
Back in the 1990s, Klaus Dammann asked himself: What does the perfect riding surface look like? With the development of the Risohorse® ebb and flow system, his company took a decisive step closer to this ideal.
The ebb and flow principle has long been used in the horticultural industry for the uniform irrigation of plants. So why not use it for riding surfaces too? The idea was to ensure a constant level of moisture in the surface layer through controlled irrigation and drainage – an important factor for optimal riding conditions.
At the end of the 1990s, the first Risohorse® ebb and flow riding surface was installed at the company's own riding facility. With the successful establishment of this system on the German and international markets, the original goal remained in focus: the perfect riding surface. To this day, Dammann Reitplatz- und Sportplatzbau GmbH continues to work on further developing the system and implementing innovative improvements.

The Risohorse® ebb and flow system is based on a natural process reminiscent of the tides: during “ebb,” excess moisture is removed from the sand so that it dries, while during “flow,” water is added to rehydrate the sand to the optimal level.
This principle is applied to your riding surface using state-of-the-art technology. Fully automatic regulation of the moisture content ensures that the riding surface always remains in ideal condition. Excess water is efficiently drained away, while evaporated moisture is specifically compensated for.

Even moisture distribution throughout the entire surface layer.
The surface remains stable and safe at all times.
Excess water is effectively drained away.
The surface offers the ideal combination of stability and cushioning.
The Risohorse® ebb and flow riding surface system is the ideal solution for a wide range of equestrian applications. It offers outstanding properties that impress both in daily training and at demanding tournament events.



The Risohorse® ebb and flow system is installed directly on the natural ground and consists of several carefully coordinated layers:
A precise subgrade is created on the prepared surface and covered with a waterproof membrane.
A drainage pipe system is installed on the foil and connected to a control shaft outside the riding surface.
An approx. 30 cm thick layer of sand is applied over the drainage pipes and compacted with water.
The effect – firmness, moisture, and elasticity
Due to the capillary action of the sand, the upper tread layer draws moisture from the lower sand layers. This principle ensures:
The compacted sand provides stable support and uniform load-bearing capacity.
The moisture is distributed evenly across the entire tread layer.
The ground offers the ideal combination of stability and cushioning.
The moisture content of the riding surface is constantly monitored. A pressure sensor in the control shaft measures the moisture and transmits the data to the riding arena control system. This automatically adjusts the water content to individual requirements – for optimal ground conditions at all times.
The Risohorse® ebb and flow system provides you with an innovative and sustainable solution that guarantees riding comfort and durability.