KT Ranch

The outdoor arena is closed today for spraying.

Monthly show boards are updated at the barn. Farrier board is updated with his dates. Make sure to check the boards.

The outdoor is open as long. If it rains too much and we need to close it for safety sake it will be posted.

Edit stall has been filled!! One stall open May 1.

There is a stop sign newly installed today in our driveway. Stop and make sure the back door is clear before entering the parking lot. We have dogs, children and horses and we don't want anyone hurt. We have nearly had a few people hit because clients are entering the driveway too fast. 2 mph is all that is necessary in our driveway.

I have a Saturday lesson at 10 am if someone is needing time this week.

Boarders we now have a farrier board on the calendar wall. Please check for your horse and date and ensure your payment is on the board.

For indoor arenas, calcium chloride (CaCl2) and magnesium chloride (MgCl2) (often called "mag chloride" or "MAG flakes") are common salts used to control dust by attracting and holding moisture from the air, improving footing, and preventing freezing in cold climates. They are effective but require careful management, as they can dry hooves and corrode metal equipment, necessitating rinsing horses and equipment after use. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Types of Salts

• Calcium Chloride (CaCl2): Effective, but more corrosive and drying to hooves than MgCl2.
• Magnesium Chloride (MgCl2): Widely used, considered less corrosive and less drying than calcium chloride, and works well in colder indoor settings. [1, 2, 4]

How They Work & Application

• Moisture Magnet: Salts draw moisture from the air into the footing, keeping it damp and reducing dust.
• Dust Control: Best for indoor arenas where watering isn't feasible due to freezing, or to supplement watering.
• Application Rate: Around 20-50 lbs per 1,000 sq. ft., applied evenly.
• Reapplication: Needed every few months as moisture is used up or lost. [1, 2, 3, 5, 6]

Important Considerations (Drawbacks)

• Hoof Health: Can dry out and crack horse hooves; rinse thoroughly.
• Corrosion: Highly corrosive to metal arena structures and drag equipment; rinse equipment immediately.
• Not for Outdoors: Washes away in rain and rain/snow can make it less effective. [1, 2, 3, 4, 7]

It is important to remember what's in your arena when horses are allowed to free lunge. If they are rolling regularly in these products you can cause skin issues as well as hoof issues.

Dust Management - The Texas Horseman Riding arenas, particularly indoor arenas, are plagued with dust problems. Dust causes eye and nose irritations and contributes to respiratory damage in both horse and rider. It is estimated that an idle horse inhales 16 gallons of air per minute and during strenuous exercise can inhale up to 600 ga...

What's in your indoor arena??

We control dust with a few different methods in the horse world arena additives are one way. We have salt and magnesium in our indoor.

Magnesium Chloride for Arena Dust Control Have you been curious about using Magnesium Chloride for controlling dust in your arena? If so, check out the little video diary I made of my own experience....

Some pointers on arena use. For show or home.

https://equinefacilitydesign.com/misc/riding-arenas-best-practices.htm #:~:text=Horse%20control%20and%20rider%20respect,arena%20and%20leave%20them%20unattended.

Riding Arenas Best Practices Equine Facility Design shares best practices for riding arenas, ensuring optimal design and functionality for equine enjoyment.