Every arena should start with what we believe is its most important part, that is it's base, or foundation made up of crushed aggregate or a good native soil, but must be able to be compacted to a degree of hardness to allow for the water to run off at a fairly high rate of speed.  After we have achieved that, we are ready for a footing material.  A good footing is not to be taken lightly.  Of all the many different disciplines and all the many different things we're trying to accomplish by having the ultimate footing, the one thing here we are all trying to do is extend the life and performance of our animals.