The development of safety and quality standards for equestrian surfaces needs to be based on objective, repeatable measurements which allow comparisons between surfaces. These measurements should incorporate the assessment of surface performance by riders. This study provides data from objective and subjective assessment of functional properties of high-level show jumping competition and warm-up arenas. Twenty-five arenas in nine international show jumping events were evaluated by mechanical in-situ testing with a surface tester, rider assessments using visual analogue scales (198 riders provided 749 arena evaluations), descriptions of arena constructions and by laboratory tests of surface material. Mixed models were used to present subjective evaluation of rider perception of the functional properties for each arena while controlling for rider and event. The association between objective and subjective assessments were also explored creating mixed models, controlling for rider and event. Mechanical measurements of impact firmness, and to a lesser extent cushioning and grip, had a significant positive association with the riders' perception. Responsiveness as assessed by the Orono biomechanical surface tester (OBST) was negatively associated with the riders' perceptions, which suggests riders and the OBST had different concepts of this functional property and that further developments of the OBST might be necessary. Objectively measured uniformity showed no useful association with riders' perception. Even though arena assessments were made by top level riders, a substantial inter-rider variation was demonstrated.

Mechanical properties of sports surfaces have previously been shown to be influenced by surface drainage, moisture content and compaction but these factors have not yet been quantified for equestrian surfaces. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of three moisture levels (11.96 ± 1.63%, 17.31 ± 1.14%, 19.08 ± 0.78%) and three rates of compaction (1.647±0.02 g/cm³, 1.748±0.046 g/cm³, 1.766±0.039 g/cm³) on the functional properties of a synthetic equestrian surface constructed over two distinct drainage profiles. The surfaces with a high (19.08%) moisture content and medium density when laid on permavoid™ had the most favourable results when taking into account all of the measured parameters with regards to reducing the risk of injury yet potentially offering sufficient support to the horse for efficient locomotion.