Eco grids as arena base

[samlander]

Hello, I'm a new member (normally just read everybody elses posts when I need to know anything!) I am trying to find the best and most cost effective way to build a new arena and am looking into using ecogrids as a base - has anybody on here done the same? hoping I can get rid of the cost of digging out for drainage and also getting soil taken away. Is this a good idea or a false economy?????

 

[Quigleyandme]

Honestly, if you want a usable arena rather than a turn out pen, hard standing area, you are going to need properly installed drainage. Buy once cry once.

 

[HappyHollyDays]

Not Ecogrids but a friend in Germany uses Hubner Lee mats as the base of her arena. All her turnout paddocks are made from them and have been down for over 20 years. Her land is well draining sand and there’s a layer on top of the mats so even in heavy rain it doesn’t flood. Lessons take place every day and they jump on it as well but they are designed to be used as an arena base and I don’t know if the Ecogrids are. So in answer to your question yes you can use grids as an arena base but I wouldn’t unless your land is well draining and never floods. It isn't a cheap option though so you are probably better off having a traditional arena built.

 

[samlander]

I've just had a quote for nearly £30k for traditional build which doesn't include any surface just stone , drains and fence - the land is level and drains really well so it just doesn't make sense to me!