Arena build in Scotland

[05jackd]

Now being back to torrential rain with unridable fields - I am starting to thinking if I want to ride/ compete in the winter I need an arena. We do not have huge amounts to spend but we do have a good local drainage company and I have a contact for stone. It is the surface that I am stuck with.

Flexiride seems like a good option but I have tried twice to get a quote with no joy? Does anyone have an idea of current prices for 20x40m?
Just silica sand - we are quite exposed so I am unsure if it would blow away in the summer?

I have been quoted £50 a ton for Silica sand. Does anyone have any Scottish Quarry recommendations?

Any words of wisdom from someone who has done it?

It is quite a flat area and I am hoping it will not need too much digging out. We are on Clay soil so drainage will be crucial. 2 sides are already fenced so I am thinking it makes sense to use the dug out soil to make a wind barrier along the other two sides and perhaps put a hedge on top. Has anyone done this?

 

[Britestar]

Where abouts are you? Big area

 

[05jackd]

Sorry South of Scotland!

 

[MidChristmasCrisis]

I genuinely think you need to talk to any arena builders you can and collate all the info you can. I wouldn’t put a hedge on top of a raised bank due to its potential spookiness ..long grass presents enough problems lol.a As for surface the type/grade of sand is crucial as the wrong type of sand can abrade horses fetlocks/coronet band and heels and off the top of my head I can’t remember the name. I wonder if Tillicoultry quarries can supply the stuff you need. Or if you enjoy riding on a particular arena at the moment ask the venue about the surface. I’m currently riding on rubber crumb which is nice but have ridden on shredded fibres which must have come from cars as there were seat belt bits in it (Central Scotland).

 

[EventingMum]

Paterson Quarries supply for equestrian sand, I think they are in Alloa. So many options for what to put with the sand, all I would say is check reviews and try and speak to people who already have whichever product you are considering.