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Building a riding arena means planning both the riding surface and how it will be maintained. Start by describing how the arena will be used, where it will be located and how you can arrange water and ongoing maintenance.
Sport Surface Group provides new arena construction and advice. Before choosing materials, we discuss your needs, water supply and maintenance equipment. Following advice and agreement, we send a quote.
Use and location
Describe the training the arena will be used for, how many people will ride there and your requirements for the surface. State the size of the intended riding area and whether it is an outdoor or indoor arena surface.
Include information about the ground, differences in level, existing surfaces and access for machinery and materials. These points need to be considered when assessing the scope of the work.
Water supply, irrigation and drainage
Water supply is part of the material choice. Fibre sand and the wood chip mix require adequate irrigation facilities and regular watering. Plan how this will work in daily maintenance.
Standing water or water flowing onto the riding surface should be discussed when planning the arena. Drainage needs to be assessed for the site.
Ground and underlying layers
The base and underlying layers need to be considered when assessing an arena construction project. Describe the ground and what you know about any existing construction so that the need for groundworks can be discussed.
When an existing arena has problems, SSG often starts by reviewing the watering. Problems with the base or water drainage may also need to be addressed; adding more top material is then not the whole solution.
Top surface
The top surface is chosen for how the arena will be used and the maintenance you can carry out. SSG offers SSG Ridbanemix with sand and stone dust, SSG Fibersand with synthetic fibre, silica sand with wood chips, and SSG Grusbana.
Fibre sand and the wood chip mix suit both outdoor and indoor arenas when water and maintenance requirements can be met. The wood in the wood chip mix breaks down over time, so the need for topping up and renewal needs to be monitored.
Scope, time and cost
A quote needs to reflect what will be done at your site. State the size, existing conditions, preferred material and the parts you would like help with. Ask for clear details of the work, materials, transport and conditions on which the schedule depends.
Plan maintenance before construction
Discuss how you will water, harrow and keep the riding surface clean once the arena is in use. Equipment, working depth and maintenance need to suit the material. Consider these points when choosing the top surface.
Related
Common questions about building a riding arena
What does it cost to build a riding arena?
The cost needs to be assessed for the site and the scope of the work. State the size, existing conditions, preferred materials and the parts you would like help with when requesting a quote.
Can you put new sand on an arena that is not working well?
The problem needs to be assessed first. SSG often starts by reviewing how the arena is watered. If the base or water drainage also needs attention, a new top material alone is not enough.
How long does it take to build a riding arena?
The schedule needs to reflect the scope of the work and the conditions at the site. Ask for these to be made clear when reviewing the quote.
What needs to be planned for an indoor arena surface?
Describe its use, existing construction, water supply and maintenance equipment. Fibre sand and the wood chip mix can be used in indoor arenas when irrigation and harrowing requirements can be met.