which was unhealthy for horses and for people with allergies,” said Mitchell. “Also, the original footing was also over 20 years old and became very slippery when wet. This was an unhealthy, unsafe situation for both horse and rider.”

The new footing, LiteStride®, is designed to provide a supportive, responsive riding surface in a dust-free environment, according to IGK Equestrian co-owner Carolyn Kyle. She is also the author of Carolyn’s Footing and Bedding Blog at footingandbedding.com.

“LiteStride is made from a combination of recycled rubber, fiber and sand designed to resist compaction and tracking,” said Kyle. “This should solve some of the riding safety concerns UMass was experiencing last fall. It will also eliminate dust in the ring and the need to water.”

Dean Mitchell confirmed that the new footing is dust-free and has reduced maintenance, while increasing options for exercises and courses. “Our trainers feel comfortable setting complicated jumping courses and working on advanced flat exercises,” he said. “Now that the footing has enough grip and support, our options are limitless!”

Thanks to a warmer-than-average winter season, IGK Equestrian was able to finish the LiteStride installation by January 2012, six months ahead of schedule. The new footing is now supporting riders in the UMass Amherst community for classes, training, competitions and workshops. More information is available on the school’s website at http://www.umass.edu/loop/talkingpoints/articles/145190.php.

IGK Equestrian is a leading manufacturer of arena footing, amendments and stall systems for performance horses worldwide. All IGK Equestrian products contain recycled content. For more information, call (877) 624-2638 or visit igkequestrian.com.