Crushed Shell Arena Surface

[Cheslea2010]

Has anyone got any experience of riding on Crushed Shells? I have been offered a large quantity of very clean Crushed Shell at a very good price and wondered if there were any particular advantages/disadvantages to using them. Although I am more likely considering a fibre based surface I'm also intrigued by the shell option.

 

[Tiddlypom]

That’s a blast from the past.

I only know of second hand accounts of crushed shell surfaces , but I know enough to advise that you Do Not Fall Off on a crushed shell surface, as you would be cut to smithereens .

 

[Cheslea2010]

This stuff is crushed cockle shells, it isn't sharp at all. I can see something like mussel shells being sharp but these are more like a coarse sand.

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

You won't want to work anything unshod or without boots as it's v abrasive, far more than any other recognised surface.

To add, it's likely to stink a fair bit when damp or wet.

 

[Cheslea2010]

I can see it being abrasive. It doesn't smell though. Maybe it would be better as a turnout surface.

 

[teacups]

It sounds like the stuff they use for cycle paths through nature areas in Holland. Interesting idea to use it as an arena surface. I’d say I’m intrigued as well!

 

[ycbm]

This stuff is crushed cockle shells, it isn't sharp at all. I can see something like mussel shells being sharp but these are more like a coarse sand.

I would be concerned that they will gradually turn to calcium dust, it won't be nearly as robust as silica sand.

 

[dreamcometrue]

I would be concerned that they will gradually turn to calcium dust

Never mind concerned, I would be amazed if that happened, as would the Royal Society of Chemistry

 

[blitznbobs]

Never mind concerned, I would be amazed if that happened, as would the Royal Society of Chemistry

Why 96% calcium carbonate … essentially they are mostly chalk…

 

[dreamcometrue]

Calcium isn’t the same as calcium carbonate any more than hydrogen is the same as water.

 

[PurpleSpots]

I can see it being abrasive. It doesn't smell though. Maybe it would be better as a turnout surface.

A quick google search shows this result which would seem to agree with you .

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=498754926335069

 

[blitznbobs]

Calcium isn’t the same as calcium carbonate any more than hydrogen is the same as water.

Calcium is a very reactive metal but most people colloquially would call chalk “calcium”

 

[cauda equina]

Do they? Do they also call table salt "sodium"?

 

[ycbm]

Calcium isn’t the same as calcium carbonate any more than hydrogen is the same as water.

No of course it isn't, I apologise profoundly for missing off the word carbonate

I have fond memories of seeing my chemistry teacher drop some of that group of metals into water. My reflection is that it was sodium that exploded, hit the ceiling, and caused a record 0-10m sprint off the side of the dais.

The key point though is that they would turn to chalk dust under the pounding of horse feet, wouldn't they? The video states several times how easily they break down.
.

 

[poiuytrewq]

How interesting! I’ve never heard of crushed shells being used. I’d imagine it would make for great gateways etc over bigger crushed stone.
I can think of all sorts of things I could use it for

 

[eggs]

No of course it isn't, I apologise profoundly for missing off the word carbonate

I have fond memories of seeing my chemistry teacher drop some of that group of metals into water. My reflection is that it was sodium that exploded, hit the ceiling, and caused a record 0-10m sprint off the side of the dais.

The key point though is that they would turn to chalk dust under the pounding of horse feet, wouldn't they? The video states several times how easily they break down.
.

Had the same thing happen when my chemistry teacher dropped a lump of lithium into water - it leapt out over the safety barrier and scorched its way across the classroom whilst we all legged it

 

[Keith_Beef]

Do they? Do they also call table salt "sodium"?

People who dislike very reactive metals prefer "low sodium table salt".

 

[Clodagh]

One shoot I pick up in use it in the car park areas. It’s great for that. I’m not so sure I’d want to ride on it.