Outdoor riding arena with high-performance ebb and flow footing

A High-Quality System Solution for your Riding Surface

The Risohorse® Ebb-and-Flow Riding Surface System

THE OPTIMAL RIDING SURFACE

The Development of the Ebb-and-Flow System for Equestrian Sports

Back in the 1990s, Klaus Dammann asked himself: What does the perfect riding surface look like? With the development of the Risohorse® Ebb-and-Flow System, his company took a decisive step closer to this ideal.

The ebb-and-flow principle had long been used in the horticultural industry for the uniform irrigation of plants. So why not use it for riding surfaces too? The idea was to ensure a constant level of moisture in the footing layer through controlled irrigation and drainage – an important factor for optimal riding conditions.

At the end of the 1990s, the first Risohorse® Ebb-and-Flow riding surface was installed at the company's own riding facility. Throughout the successful establishment of this system on the German and international markets, the original goal always remained in focus: the perfect riding surface. To this day, Dammann Reitplatz- und Sportplatzbau GmbH continues to work on further developing the system and implementing innovative improvements.

White show jumping horse in action at tournament on Risohorse riding arena

PERFECT SOIL CONDITIONS

Optimal Balance between Dryness and Moisture

The Risohorse® Ebb-and-Flow System is based on a natural process reminiscent of the ebb and flow of the tides: during “ebb,” excess moisture is drained from the sand so that it dries, while during “flow,” water is added to rehydrate the sand to the optimal level.

This principle is applied to your riding surface using state-of-the-art technology. Fully automatic regulation of the moisture content ensures that the riding surface always remains in ideal condition. Excess water is efficiently drained, while evaporated moisture is specifically compensated for.

Aerial view of equestrian facility with palm trees featuring Risohorse® arenas in Mediterranean climate

YOUR ADVANTAGES AT A GLANCE

The Risohorse® System Meets all the Key Requirements for a Perfect Riding Surface:
• Constant Basic Moisture Content

Even moisture distribution throughout the entire footing layer.

• Stable Firmness

The surface remains stable and safe at all times.

• Excellent Drainage Capacity

Excess water is effectively drained.

• Optimal Elasticity

The surface offers the ideal combination of stability and cushioning.

Heavy rainfall event during the Nations Cup

Riding arena during heavy rainfall – 80 liters per square meter in 1.5 hours

Heavy rain – 80 litres per m² within 1.5 hours

Same riding arena few hours after heavy rain – perfect drainage with Risohorse system

After the rain – just a few hours later

MULTIPLE POSSIBILITIES

Versatile – Proven at National and International Levels

The Risohorse® Ebb-and-Flow riding surface system is the ideal solution for a wide range of equestrian applications. It offers outstanding properties that impress both in daily training and at demanding tournament events.

• Outdoor riding arenas
• Indoor riding arena surfaces
• Lunging arenas
• Lunging circles
• Paddocks
• Training tracks, including for polo

IDEAL FOR MANY DISCIPLINES

Show jumping
Dressage
Driving
The Risohorse® Ebb-and-Flow riding surface system is versatile and can be customized to your requirements. Whether for training purposes or professional tournaments, this system provides the perfect basis for top performance in equestrian sports.
Show jumping competition with branded obstacles on Risohorse tournament surfaceBrown show jumping horse mid-jump over green obstacle at MET Oliva on Risohorse surface
Cross-section diagram showing Risohorse ebb-and-flow system layers and drainage pipes

THE STRUCTURE

The Structure of the Risohorse® Ebb-and-Flow System

The Risohorse® Ebb-and-Flow System is installed directly on the natural ground and consists of several carefully coordinated layers:

Plane and Liner

A precise plane is created on the prepared surface and covered with a waterproof liner.

Drainage Pipes

A drainage pipe system is installed on the liner and connected to a control shaft outside the riding surface.

Footing Layer

An approx. 30 cm thick layer of sand is applied over the drainage pipes and compacted with water.
The effect – firmness, moisture, and elasticity
Due to the capillary action of the sand, the upper footing layer draws moisture from the lower sand layers. This principle ensures:

Firmness

The compacted sand provides stable support and uniform load-bearing capacity.

Constant Basic Moisture

The moisture is distributed evenly across the entire footing layer.

Elasticity

The ground offers the ideal combination of stability and cushioning.

Perfect Control Through Intelligent Technology

The moisture content of the riding surface is constantly monitored. A pressure sensor in the control shaft measures the moisture and transmits the data to the riding arena control system. This automatically adjusts the water content to individual requirements – for optimal ground conditions at all times.

The Risohorse® Ebb-and-Flow System provides you with an innovative and sustainable solution that guarantees riding comfort and durability.

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