ArenaKleen

7/16/2018

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?

Addie link

7/16/2018 07:47:00 am

Such fascinating stuff!

I did a bit of research into what's in it-- it's mostly large hydrocarbons (think large oil molecules) with some amphiphilic molecules (think soap). The hydrocarbons will bind to the dirt, and the amphiphiles will basically glue the hydrocarbonds together. It's a smart mixture. Very non-toxic (it's only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen), but may cause skin irritation (imagine putting soap all over your arms and then letting it dry there).

Thanks for sharing!

Bakersfield Dressage link

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.

Neither of my horses has had any issue with the product, but then we don't usually use this arena for turnout. All of the horses on the ranch live in large sandy pastures. I've never had problems either. Now that is has had time to cure, I don't think it would cause any skin irritations, but like I said, none of the horses ever roll in it. I don't either. :0)

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!

Addie Kingsland link

7/17/2018 08:19:04 am

Glad folks found it useful! :)

Tracy-- It's very possible that after the mixture is cured it wouldn't cause skin irritation any more. It's really impossible to tell without either a) having direct experience with it or b) knowing exactly what's in it (which is unlikely because "trade secrets"). It would probably also depend on your horses and how sensitive their skin is.

My best guess is that it would be fine; that's based on the fact that the company charges an arm and a leg for it, and I would hope that they'd done the research to find something as not-itchy as possible.

You could always e-mail the company and ask if the skin irritation continues after the dirt has cured. If they're wrong, that opens you up to a refund, at least. Or you could ask Karen to roll in it and tell us how that goes. :P

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.

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!

On a more serious note, I did send the info over to our Equestrian Center folks. Since water is such an issue here, it sure would be nice to be able to do something to manage the dust in our arenas!

7/17/2018 12:10:38 pm

HAHA! Too funny, Tracy. :0)

I know Deb could tell you how much it cost, but compared to a water bill, it might be worth it.

Mike Muenich link

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,
I am very interested in this product. If I may ask, what is the price per gallon?

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.

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