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Buiding new arena

lkvaughan
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Oct 20, 2005, 10:12 AM

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Buiding new arena	Can't Post

We recently purchased a small farm, and i need to build an arena (i am NOT breaking my colt in the current barbwire padock that the old owners used!)

I am looking to build a 30 x 70 meter arena for dressage (sorry its in meters) no perimeter fence, just a low marker around the edge since thats what you see in shows- i plan to incoperate my jumps in the arena and the padock surrounding it- and would like some advice on how best to build it, options for a base, drainage, and what footing people like...

i have riden on just about everything- and as much as i would LOVE to have a chat/rubber mix- i am leaning towards having a turf arena- lower mainenance, can double as turnout, lower costs, ect...- we have a variety of dense, low growing bermuda here that i think would be perfect

we have to do some grading/ filling, but since we live near the top of the hill its not too bad- and theres an old septic tank that will have to be adressed in some manner also....

thoughts suggestions????

thanks!

TurleyRanch
New Member

Nov 1, 2005, 9:35 AM

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Re: [lkvaughan] Buiding new arena [In reply to]	Can't Post

Congratulations on your farm purchase! I am also about to put in an arena and have done some research on drainage, footing, etc. I would definitely make sure that the surface is properly crowned to ensure good runoff and that there is a border of some kind at ground level around the arena. This helps to prevent losing your sand which will inevitably move out from the center of the arena towards the edges. Rounding the corners off is definitely good if you put up a barrier around the arena since this prevents horses and riders from becoming trapped in a corner by other riders or loose animals. As far as a base, sand that is too shallow or too deep is bad. I believe that 8 to 10 inches is appropriate and will be building the arena site up with a clay base to help with runoff and minimize any mud factor when dragging the arena. I have heard mixed opinions on a chat/rubber mix and have not really considered that option since it is a rarity in arenas around here and I prefer to make my arena footing consistent with what competitors may expect. If you also plan on doing any night riding you might consider the placement of electricity and lighting...

--
Turley Ranch
Rosharon, Texas
http://www.turley-ranch.com

Gates
New Member

Jan 23, 2006, 11:46 AM

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Re: [lkvaughan] Buiding new arena [In reply to]	Can't Post

IKvaughan,
I have built several indoor and outdoor arenas. A few quick comments. I will list the three most important things in arena design:

1. Base
2. Base
3. Base

With out a good base you have nothing. We use the following procedures for our base.

1. Cut and fill all areas to obtain proper grade.
2. Roll the subbase to achieve compaction.
3. Install 6" of crush and run stone and roll for max compaction.
4. Install a geo textile to wick away water.
5. Install 2-3" of stone dust and roll for compaction.
6. Install your desired footing on top.

The depth of the footing depends on the discipline of riding. For dressage we use 2-3" of footing. We have used everything including sand, rubber, sand & rubber mixed, polymer coated sand, sand & shredded fabric, sand with all types of fibers mixed in and just plain stone dust. The footing choice is a very touchy situation, ask 10 people for there opinion, you will get 10 different answers.
I do not think a turf arena will hold up to the abuse. Especially if it is going to double as a padock. During poor weather it could turn in to a mess. It will be impossible maintain a constant depth and traction with turf. It is easy to repair a surface added material like sand or rubber with an arena drag or groomer. Trying to repair mud and ruts in grass is another story.
Indoor arenas bring about an entirely different set of criteria and require a different approach and need not be discussed for your case.
A very good book for arena construction is USDF Under Foot. You may want to take a look at it. It is available from USDF.org.

Ron

Mark4510
Silver Member

Jan 23, 2006, 3:49 PM

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Re: [Gates] Buiding new arena [In reply to]	Can't Post

Ron,
Have you done outdoor reining arenas? If so, do you do anything differently other than the top dressing? What depth do you use for the top layer?

When you say you roll it what do you use to get that compaction? If you were going to do a 100x200 ft or larger outdoor that gets rain would you crown it or go flat? If you are going to crown, what direction and how much?

Thanks,
Mark

Gates
New Member

Jan 23, 2006, 9:23 PM

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Re: [Mark4510] Buiding new arena [In reply to]	Can't Post

Mark,

I have not built a reining arena. Everything would remain the same except the footing would differ. I do not know what type of footing or the depth that is used for reining.
We use a 10 ton vibratory roller. I would definetly allow for drainage. Either crown it or slope the whole arena as necessary. Slope it in the direction that you want the excess water to go. We use 1-1.5 % grade.

Ron

Mark4510
Silver Member

Jan 25, 2006, 2:23 PM

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Re: [Gates] Buiding new arena [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hello Ron,
Thanks for the advice. We had a bit of a flooding problem when our little season creek was not so little this year. As a result, we are thinking about relocating the arena up higher. I dont think we can get that big a roller into our area but maybe we can get something smaller and just keep working at it.

I was thinking we might go with the crown running the long way on the arena and go with a 1% slope as long as we can get heavier sand.

Thanks again,
Mark

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