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There are a great number of Americans that love to go watch a horse show. The major drawback for those with breathing difficulties is arena dust. This dust is not only dangerous to the spectators and riders, but also the horses. Arena dust occurs when the floor of an arena is not properly compacted or has become combined with local soil. For an average arena, a normal year's wear and tear will only wear the surface down 1/8 of an inch. As the surface becomes more used, the dirt is reduced down more and more until the particles become small enough to be airborne. New unwashed sand to cover the arena floor, but it does not make dust because the particles are of sufficient size to not become airborne. Another benefit of unwashed sand is that it contains from 10 percent to 30 percent clay. Clay is a small particle that can easily become airborne, but it has other qualities that reduce the amount of the dust. One is that clay has the ability to bind with other components in the sand. This helps to decrease the smaller particles that could become airborne that are in with the sand. Water is another method used to reduce the effects of arena dust. This is an effective method, but it is a temporary stop gap. To increase its potency, it must be done in significant quantities. In most cases, if water is soaked down two inches, this will be sufficient enough until the moisture evaporates. For most arenas to control dust, not only can they make use of water, but they could also use salt. The most common salts are calcium or magnesium chloride. The unique characteristics of these salts are what make them compatible with water. This is their "hydroscopic properties" or ability to absorb moisture. Unfortunately, there is a risk that is associated with calcium chloride and its caustic effect on the horses and a rider's skin. Magnesium chloride is the recommended salt. As an added precaution, it is recommended that the horse's lower legs and hooves be washed down after being in an arena treated with magnesium salts. There are other dust suppressors for an arena, but magnesium chloride combined with water is the economical solution to fight arena dust. Additional information can be found regarding how an erosion control blanket can be used to keep dust contained, especially in construction areas where dust is most prevalent. Check out the Dust Stop Zone for more Free information.
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