Tips for building an arena

Note: This text page is for information only and should not be construed as instructions for building your arena.

Always seek advice from professional arena builders

a) Site position and lie of the land
b) Whether the arena is indoor or out door
c) Underlying construction and type of drainage
d) Weather conditions and time of year
d) Type of surface material
e) The amount of usage
f) Maintenance
 

The Site

  Indoor arenas can be developed from a disused barn or outbuilding, of course some are specially built to serve the purpose but if an existing building is available this will reduce the cost outlay quite drastically. It is worth bearing in mind that indoor arenas can become considerably dusty environments and some form of watering/sprinkler system will have to be installed to control this.
Considering the position of the site for construction of an outdoor manege will depend on space availability (an average sized arena is 40 metres x 20 metres). Ideally this should be as close to the stable block as possible and allow easy access for all year round use. Muddy tracks leading to the arena may have to be resurfaced adding to the cost. It is more economical to choose a position where the ground is level as this will reduce the cost of ground removal and build up, although a sloping site will assist with the drainage fall. Construction close to existing buildings or tree lines can be useful by utilizing these as wind breaks. The early morning sun is a natural de-icer during those frosty days and make the manege a pleasant environment to work the horse, however full exposure during summer days can be uncomfortable for both the rider and the horse. There are many aspects to be considered and one must make the best use of the available land and natural elements. Most reputable arena builders will give you full guidance in these areas. Even if you are considering "self Build" some will still offer valuable advice and be willing to supply the materials for you.

Unfortunately this country, and many others, does not allow us the luxury to discount the fact that at some point in time we will have heavy or extended rainfall.  This alone determines that adequate drainage will be of paramount importance when constructing an outdoor arena.  Once the site has been decided upon and the land has been levelled this will be the next important factor to consider. Depending on your locality the sub surface of the land may be of gravel and have excellent natural drainage but in most areas the need to insert  land drainage will be necessary.  This drainage can be laid in a variety of fashions and it will be at the discretion of the builder as to how this is done.  A common practice is to lay drains in an herring bone pattern which gives excellent all round drainage to the whole arena area.  If your budget will permit it is good practice to provide for rodding points for these drains to assist in clearing, should this become necessary after prolonged use.  Should any drains become blocked for any reason the surface will become boggy and puddles will form, rendering that area unusable.  In the main this should not be necessary if the drainage is laid in the correct manner.  The importance of ensuring correct drainage cannot be stressed enough, once the top layers and surface are in position, accessing this layer is very difficult and not an exercise that any arena owner would relish.  In extreme circumstances it may be necessary to dig up the whole arena and re-lay the drainage, a very expensive operation.

Sub surface layers

After the drainage has been set the next operation is to lay the sub surface for the arena. These layers give the necessary solid base needed to cover the drainage, protecting it from finer particles filtering through and supporting the top surface.  Again professional arena builders have their preference as to which type of material to use which may depend on that which is locally available and cost effective. In general this consists of a layer of clean crushed concrete topped with road scalping or similar.  It is important that these layers are porous to allow water to filter through to the drains but closely packed enough to prevent the top surface material permeating through.  Final rolling to compact these layers is carried out leaving a level and firm base on which the top surface may be laid. This layer cannot be left too loose as it would eventually creep through to the top layer.

Top Surface materials

Sand is the most common top surface material, is readily available in all areas and  is the mostly cost effective. Even when finally topping with rubber etc the sand is used as the base or mix. It is important to note though that not just any sand will do for this application. The correct type must be used to allow for correct drainage and firmness. Commercial sharp sand or general building sand is not suitable and its use can give drastic results. Equestrian Silica sand is the correct choice, giving a relatively firm surface but allowing free drainage. There are a variety of additive materials that can be mixed with a sand base. These can be laid over the sand surface and will mix with it to give varying properties. PVC granules (commonly referred to as 'wire cuttings'), polypropylene fibre particles (Fibre sand, which has the approval of the Jockey Club for racing) and rubber are some that are in common use. All mix materials will assist with preventing the surface from freezing, a bonus during the winter months allowing the arena to be used all year round. They also form an excellent riding surface adding extra 'spring' and 'bounce'. 

Wood bark or chippings . Careful choice of wood is obviously one of the main priorities with this type of surface or you will end up with a paper mache arena. Wood surfaces must be of a good grade of hard wood to withstand the rigors of use. Most are treated to ensure weathering properties etc. This type of surface is favoured by some but is still down to personal preference. Is used a lot for gallops and racing applications.

Rubber topping to sand surfaces is becoming increasingly popular and although comparatively expensive gives excellent riding properties, allow all year round use and can be less maintenance intensive. Rubber chips or chunks (soft track) is the favourable type used but is slightly more expensive than the strip and shredded particles that are also available. Rubber will help to retain essential moisture in the sand base during hot weather. (see our Links page for suppliers of top surface materials)
 

Maintenance

Once all the expense and upheaval is over and you are standing looking at that nice new surface, beckoning  you and your horse to enter and ride, it is easy to forget that in order to keep your arena in this pristine condition it will be necessary to maintain it on a regular basis.  Please  Click here for full details on how our grades can help you to easily achieve this