Recognizing that arena soil is one of the most basic and important factors required to ensure a successful equestrian/agricultural event, the American Royal Association, a 106-year old institution, unveiled new footing for all its fall and year-round events. The Royal experienced significant growth in its horse shows last year with some events increasing nearly 40%. After last year’s fall show, the American Royal formed a Footing Task Force to address the needs of its exhibitors. “Excellent footing is the foundation for world-class competition,” said George Guastello, President and CEO of the American Royal Association, “We are very dedicated to improving the quality of all our shows and attracting new exhibitors to Kansas City. The American Royal has a very important economic impact on the Kansas City area.”
The Task Force, led by Greg Lee and representatives from all events which use American Royal facilities, acknowledge that good arena footing is one of the most important aspects an exhibitor will consider when making a decision regarding which competition to attend.
A scientific approach was taken to determine the American Royal’s needs for new footing. Samples were collected around the country from indoor arenas which have a reputation for good footing. These samples were then tested and compared with the American Royal’s footing. The task force, with the help of Terracon, Inc., a company specializing in soil analysis, and nationally renowned footing experts such as Bob Kiser and Robert Jolicoeur, designed a mixture of soil and sand that will meet the needs of all the various indoor equestrian/agricultural events held at the American Royal Complex.
The American Royal partnered with the Heavy Constructors Association and enlisted the help of several Kansas City businesses to acquire the necessary materials for this project. The businesses included Holliday Sand and Gravel, K.C. Bobcat, McCorkendale Construction, Kidwell Construction, Pyramid Trucking, Blue-Valley Trucking, Holland Corp, Carter Energy, Anderson Construction, Midwest Environmental Systems, Clarkson Construction, O’Donnell and Sons and Helt’s Turf Farm. These businesses generously donated time, equipment, material and money to make this substantial undertaking possible. Over 100 truckloads of material were hauled into Hale Arena and Scott Pavilion, then mixed, spread and worked to achieve the optimal ground conditions.
The American Royal has already tested the footing on several events, including the BOTAR’S Reading Roundup, the Pet Expo, the Extreme Elapsed Timed Event and the Wrangler Junior High Rodeo Finals. “The Royal is thrilled with the positive feedback we have received from the contestants and spectators,” said Kevin Heikes, Vice President of Operations.
“The American Royal’s new footing is excellent,” said Brad Lund, American Quarter Horse Association Leading Exhibitor for 2004. “The Royal has taken all the right steps to become a year-round facility. They consulted Bob Kiser, an expert in the field of arena footing, to help analyze the dirt, and I believe this is an indicator of the American Royal's commitment to raise the performance at the American Royal for 2005.
Connie Morris, the 2001 Women’s Professional Rodeo Association Rookie of the Year, whose daughter competed in Hale arena at the Wrangler Junior High Rodeo stated, “We were very pleased with the new footing results. The ground plays a crucial role in barrel racing and the safety of the horses. I decide the rodeos to attend based on the facility and the footing. I am looking forward to running on the new footing at the 2005 PRCA Rodeo in October at the American Royal.”~~~