Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast 95: Foot-Perfect Arenas & Studs 101
Arena footing has come a long way in recent years. There are so many options out there. We break it down with an expert this week. We’ll also get an educational 101 on when to use studs. Thanks for tuning in.
Click here to stream Episode 95.
Special Guest:
Elizabeth Ballard is a part of the family-owned arena installation company, Ballard Construction. They build sporting facilities, athletic fields, and specialize in arena construction and footing consultation. Elizabeth works closely with footing manufacturer Footingfirst, who is a leader in pre-mixed dust free blends and arena matting systems. She has overseen the installation of arenas everywhere from NY, to Florida, and into the mid-west. Elizabeth is an amateur rider herself, and owns two medium amateur jumpers. Last year she decided to take a step back from the show ring and breed her show horses, to focus on the arena business. She currently bases out of New York and Wellington, Fla., where she is involved in equestrian surfaces projects weekly.
More on what we talked about in this episode:
Happy Valentine’s Day! Celebrate early with this Love Potion #9 cocktail. | @TSE
Equestrian Sport is headed to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. | @dressage-news
Acetaminophen for horses? Researchers are studying this low-cost drug. | @theHorse
Eric Lamaze is stepping into a leadership role for the Canadian show jumping team. | @COTH
Product Review: Soap For Dirty Equestrian’s Liquid Soap Collection! | @HeelsDown
Thanks to everyone who continues to support us on Patreon! | @patreon
Elizabeth Ballard joins us to talk more about crafting the perfecting footing for your riding arena. | @heelsdown
Jess gives us the low-down on when to use and when not to use studs. | @heelsdown
Mailbag: “It’s too cold to ride and I feel guilty. What else can I do?”
More about our hosts:
Ellie Woznica Jessica Payne Justine Griffin
Jessica Payne is a 32-year-old international event rider who is rarely seen without her long-haired chihuahua under her arm. She was born in London, Ontario but grew up in Franklin, Tenn. and graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Animal Science. She once lost the tip of her pinky finger clipping her 4* horse, and husband Doug says she can “talk to anyone including a wall….and they will like it!”
Ellie Woznica is a 22-year-old freelance book designer and horse trainer because she couldn’t choose which career to pursue and her mom said she wouldn’t make the decision for her. She grew up showing the hunters and jumpers, but in university, she learned to ride western and fell in love with reining.
Justine Griffin is an award winning 32-year-old journalist who has written about everything from horses to high profile CEOs to her ovaries. (She donated her eggs once.) Two things she loves the most? Whippet puppies and cheese. Justine is a firm believer in unicorns and feminism. So take everything she says with a grain of salt
Special thanks to our sponsor for this episode: Purina!