Walking On Volume 2, Issue 2, February 2015 | Page 6

E

questrians will agree, when it comes
to arena riding, a well-appointed
ring is a joy to work (and play!)
in. The footing you choose for your
enclosure will depend on a variety of
factors and will be the most important
component of a well-designed and properly constructed riding area. In this
article, Glynnie Walford provides the information you need to create a first-rate
surface for all of your equine endeavors.
Building Your Arena’s Foundation
Next to the footing, the base is the
most important part of your arena, and
often something that gets overlooked
during construction. Here are a few
things to consider before starting any
new construction.
Cut and Fill
Cut and Fill is the process of cutting
into a bank and re-laying the material
lower down the bank to create a “level
formation” for your outdoor equine arena.
The banks/slopes must be created correctly
to support the new formation.
The more level the site, the less cost
will be involved in the initial stages of
construction.
Build at the Right Time of Year

6 • Walking On

The best time to build a new arena is
during a dry period, preferably in the late
spring/summer early fall.
Clay in particular needs to be carefully
managed, especially during earthworks
such as “cut and fill,” so “clay heave” does
not occur. (This is most likely to occur
when the clay is wet and under pressure,
which causes it to “bubble up.” This can
move the stone layer and membranes,
leading to contamination of the surface
and poor drainage. Should this occur,
remedial works will be necessary.)
Positioning

It is important that the drain runs have
a consistent fall.
Ensure drainage trenches are backfilled with clean drainage gravel (no
“fines” or dust).
The tops of all the trenches and overall
arena should be covered with a fine grade
(e.g. 4 oz.) non-woven geotextile membrane. This acts as a separator between
the earth and clean stone layer. This will
allow the water to pass in to the drains,
but will prevent silt/sediment from doing
the same.

Keep away from utilities and obstructions that may be costly to move.

It is important to include drainage
trenches on the outside of the arena.
These external drains will stop the “run
off ” from adjacent paddocks – so this is
especially important if an arena has been
cut into the slope. They are also important because the outside track typically
has the heaviest “foot fall.”

Pay Attention to Drainage

Use Quality Stone for your Base

Internal drains should be spaced every
30 feet linking into a perimeter and then
to outfalls to take surface water away.

For the base layer (stone drainage layer),
it is VITAL that clean, hard, angular stone
is used.

If the ground is heavy clay, additional
cross drains may be required and the
diameter of the exterior drains may have
to be increased.

Clean: means the stone has been
washed so stone dust/ fine soil is not
washed straight in to your drains, causing reduced flow of surplus water. We

A sheltered spot is good, however,
watch for trees and construct away from
roots. Be mindful of leaf contamination
in the fall.