Choosing an arena surface

[abbijay]

Our new place has an arena; it's a 30+year old 20x40 with a selection of weeds growing in it, a perfect track and the membrane coming through in places. It needs some real love showing.
The drains seem to work ok so my plan is to get a contractor in to scrape what remains of the surface back, replace the membrane (providing there is nothing suspect in the subbase) and then put what is salvageable of the surface back down. Then I will get a proper surface put on top.
But where do i start in picking a surface?! I wouldn't know an Andrews Bowen from an Andrew Collinge or a Martin Collins from an Aston Martin!
It's for light use, at this stage 1 horse a few days a week, possibly rising to 2 horses but definitely not commercial use although my horses are big hulking drafts not dainty ponies. I'm mostly flatwork but want the option to pop a 2'6" jump up if i feel like it. I have found my current horse doesn't like firm surfaces - our last yard he wouldn't go forwards in the indoor which had a concrete base.
There seems to be so much choice and I have no idea what would suit, naturally all the manufacturers have their own sales pitch.
We are located very close to equestrian surfaces trial facilities (2-3 miles) and knowing that transport is a key part of the surface cost I'm wondering if that will keep costs down?
How much surface will I need? Will 6" be sufficient? That would work out at 120m3! That's a lot of wagon loads!

 

[lamlyn2012]

Is it equestrian surfaces in Cheshire?
Asking as we went there to look at surfaces before refurbing ours. It was very helpful.
They will come out and give you a quote, but you really need to get about three quotes.

I would highly recommend Neil at Ridesafe Arenas.

 

[abbijay]

Yes, I’ve competed at Arclid so I have ridden on 2 of their surfaces.
I’ve 20 years in construction so will be contacting several companies.
But it’s things like waxed or unwaxed? Carpet fibre or rubber? And god knows what other options are out there!

 

[Asha]

I recommend you get in touch with Willis brother of Sandbach, they will be able to help. Top blokes who do a fab job.

Id stay away from waxed surfaces as it can be abrasive for everyday use.

 

[Dino7]

I would also not recommend wax for various reasons. In the Cheshire area I'd definitely be getting a quote from Landtech Solutions - you won't go wrong with them.
Don't cut corners - do it right and you'll only need to do it once. It can be a nightmare if you get it wrong.

 

[abbijay]

I recommend you get in touch with Willis brother of Sandbach, they will be able to help. Top blokes who do a fab job.

Id stay away from waxed surfaces as it can be abrasive for everyday use.

They put it in at least 30 years ago and are coming to have a look at it for me. Their yard is only a mile from my place so they may be well placed to sort it.

Thank you for the info re-waxed. I've just always ridden on whatever yards have provided without much attention to it before now!

 

[eggs]

I was advised to keep away from a waxed surface some years ago by a company that provided waxed surfaces amongst others. At the time it was considered to be the gold standard of surfaces but since then there have been a number of studies that show that it isn't with one of the problems being that it doesn't permit the foot to 'slide' through the surface but rather acts as an anchor to the foot.

 

[gallopingby]

Are there any totally independent advisors able to help with arena refurbs? Looking for someone who’s experienced and has worked with the main players able to help with cost effective solution that delivers a safe product which will be used on a regular basis.