FAQ

Q: How is the ViscoRide Track surface safer for horses?
A:ViscoRide offers excellent grip and hoof arrest. Maximum under hoof shock absorption is guaranteed. Viscoride’s unique cushioning effect minimizes the risk of impact. In the case of a track fall, the soft yet firm resilient Viscoride surface aids to cushion the rider and animal by way of a softer landing.

Q: Is the ViscoRide Track environmentally friendly?
A:There are no waste products present in ViscoRide. All the ingredients are purpose specific.ViscoRide is an environmentally friendly product, combining consistent performance with health and safety factors. Laboratory test results are available from tests carried out by the Australian Environmental Laboratories and the France Galop and are fully compliant with world environmental standards.

Q: How do routine maintenance procedures differ for a ViscoRide Track Surface compared to a conventional dirt track?
A:ViscoRide tracks are very low maintenance, need no watering for cohesion and grip, and require very little effort. ViscoRide needs to be rolled and harrowed occasionally.

Dirt tracks need mega litres of water. Dirst tracks need maintenance every day, 365 days a year. The same applies to turf and sand tracks.

Q: What is the timetable to install a ViscoRide Track and how long before it is operational?
A: There is a lead time from the date of the client placing a firm order with deposit to commencement of construction of approximately 6 to 8 weeks. The construction phase for the track surface only is approximately 4 weeks, weather permitting. The track is fully operational on handover to the client. Should major earthworks and construction be required, ViscoRide would give a detailed time frame on expression of interest.

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Q: What is the expected lifecycle of this surface?
A: Our oldest track in Australia is nearly eleven years old and still in daily use. Provided the surface is properly maintained, it should only need to be topped up with binder once every one to two years. Fibre top ups are necessary every two to four years depending on level of usage. Track life is mainly determined by the diligence and quality of recommended maintenance procedures. These are not onerous but should not be neglected

Q: Will the binder melt or will it need to be replenished?
A: No. The track does become softer during the summer and firmer during the winter. The wax binder always remains in the mix. It does deteriorate with time due to UV exposure and oxidisation and will need topping up once in a while. This again depends on level of usage and level of adherence to recommended maintenance schedules.  Generally a training or racing track which experiences very high levels of use, would benefit from a maintenance spray twice a year.

Q:Does ViscoRide stick to horses or stain clothing?
A: No. ViscoRide Track Surfaces has minimal kickback so you will never have  mud covered horses and riders, even in the wettest conditions. ViscoRide has not been found to stain or damage clothing, fibres etc.  On very warm days, 35oC and more, we have found some fine material adhering to the horses’ tails. This however washes off very easily and has no detrimental effect.

Q: Does a ViscoRide Track Surface affect race times?
A:Yes. Times are usually faster on the ViscoRide. Some variance is possible by varying maintenance procedures. A harder well-rolled track will deliver faster times and a loosely harrowed track will provide slower times. The track owner can modify the track surface - within reason- to meet his particular requirements.

Q: How do horses transition from training on a conventional surface to a ViscoRide Track Surface?
A:ViscoRide Track Surfaces provide a more consistent training and racing surface throughout the year. This means more frequent and consistent training and racing venues with ViscoRide tracks increased the duration of their racing season by up to 20%.

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Q: How does rain affect the ViscoRide Track surface?
A:ViscoRide underwent a series of water drainage tests to assess the possible influence of water on the product. The results were so positive and conclusive that the ‘France Galop’ proceeded to install a ViscoRide track at Deauville. Water tends to shed off the track surface while some water drains through the surface. Even when saturated after a very heavy downpour, the ViscoRide dries out very quickly and returns to normal without any down time.

Q: How does the ViscoRide Track Surface react to extreme hot or cold temperatures?
A:The surface becomes softer during the warm summer months when ambient temperatures of 45oC or more are common. Track surface temperatures may then peak at 70oC.  The surface remains stable albeit a bit “heavy”. Rolling the track the night before, usually renders it near to perfect the next day.

Q: Is the ViscoRide Track Surface harmful if ingested by a horse?
A: No. Although ViscoRide Track surface is not intended to be ingested, to date we are not aware of any horses experiencing an allergic reaction to our surface either through ingestion, respiration, or skin contact.  The bulk of ViscoRide consists of natural sand, bound with inoffensive binder and fibre and is not known to react with any life form.

Q: What impact does manure have on this surface?
A:Every effort should be made to avoid contamination. Horse droppings, grass cuttings and other deleterious matter should be removed as far as is practically possible. Care should be taken to prevent sand from blowing onto the surface from adjacent sand tracks or surfaces. ViscoRide track Surfaces can always be repaired.

Q: How does snow affect the ViscoRide Track Surface?
A:The horses seem to love it and training does not stop when it snows. Frost also has very little effect on the surface. 

Q: Should horses be turned out in it?
A: No. If you must use your indoor arena as a turn-out we do not recommend you install ViscoRide Track Surfaces.

Q: Do I need a drainage system?
A: A drainage system is recommended for race courses and for training centres with high volume usage, 200 horses a day or more.

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