Frost resistant surfaces

[Irena]

Hi all,

I'm new on here so don't know whether this has been dealt with previously on here (couldn't find much under the "search function").

What are your opinions on the best frost resistant all weather surfaces?

We currently have an arena surface that freezes over as soon as the weather forecast announces it MIGHT freeze. It's driving me insane. I can't remember which surface it is (sand and fibre mix).

Options are; complete new surface (££££'s ) or
mix the existing surface with a top-up of one which claims not to freeze...

What surfaces do you use and how usable are they through the winter months?

 

[showjumpingfilly]

I've heard adding clopf to an existing surface can be good but not tried it so prepared to be told otherwise.

 

[CBFan]

We have flexi-ride with silica sand as a base and so far it has been ridable every day this winter, with some pretty hard frosts

 

[rowy]

Flexi ride definitely!

 

[CBFan]

Just to let you know, our surface was soft and ridable at temperatures of -5 this morning -FAB!!

 

[FollyFarmEC]

I've heard adding clopf to an existing surface can be good but not tried it so prepared to be told otherwise.

shredded fibre like Clopf requires a certain amount of water content in order to bind with the sand, and therefore is more likely to freeze.

Flexi ride does have a very good rep for not freezing

but note all non waxed surfaces are capable of freezings.

hope this helps

 

[sop366]

Its the water in the sand that freezes so based on the make up of the surface will determine if it freezes

With regard to flexi ride I had a terrible experience with it - shortly after it was laid we found it was contaminated with sharp pieces of shredded metal (1 to 2 inches). It took 9 months of hassle and fighting to resolve with Equestrian Direct. It could be a great product if they had any quality control - which they do not and no customer care!