Why Equus are proud to be the sole distributer of the UK’s only all natural, performance arena surface.
Leading the way in welfare, environment and performance
2025 has been a big year for Equus, as we are proud to announce we have completed the first installations of the UK’s only all natural arena surface. The early adopters of this ground-breaking footing, have been an Olympic showjumping yard, a leading horse racing training facility and a top Polo venue.
Noviun is the only all natural surface available in the UK, but it has been tried and tested for ten years in America by Arenamend; internationally renowned pioneers in equestrian arena surfaces. Noviun was born from a desire to create the highest quality footing that focuses on equine performance but without causing damage to the natural environment, and with proven results in supporting a higher standard in horse welfare.
As leaders in the equine built environment, we knew that we had to bring this innovative material to the UK, and we are proud to now be able showcase its potential across a range of horse sport disciplines.
Striving for a plastic free future
Working with White Griffin, specialists in sustainability for the equine industry, we have become acutely aware that the environment is a topic that we must incorporate into our builds. We were shocked to discover the impact that plastics and other toxic materials have not just on nature, but horse and rider too. With over 16,000 chemicals present in plastic, the latest research shows that micro plastics are now present in every part of the world, including inside our own bodies. In February 2025, researchers found that the highest concentration of plastic resides in our brains, and cases of chronic diseases, including cancer, have been expressly linked with the presence of plastic in our every day lives.
Therefore we are committed to looking at every part of our design and build, to ensure that we are creating environments that support wellness for everyone. This begins with the plastic-free Noviun surface and we are proud to champion this throughout horse sport.
Staying ahead of legislation
In the UK, post consumer carpet fibre has already been banned for use in our arena surfaces, owing to its highly toxic content. Looking ahead however, the plan to remove all synthetics from our environment is underway, with legislation in Europe due to come into effect in 2031, banning the sale of intentionally added microplastics in sports surfaces. Noviun is ahead of the curve, offering equestrian businesses an immediate solution for removing microplastics from their surfaces.
For the good of the horse
After ten years of research and implementation at yards in the US, the results have shown that natural footings support not only a cleaner, toxic free environment, but a higher standard of equine performance. This is evidenced by the use of Noviun at major US competition venues, and more recently, the adoption of Noviun at professional yards within the UK, including for a British Olympian.
Creating a natural environment at your yard For businesses looking to make a difference to their horse’s performance and wellbeing, whilst also doing the right thing for the planet, choosing Noviun’s all natural footing, is a step in the right direction. Call our office today to find out more and arrange to see this innovative product in action.