Arena surface - fibre and rubber crumb additive or just fibre?

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spark56

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I'm replacing the surface on my school and have been thinking of starting off with a fibre additive on the basis that I can top it up with rubber if I want more spring or have problems with it freezing. However, I'd be interested to hear any experiences of using fibre mixed with rubber crumb as an additive, and particularly how it compares to using fibre alone.

It's probably heresy given how much they cost (and way outside my budget), but I find waxed surfaces can be a bit dead. So it doesn't really fill me with joy when I hear sand and fibre surfaces compared to a waxed surface... I'm really looking for something that gives a bit more energy return. Any thoughts?
 
I have combi-ride - sand, fibre and rubber crumb surface - and its amazing :D. Springy, lovely and soft and doesn't freeze. It has been out of action this year for a few days due to the snow, its in a sheltered position which is great for protection from wind etc but not great for melting snow! however it doesn't freeze solid and if my horses were barefoot I would have had no difficulties riding in it. I did try as they are BF behind but we soon had snow stilts in front :(. Over all a fantastic surface and definitely as all-weather as you can get without it being an indoor :). The fibre is mixed in with the sand and then the rubber on top mixed a little so the rubber is predominantly on the top layer :).
 
Thanks for the feedback.

becca1305 said:
The fibre is mixed in with the sand and then the rubber on top mixed a little so the rubber is predominantly on the top layer :).
Click to expand...

So do you mean you add the fibre first and then the rubber, or is it just that the rubber sort of separates out on top? Is it the combi-ride dual stabiliser that you used? I had assumed that the rubber and fibre were already mixed together and then got harrowed into the top layer of sand. If the rubber is on top do you think it is it likely to get blown away if it's used in a windy location? Sorry for all the questions!
 
I am waiting for some advice too !!

I have a purely silica sand surface arena and am looking for something to prevent it riding too deep when dry... as we have been forecast another dry spring and summer... !
 
Our YO just redid our arena surface (was purely silica sand) with crumbed recycled running track! Quite large crumbs, mixed with lots of finer pieces. We've only had it down a week but it rides very nicely!
 
I had silica sand and pvc surface, which was lovely, but prone to freezing

I topped this with rubber - 20mm and under and haven't looked back. the only thing is not as good for is polocrosse, as the ball doesn't bounce. For jumping is unbeatable, never freezes and I bounce better on it :D
 
My OH builds arenas for a living, and we have just finished our own arena at home. We have gone for silica and martin collins Clopft pre mixed by ourselves. From two hours after being finished i was riding on it! It hasnt rode deep, and has a lovely feel. I didnt want rubber added to it, however its personal preference. If ours freezes we may add rubber, but tbh the only way to stop it freezing is to stick a load of rubber on top, but i personally didnt want that.
If you want more info i can always ask my OH for you.
 
The choice of rubber crumb, seals, strips and chunks confuses me..what are the pros and cons?......plus there can be a huge difference in the price.:confused:

:)
 
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