Maintaining a safe, consistent riding surface starts with using the right arena leveller for your surface type and towing vehicle.
But with different footing materials, arena sizes and equipment options available, it can be difficult to know where to start.
The good news is that choosing the right arena maintenance equipment usually comes down to three key factors:
- Your arena surface type
- Your towing vehicle
- How often your arena is used
Choosing the wrong equipment can lead to uneven footing, surface separation, compaction and increased maintenance costs. Choosing the right equipment helps keep your arena level, consistent and safer for both horse and rider.
Quick Guide: Which Arena Leveller Do I Need?
If you’re unsure where to start, here’s a simple guide:
| Your Arena Type | Recommended Equipment |
| Dry sand or rubber arena | ArenaMate® Type 3 SSR or RFB |
| Sand & fibre surface | ArenaMate® Type 3 SSR or RFB |
| Waxed or other synthetic surface | ArenaMate® Type 3 SSR or RFB |
| Low power towing vehicle | ArenaMate® Type 3 SSR |
| Professional yard or high-use arena | ArenaMate® Type 3 RFB |
Still unsure? Read on to find the best option for your arena setup.
Choosing Based on Your Arena Surface - detailed explanation:
Dry Sand or Rubber Surfaces
If your arena consists of dry sand, rubber or other free-moving materials, a lighter-touch maintenance approach is often best.
These surfaces generally benefit from:
- Regular levelling
- Breaking up compacted sub layers
- Redistributing displaced footing
For these types of arenas, the ArenaMate® Type 3 is the ideal choice. It is designed to work effectively with free-moving surfaces, helping maintain an even finish without overworking the footing.
A well-maintained sand surface can improve ride quality, reduce uneven patches and help prolong the life of your arena.
Sand & Fibre Surfaces
Sand and fibre arenas require a different approach.
Unlike plain sand surfaces, fibre arenas rely on maintaining the correct mix and consistency throughout the riding layer. Poor maintenance can lead to:
- Fibre separation
- Uneven footing
- Surface compaction
- Inconsistent performance
The ArenaMate® Type 3 has been specifically designed for more technical surfaces, helping maintain an even blend while improving consistency across the arena.
For professional yards, competition venues and heavily used schools, using the correct leveller can make a noticeable difference to surface performance.
Waxed & Synthetic Surfaces
Waxed and synthetic arenas require careful maintenance to preserve surface structure and performance.
The wrong equipment can disturb the footing too aggressively or fail to maintain consistent depth.
For these surfaces, the ArenaMate® Type 3 range is typically the recommended option, helping to:
- Maintain even footing depth
- Prevent compaction
- Keep surface materials blended consistently
SSR or RFB: Which ArenaMate® Type 3 Is Right for You?
Once you’ve identified that a Type 3 is right for your surface, the next question is:
Should you choose the SSR or the RFB?
Here’s a simple comparison:
| Feature | Type 3 SSR | Type 3 RFB |
| Best for | Private arenas & lighter use | Professional & high-use arenas |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier-duty |
| Towing requirements | Lower-powered vehicles | Larger towing vehicles |
| Machine stability | Good with correct set up | Maximum consistency |
| Ideal user | Home riders & smaller yards | Professional, competition & busy equestrian facilities |
Choose the SSR if:
- You have a private arena
- You use a quad bike or compact tractor
- You want excellent maintenance with a lighter towing requirement
Choose the RFB if:
- Your arena sees heavy daily use
- You run a professional or competition yard
- You want maximum consistency and stability across the surface
Choosing Based on Your Towing Vehicle
Your towing vehicle also plays an important role in selecting the right leveller. There are two categories that must be checked:
- Always check your towing vehicle capacity including towing and passenger weight limits to prevent damage to the engine and components.
- Towing vehicle width, always choose a leveller that is wider than the towing vehicle in order to remove tyre marks in the surface.
Small Quad Bikes & Tractor Mowers
If you’re using a small quad bike (250cc-350cc) or small tractor/mower, a lighter configuration may be more suitable, such as the Type 3 SSR.
Compact Tractors & ATV's & Quads
Compact tractors, ATV's and quads are the best choices and most compatible with a wider range of arena maintenance equipment and can comfortably manage larger levellers. Our best selling variant is the Type 3 RFB.
Large Tractors
For commercial yards and professional facilities, heavier-duty setups such as the Type 3 RFB Track variants are often preferred for performance and consistency.
If you are unsure, it’s always worth checking compatibility before purchasing.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Arena Equipment
Choosing Based on Price Alone
Cheaper equipment may not suit your footing type and could lead to increased maintenance costs over time.
Using DIY Alternatives
Dragging gates, pallets or improvised levellers may seem like a quick fix, but they often create inconsistent footing and can worsen compaction.
Choosing Equipment That Is Too Heavy or Too Light
The wrong match between towing vehicle and leveller can affect performance and usability.
Ignoring Surface Type
Different surfaces require different maintenance methods. What works well for sand may not work for fibre or waxed surfaces.
Need Help Choosing the Right Arena Leveller?
Every arena is different.
If you’re unsure which ArenaMate® is right for your surface, our team can help you choose based on:
- Arena surface type
- Arena size
- Towing vehicle
- Frequency of use
Get in touch for individual advice