Before each stage begins in the arena, the surface has been carefully prepared by the riding surface expert, Mats Danielsson and his four employees. Nothing must go wrong and both horse and rider must feel that they can give 100 percent in front of the television cameras.
– The sand must be just right. It must not be too firm. It should not leave deep grooves and not be too hard. It’s a mix of sand, water and machines that process it, says Mats Danielsson.
Swedish sand
The sand used is Swedish and comes from a sand company by Lake Vättern, which is then mixed with plant fiber.
– When it’s time for competition, I can see on the surface how the horse has trod and whether we have managed to achieve a perfect mix, says Mats Danielsson.
SVT broadcasts parts of the Falsterbo Horse Show, July 14-16 in SVT1 and Play.