Equestrian Rubber Chippings UK | Horse Arena & Menage Surfacing
Equestrian Rubber Chippings UK | Horse Arena & Menage Surfacing
Premium Rubber Chippings for Equestrian Surfaces
Slip-Not® supplies high-quality equestrian rubber chippings for horse arenas, menages, and turnout areas across the UK. Our rubber chips provide superior cushioning, excellent drainage, and all-weather performance for happy, healthy horses.
Free UK Delivery • Bulk Orders Available • Expert Advice: 01744 520110
What Are Equestrian Rubber Chippings?
Equestrian rubber chippings (also called rubber crumb, rubber mulch, or arena chips) are granulated rubber particles used as a surface additive or standalone surfacing material for horse riding areas. Made from recycled tyres, these chips provide cushioning, improve drainage, and create consistent riding surfaces year-round.
Rubber chippings are used in:
- Outdoor riding arenas – Mixed with sand for optimal performance
- Indoor menages – Consistent surface regardless of weather
- Horse walkers – Cushioned paths for exercising horses
- Lunging areas – Soft, stable ground for training
- Turnout paddocks – Mud-free areas around gateways and troughs
- Stable yards – Non-slip surfaces in high-traffic areas
Benefits of Rubber Chippings for Horses
Joint & Tendon Protection
Rubber chippings absorb up to 40% of impact energy, significantly reducing stress on horses' legs. This is crucial for:
- Competition horses in intensive training
- Older horses with arthritis or joint issues
- Horses recovering from injury
- Young horses developing bones and tendons
All-Weather Performance
Unlike natural surfaces, rubber chipping arenas remain usable year-round:
- No freezing – Rubber doesn't ice over like sand or soil
- Excellent drainage – Water passes through instantly
- No mud – Surface stays firm even in heavy rain
- No dust – Stays stable in dry, windy conditions
Reduced Maintenance
Rubber arena surfaces require significantly less maintenance than traditional surfaces:
- No watering required to maintain consistency
- Less frequent levelling needed
- Won't compact like sand alone
- Won't degrade or decompose
Environmental Benefits
Our equestrian rubber chippings are 100% recycled from end-of-life tyres, diverting waste from landfill while creating a superior equestrian surface.
Rubber Chipping Specifications
| Specification | Standard Grade | Premium Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Chip size | 5-15mm | 5-12mm (more consistent) |
| Wire-free | 99%+ | 100% guaranteed |
| Colour | Black/dark grey | Black or coloured options |
| Density | ~550kg/m³ | ~550kg/m³ |
| Best use | General riding | Competition, sensitive horses |
Installation Guide
Arena Construction (New Build)
- Excavate to depth – Typically 150-200mm below final level
- Install drainage – Perforated pipes in herringbone pattern
- Lay membrane – Prevents substrate mixing with surface
- Add stone base – 75-100mm MOT Type 1 or similar
- Compact base – Firm, level foundation
- Install surface – Sand/rubber mixture or rubber alone
Surface Mixing Ratios
For optimal performance, mix rubber chippings with silica sand:
- General riding: 15-20% rubber, 80-85% sand
- Dressage: 20-25% rubber (more cushioning)
- Jumping: 15-20% rubber (firmer take-off)
- All-purpose: 18-22% rubber
Coverage Calculator
For a 50mm deep rubber/sand surface:
- 20m × 40m arena: ~40 tonnes total surface material
- At 20% rubber: ~8 tonnes rubber chippings needed
- 20m × 60m arena: ~60 tonnes total (12 tonnes rubber)
Rubber Chippings vs Other Arena Surfaces
| Surface Type | Cushioning | Drainage | Maintenance | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rubber/Sand Mix | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Low | 10-15 years |
| Silica Sand Only | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | Medium | 5-7 years |
| Wood/Fibre | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | High | 3-5 years |
| Waxed Sand | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | Low | 8-12 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, quality equestrian rubber chippings are completely safe for horses. Our rubber chips are wire-free (metal removed during processing), non-toxic, and have been used safely in equestrian facilities worldwide for over 20 years. Horses cannot digest rubber if accidentally ingested, but it passes through harmlessly. The benefits for joint health far outweigh any theoretical concerns.
For a standard 20% rubber/sand mix surface at 50mm depth: a 20×40m arena needs approximately 8 tonnes of rubber chippings, and a 20×60m arena needs approximately 12 tonnes. For 100% rubber surfaces (less common), multiply these figures by 5. We recommend contacting us for a precise quote based on your specific requirements.
Rubber chippings typically last 10-15 years in equestrian arenas before needing replacement. Unlike organic materials (wood, fibre), rubber doesn't decompose. Over time, some rubber migrates to arena edges or kicks out, requiring occasional top-ups (typically 1-2 tonnes per 800m² annually). UV exposure gradually lightens colour but doesn't affect performance.
Black rubber can absorb heat and become warm on hot summer days. However, when mixed with sand (the recommended installation), heat is significantly dissipated. For outdoor arenas in full sun, coloured rubber chippings (brown, green) absorb less heat. Most UK summers don't produce temperatures high enough to cause concern – this is more relevant in hotter climates.
Yes, 100% rubber surfaces are used in some applications (horse walkers, turnout areas, stable yards). However, for riding arenas, a sand/rubber mix is strongly recommended. Pure rubber can be too soft for proper hoof support during fast work and may shift excessively. The sand provides stability while rubber adds cushioning – the combination outperforms either material alone.
Shop Equestrian Rubber Chippings
Browse our range of equestrian rubber chippings with free UK delivery on bulk orders:
Shop Rubber Chippings → Get a Bulk Quote →Need Advice on Arena Surfacing?
Our team has supplied rubber chippings for hundreds of UK equestrian facilities – from private yards to competition venues.
Call: 01744 520110 | Email: sales@slip-not.co.uk
