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On the day before we left for Canada (blog post about that coming soon), the ranch owners did another application of their dust control product, ArenaKleen (by Dirt Glue). I blogged about this process before (and here).  Pretty much everything you'd want to know about the product is on the label above. If you read the label, you'll see that it's an organic blended severely hydrotreated dust suppressant. Yeah ... doesn't help me out much either, but who cares since the stuff really and truly works.  So glad the ranch owners care about dust control! For such a hi-tech product, the application is super simple. You just spray it on with a garden hose. Getting it out of the container is the hardest part. The ranch owners used a portable, high powered water pump.  Just like hosing down dust. When the ranch owners treated the arena nearly two years ago, they applied four containers. Since it has held up so well, they only needed to apply two containers this time. With two hoses dispensing, both containers were emptied in under two hours.  When they were finished, the footing looked wet, but it was rideable that same day. Even when dragged, the footing will continue to be darker than the dirt outside of the arena. Before this new application of ArenaKleen, there was no dust in the air when I rode, but some low-hanging dust was beginning to form with each footfall. No more. I rode yesterday and there were absolutely zero dust poofs.  Completely dust free! Since the arena didn't need all of the second container, they sprayed the round pen as well. I don't use it very often, but since Izzy hadn't been ridden in two weeks, I started him in there yesterday so he could blow off some steam. That footing was also dust free. Not just mostly, but completely dust free.  Since DirtGlue's website doesn't list the price per container, you know it's expensive. But really, what equine related product isn't? This is probably not a feasible dust control solution for most backyard horse owners, but if you run a larger facility, the price of ArenaKleen might be cheaper than your water bill - especially if you live in California where water is in short supply.  Price per gallon? A lot. After years of dragging sprinklers around to ineffectively water my riding space, it is so nice to just hop on without having to water or deal with dust. My ponies better mind their manners because I am not getting kicked out of this place! I'll get new ponies if it comes down to it. Kidding. Not really.
Since it only rains about 6 times a year here, the wait for rain strategy doesn't work for us. What do you all do for dust control?
Such fascinating stuff! 7/16/2018 02:06:31 pm
Thanks for that explanation, Addie! The ranch owners are geologists. She explained the product to me, stressing that it was very non-toxic. They're pretty smart people, so I trusted them to choose something safe. Your explanation was super easy to follow.
Tracy
7/16/2018 03:28:50 pm
I appreciate the explanation also! Since my horses live in sand paddocks (and yes it gets dusty!), I was wondering if this could be used "where they live". After reading your explanation, I'm thinking maybe it wouldn't be the best idea. Thanks! 7/17/2018 08:19:04 am
Glad folks found it useful! :) 7/17/2018 12:13:15 pm
That cracked me up! Tracy has ridden in our arena, so she has a good idea of what it looks like, but none of us have every gotten down close enough to put our skin on it. We did do a yoga ball clinic with Chemaine, but we laid on tarps and horse blankets. I am in the arena daily, and I've never had any sort of reaction, but a horse sleeping in it every night might react. Good thing to think about.
Tracy
7/17/2018 08:55:55 am
LOL! Yes, Karen, could you please roll in the arena, preferably naked. Well, I'd like to get as complete a test as possible, after all, my mare does have sensitive skin! 7/17/2018 12:10:38 pm
HAHA! Too funny, Tracy. :0) 7/17/2018 04:05:01 pm
Great post, Karen. If you or any of your readers are interested, Soilworks offers a much more environmentally friendly alternative product called Durasoil that we use on horse arenas across the country. It is also completely safe for humans and animals--you'll notice the "1" listed under the Health Hazard Rating on the label for ArenaKleen, that means the product may cause "Irritation or minor reversible injury." Durasoil has a Health rating "0," meaning there is "No significant risk to health." Please feel free to contact me to discuss our options in more detail. mmuenich@soilworks.com 480-490-3112. 7/17/2018 04:09:31 pm
Thanks for sharing, Mike. Dust control is always an issue when it comes to riding arenas, especially in areas of the country that are in perpetual drought - oh, hello there, California! 7/17/2018 04:14:43 pm
@Karen, don't forget about Arizona! (Our home base btw.) I work with several arena owners in the Phoenix valley and beyond that are (rightfully) very water-conscious.
Corey
9/19/2018 12:19:38 am
Hi, 9/27/2018 05:50:56 pm
I really can't say, but I think I heard the ranch owner laugh and say something about $8 a gallon. I could be making that up though. You'd really have to contact the company. Comments are closed.
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About the Writer and RiderI am a lifelong rider.
I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010. Welcome to my dressage journey. 
Photo by Lori Ovanessian
About Speedy GSpeedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
July 2020 (PC AJSK Photography)
About IzzyIzzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)
Bakersfield Dressage approved!
My favorite breeches!
FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
I love her stuff!
Watercolor Artist and Friend
National Rider Awards
USDF Bronze Medal - 2020
USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award - 2018
USDF First Level Rider Performance Award - 2015
USDF Training Level Rider Performance Award - 2013
State Rider Awards
CDS Ruby Rider Award - 2018
State Horse Awards
Speedy G - 3rd Level Horse Performance Award - 2020
Speedy G - 2nd Level Horse Performance Award - 2018
Working Towards:
CDS Sapphire Rider Award Third Level: 63.514% Third Level: 62.105% Fourth Level: Fourth Level: 2023 Show Season
Show Rating (***) CDS/USDF/USEF (*) CDS (s) Schooling (c) Clinic (r) Ride-a-Test Clinic 2023 Show Schedule
TBD 2023 Completed … Pending 2023 Qualifying Scores
Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC) Qualifying Training Level 3 Scores/2 Judges/60%: Score 1: Score 2: Score 3: Archives
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