PERMA-FLEX was formally introduced to the Equestrian world in 1992. The size, shape and percentage of retained fiber was established, tested and approved for optimum performance. Since then, there have been a large number of rubber producers who manufacture rubber particles in various shapes and sizes, and with various raw materials. Many equestrian facilities have tried the other rubber products, only to return to the proven benefits that only PERMA-FLEX provides.

There are many crumb producers across the country. Most primarily sell their product for industrial use in high volume for low cost. But these markets do not require the same quality standards as does the equestrian market.

A product that is often confused with PERMA-FLEX is sometimes referred to as "tire shreds" or "tire buffings", which is the bi-product of retreaded tires. These shreds are long and thin and, as such, are not very durable. The sand typically used with most rubber products is too abrasive with the shreds and eventually "sands them down" into a fine, black dust. PERMA-FLEX's particle shape is durable and will not pulverize. What you see on day 1 will be the same 50 years from now!

Our PERMA-FLEX system will not impede drainage, so as long as your base is providing proper drainage, there will be little to no standing water - thus nothing to freeze. In addition, the rubber does not absorb moisture and the sand/rubber mixture's charcoal-gray color retains enough warmth to keep ice from adhering to your riding surface (see "Is it hot?"). Even on the worst days when there is a coating of ice on top, it will be broken up quickly during use!

Once the rubber mixes with the sand after installation and average use, the rubber takes on more of a charcoal-gray color keeping it from becoming too hot in the summer, and eliminating the glare that many other footing products may cause. In addition, the PERMA-FLEX rubber does not compact so there is air circulation throughout. This same rubber is used as a playground safety surface - without sand - as far south as Key West, Florida. Independent Temperature Comparison Studies have also shown that the all-rubber surface is actually cooler than typical play sand! All readings were taken on a 30-minute average with temperatures rating from 96 to 101 degrees. In each reading, the rubber was between 3 to 20 degrees cooler than the sand.

Not according to our hunter/jumper customers! This is exactly why an imperative part of the PERMA-FLEX system is using the proper amount and…more importantly…the proper type of sand. You don't want to find out AFTER the rubber and sand have been mixed that you have the wrong type and/or amount of sand! The sand is only there to provide stability to the PERMA-FLEX rubber. The more the rubber and sand mix, the more stable the cushion layer becomes.

Not as often as most. PERMA-FLEX will absorb impact without repelling it. Therefore, there is actually very little "spring" to the particles. And if the proper type of sand is used, it will help to hold the rubber in place - thus reducing the "railside rut" effect.

You'll only notice a faint "rubbery" odor when first installed. With time, this dissipates. One of our indoor customers described it the best by saying "it's just like putting up a brand-new shower curtain…you smell it for the first few days then it just goes away."

No - mainly because PERMA-FLEX doesn't absorb water or clump together when wet like typical arena footings (sand, wood-based products, etc.).

When you use PERMA-FLEX, dragging the arena becomes something you do not aerate, but just to even it out and put "those nice little lines" in the arena. PERMA-FLEX does not (and cannot) compact and will keep your sand aerated. One of our customers said that she used to drag her sand arena once a week. Now she drags about once a month!

Most of our customers just use a piece of weighted-down chain link - or even a metal fence gate. The key is to watch the drag…if the PERMA-FLEX and sand start to buckle-up in the drag, then it is too heavy. Remember…you're not dragging to aerate…just smoothing your arena.

Preferably, you should put the sand down first and then your rubber. We have found most quarries to be notorious for over-estimating how much sand you'll need. Better to spread the sand out first, check the depth, then add in the rubber once you are satisfied that you are as close to the 1.5" recommended sand depth and that it is spread as evenly as possible. Tip: consult with your local contractor about the possibility of having your sand "laser graded". Laser grading eliminates the guesswork in spreading material, and often pays for itself with the time-saving attribute alone!

Screenings (stone dust, limestone, base rock, etc.) typically make excellent choices for your arena base material, but serve as a high-maintenance cushion layer. In most cases, your base and cushion layer/riding surface should be two separate entities. Most base materials are meant to be compacted, and usually compact naturally. Therefore, they typically make poor material choices for your riding surface due to the maintenance alone by increasing the need to drag and water.

This is not recommended, simply from the risk of hitting your base while disking or deep-dragging. The rubber and sand will mix together with average arena use. Just be cautious when jumping or lunging until they have mixed. Remember, the more the rubber and the proper type of sand mix, the more stable your surface will become.

Please refer to this page.

From what we've heard from our customers, even the horse that will typically "eat anything and everything in sight" will - at the most - pick up a piece and spit it back out. Many of our customers have no other choice but to turn their horses out in their arenas. Our theory is that the horses may be more sensitive to the smell of the rubber, thus making it rather unappealing to them.

You will only ever have to replenish what has been physically carried or thrown out. This product has an estimated 80-year lifespan - and we guarantee it for 50 years for you (as far as the decomposition).

There is no footing that never needs moisture, but as long as it is watered to the recommended 8% moisture content, you will find that the moisture is retained for a longer period of time. The fiber content of PERMA-FLEX is purposeful. It not only helps to retain moisture, but will also keep the dust levels down for a longer period of time.

Please refer to this article.