Advice re new arena

[visa_bot]

Hi all. Hoping for some advice regarding a new sand and fibre arena. It was completed about 10 days ago and I am generally happy with it. I used a reputable company and they have built it as expected using the correct materials and a lot of “tech” to make sure everything is level. However, for the moment I can’t use it because it is so deep. Now, we haven’t had any rain to speak of since it was installed. They say that it is too dry as the sand dries out during construction and that it takes time to settle down. I have been using a sprinkler but our water pressure isn’t great so I guess it hasn’t had enough. We aren’t due proper rain until Thursday atm.

I’m hoping that others with this type of arena can put my mind at ease. I can’t only use it after heavy rain. Has yours ”settled down”. How much and how often do you water it? What do you use to level/maintain and how often please?

For the moment I am very depressed. This has cost a lot of money and looks like the Himalayas after a few minutes of lunging. I’m not riding until I know it is safe.

I would really appreciate advice and recommendations from those that have been in the same situation. Many thanks.

 

[BigRedDog]

Don’t be depressed, it does need rain to settle. When I had mine installed they finished the Friday of August Bank Holiday weekend. I was told would be several weeks with normal rainfall before I could ride. It rained extremely heavily the whole of the bank holiday weekend so I was able to ride within a week! I am sure I was the only person in the whole country who enjoyed a wet bank holiday. You are unlucky we are having such a dry spell.

I have an arena mate leveller/harrow. I just do it as when I think it needs doing (only me who uses it). It does a fantastic job and the whole thing is fluffed up and lovely. Last time I had a lesson just after I had harrowed my instructor thought I had a new surface put down. Also it is my favourite job. I have a small 4x4, stick the leveller on the back and pootle round for about 20 minutes.

 

[TheMule]

Don’t use it until it has had a lot of rain! Really don’t- you will damage it, you need to leave it alone until it’s settled.
So long as it's proper silica sand it will be ok

 

[eggs]

I know someone who had the fire brigade come in and give her new arena a good soaking some years ago. It has ridden very well ever since.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Your new arena really does need a lot of water on it before you use it, but this is still the right time of year to get that .

Charles Britton told me that I needed 4” of water on my sand and rubber arena before getting a horse on it. They were right, the arena was transformed by the water. You risk damaging the surface if you ride on it before it has settled.

My arena is now 13 years old and is still great.

 

[blitznbobs]

We had a major sprinkler system installed it does need a lot of water to settle - not usually an issue except for a few weeks in the summer but it does take about 15000 litres (60 x20) to get it properly wet

 

[millitiger]

Agree with the others, have faith, it will be fine after a good soaking.
Do not ride on it before you get some serious rain though, you will wreck it and it isn't good for your horse either

 

[catembi]

I have a sprinkler system for mine. Don't grade it in summer if it's too dry...the crumb roller can't bury the fibres if it's too dry so it ends up on the top where it will blow away!

I graded mine today & it was the perfect wetness to do a really good job!