Hutcheson Sand & Mixes Arena Sand
Hutcheson Arena Sand is positioned as the best-in-class choice for sand stable bedding due to its consistently graded particle size and low-dust profile that promote hoof support and reduced maintenance. Compared with the other products on this list it balances comfort and stability better than generic washed sands and is typically more cost-effective long term than frequent replacement options. Its technical advantage is a predictable compaction and drainage profile that reduces grooming time and bedding turnover.
Consistent footing — hoof-hug
Low dust finish — sneeze-free
Consistent footing — hoof-hug
Low dust finish — sneeze-free
Review Summary
"Users generally praise Hutcheson Sand & Mixes Arena Sand for consistent grain size, good drainage and low dust; a minority report occasional delivery variability or small amounts of fines. Overall it’s considered a reliable arena/stable sand for regular use."
Fast drainage — no puddles
Specifically blended for riding arenas with consistent particle size for uniform footing.
Fast drainage — no puddles
Specifically blended for riding arenas with consistent particle size for uniform footing.
Increased Safety & Security
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
Hutcheson Arena Sand is positioned as the best-in-class choice for sand stable bedding due to its consistently graded particle size and low-dust profile that promote hoof support and reduced maintenance. Compared with the other products on this list it balances comfort and stability better than generic washed sands and is typically more cost-effective long term than frequent replacement options. Its technical advantage is a predictable compaction and drainage profile that reduces grooming time and bedding turnover.
Consistent footing — hoof-hug
Low dust finish — sneeze-free
Fast drainage — no puddles
Specifically blended for riding arenas with consistent particle size for uniform footing.
Good shock absorption and moderate compaction to support hoof traction and reduce strain.
Consistent footing — hoof-hug
Low dust finish — sneeze-free
Fast drainage — no puddles
Specifically blended for riding arenas with consistent particle size for uniform footing.
Good shock absorption and moderate compaction to support hoof traction and reduce strain.
$60-120 CAD
Shaw Resources Equestrian Sand
Shaw Resources Equestrian Sand is the market leader for purpose-built equestrian mixes, engineered for optimal drainage, cushion and minimal dust, which justifies a premium price for arenas and high-performance stables. Compared with Hutcheson’s arena-grade product it tends to be more specialized and performance-oriented, while outperforming masonry or landscape sands in longevity and ride quality. Financially it often commands higher upfront cost but can lower lifetime maintenance and replacement expenses for demanding uses.
Uniform grain — smooth turns
Quick settling — stays even
Uniform grain — smooth turns
Quick settling — stays even
Review Summary
"Shaw Resources Equestrian Sand is frequently described as high-quality, well-graded and stable under hoof, with many riders noting improved footing and drainage; some customers mention higher cost and delivery timing as negatives. It’s viewed as a premium equestrian sand choice."
Low compaction — springy feel
Designed for equestrian use with angular grains that provide excellent traction and stability.
Low compaction — springy feel
Designed for equestrian use with angular grains that provide excellent traction and stability.
Increased Safety & Security
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
Shaw Resources Equestrian Sand is the market leader for purpose-built equestrian mixes, engineered for optimal drainage, cushion and minimal dust, which justifies a premium price for arenas and high-performance stables. Compared with Hutcheson’s arena-grade product it tends to be more specialized and performance-oriented, while outperforming masonry or landscape sands in longevity and ride quality. Financially it often commands higher upfront cost but can lower lifetime maintenance and replacement expenses for demanding uses.
Uniform grain — smooth turns
Quick settling — stays even
Low compaction — springy feel
Designed for equestrian use with angular grains that provide excellent traction and stability.
Screened and washed to minimize dust and fines for healthier breathing conditions.
Uniform grain — smooth turns
Quick settling — stays even
Low compaction — springy feel
Designed for equestrian use with angular grains that provide excellent traction and stability.
Screened and washed to minimize dust and fines for healthier breathing conditions.
$80-140 CAD
Ontario Sand Stone & Gravel Coarse Sand
Ontario Sand Stone & Gravel Coarse Sand is a budget-friendly, coarse-grain option well suited as a base layer in bedding systems where drainage and shear strength are priorities. It is technically superior to fine masonry sands for drainage and load distribution but less comfortable as a top bedding layer than the engineered equestrian blends from Hutcheson or Shaw. For large-scale or agricultural operations the lower unit cost and bulk availability make it a practical choice for stable sublayers and mixing to tune firmness.
Coarse grit — anchors bedding
Superior drainage — dries fast
Coarse grit — anchors bedding
Superior drainage — dries fast
Review Summary
"Ontario Sand Stone & Gravel Coarse Sand is appreciated for its excellent drainage and durability, but many users find it too coarse for direct arena footing without blending and report slightly rough feel under hoof. Reviews are mixed depending on intended use."
Durable profile — lasts longer
Coarse sand offering strong drainage at a more economical bulk price point.
Durable profile — lasts longer
Coarse sand offering strong drainage at a more economical bulk price point.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Ontario Sand Stone & Gravel Coarse Sand is a budget-friendly, coarse-grain option well suited as a base layer in bedding systems where drainage and shear strength are priorities. It is technically superior to fine masonry sands for drainage and load distribution but less comfortable as a top bedding layer than the engineered equestrian blends from Hutcheson or Shaw. For large-scale or agricultural operations the lower unit cost and bulk availability make it a practical choice for stable sublayers and mixing to tune firmness.
Coarse grit — anchors bedding
Superior drainage — dries fast
Durable profile — lasts longer
Coarse sand offering strong drainage at a more economical bulk price point.
Durable, larger particle size that resists rapid compaction but may need cushioning additives.
Coarse grit — anchors bedding
Superior drainage — dries fast
Durable profile — lasts longer
Coarse sand offering strong drainage at a more economical bulk price point.
Durable, larger particle size that resists rapid compaction but may need cushioning additives.
$45-95 CAD
Lafarge Canada Masonry Sand
Lafarge Canada Masonry Sand is a widely available, very clean fine sand that offers predictable particle consistency and stable pricing because of Lafarge’s distribution network. While its fine texture makes it unsuitable as a sole footing for horses (it can compact too tightly), it is valuable for top-dressing, moisture control and mixing to reduce dust when blended with coarser materials. Compared to washed landscape sands it provides more uniformity and to equestrian-specific products it offers a lower-cost, widely distributed complement for bedding blends.
Fine texture — smooth surface
Even compaction — level ride
Fine texture — smooth surface
Even compaction — level ride
Review Summary
"Lafarge Canada Masonry Sand is noted for cleanliness and consistent grading for masonry purposes, yet reviewers say it’s not optimized for stables/arenas due to finer particles and occasional compaction issues. It’s acceptable for some uses but not a top choice for riding surfaces."
Clean-grade sand — tool-friendly
Masonry-grade sand with consistent grading and low organic content for cleanliness.
Clean-grade sand — tool-friendly
Masonry-grade sand with consistent grading and low organic content for cleanliness.
Increased Safety & Security
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
Lafarge Canada Masonry Sand is a widely available, very clean fine sand that offers predictable particle consistency and stable pricing because of Lafarge’s distribution network. While its fine texture makes it unsuitable as a sole footing for horses (it can compact too tightly), it is valuable for top-dressing, moisture control and mixing to reduce dust when blended with coarser materials. Compared to washed landscape sands it provides more uniformity and to equestrian-specific products it offers a lower-cost, widely distributed complement for bedding blends.
Fine texture — smooth surface
Even compaction — level ride
Clean-grade sand — tool-friendly
Masonry-grade sand with consistent grading and low organic content for cleanliness.
Affordable and commonly stocked at building suppliers, convenient for quick top-ups.
Fine texture — smooth surface
Even compaction — level ride
Clean-grade sand — tool-friendly
Masonry-grade sand with consistent grading and low organic content for cleanliness.
Affordable and commonly stocked at building suppliers, convenient for quick top-ups.
$35-80 CAD
Burnco Landscape Products Washed Sand
Burnco Washed Sand is an economical, low-impurity sand that removes clays and organics, making it a clean, readily available option for stable bedding mixes and drainage layers. It is generally less engineered for equestrian comfort than Hutcheson or Shaw but offers strong financial value and ease of sourcing for larger projects. Technically it performs well when blended with coarser aggregates to achieve stability and reduced compaction, serving as a practical mid-priced component in custom bedding formulations.
Washed clean — barn-friendly
Quick install — no fuss
Washed clean — barn-friendly
Quick install — no fuss
Review Summary
"Burnco Landscape Products Washed Sand receives positive feedback for being clean, low in fines and good for stable/arena bases or mixes; users report consistent quality though a few mention price and delivery logistics. It’s widely recommended for applications needing washed sand."
Consistent color — aesthetic wink
Thoroughly washed to remove silt and clay, delivering excellent drainage and low dust.
Consistent color — aesthetic wink
Thoroughly washed to remove silt and clay, delivering excellent drainage and low dust.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
Burnco Washed Sand is an economical, low-impurity sand that removes clays and organics, making it a clean, readily available option for stable bedding mixes and drainage layers. It is generally less engineered for equestrian comfort than Hutcheson or Shaw but offers strong financial value and ease of sourcing for larger projects. Technically it performs well when blended with coarser aggregates to achieve stability and reduced compaction, serving as a practical mid-priced component in custom bedding formulations.
Washed clean — barn-friendly
Quick install — no fuss
Consistent color — aesthetic wink
Thoroughly washed to remove silt and clay, delivering excellent drainage and low dust.
Fine-to-medium grain that provides a stable base and mixes well with amendments.
Washed clean — barn-friendly
Quick install — no fuss
Consistent color — aesthetic wink
Thoroughly washed to remove silt and clay, delivering excellent drainage and low dust.
Fine-to-medium grain that provides a stable base and mixes well with amendments.
$55-110 CAD