Building a riding arena on a budget
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Q: I am finally in a position to have a sand school, but need to do so on a budget. What are my best options?
Unfortunately, arena experts agree that there are no short cuts. The best way to save money in the long term is to have the original work done properly using the best materials you can afford.
Jonathan Leam of Maple Arenas advises: “We see people time and time again trying to save money using bad sands or recycled stone.”
He recommends that you start with a basic sand arena, to which you can add a different surface product in the years to come and Joanne Dawson of Equestrian Direct agrees.
“We would recommend that you purchase the best grade of sand with the highest amount of silica content that your budget allows.
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“This will ensure good compaction and a consistent ride,” she says.
This is an extract from a riding arenas Q&A, first published in Horse & Hound (19 August, ’10)
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