You want it to be deep enough to provide some traction, and deep and springy enough to provide a little cushioning, but you don't ever want it to be too deep, because then it becomes a threat to the horse's tendons. Uneven footing is also dangerous, which is why a good arena will have a flat, well-compacted base and just the right amount and type of footing for the sort of riding that will be done there. Try this recommendation: footing should be no more than 2 inches on the average with a good base. Anything more than 3 inches can cause your horses to come up lame or become very fatigued. Some people like 1 1/2 inches and some like 3 inches. Two inches is a happy medium. Use that as a starting point and make adjustments to fit your needs.
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