Help: Solutions for deep sand riding paddock?....

[Rudey]

I wondered if anyone has experience with dealing with sand riding paddocks that become really deep?

The livery yard I am at has a sand based riding paddock. When we have had a decent amount of rainfall it is great to ride in, as it compacts down, and drains off well.

However, when we have long dry spells, it is like riding on the beach, and track type trenches form around the edge which can be quite hazardous to say the least.

We have approached the farmer to ask if he do something with it. The only feedback we can give him is that the sand is too loose and deep, and we prefer a more firm/compact way of going.

Can anyone suggest how he can deal with it, or share your experience with this type of problem please?

Thanks in advance

 

[LynH]

I've got Flexiride on top of the sand in my arena. It has kept the sand nice and wet underneath even with all the good weather we've been having. The sand does need to be very wet and compact when the Flexiride first goes down but once it is on it helps keep the sand wet and compact. I chose it over Clopf and Combiride as both of those surfaces need watering in summer.

 

[Rudey]

Thanks LynH for your response.

Did you have to sort drainage and hardcore layers before the surface went down? Did you have problems with the sand becoming too deep before you had the surface?

 

[Squeak]

You've answered your question yourself by saying that it is long dry spells that are the problem Get a sprinkler system sorted so that it can dampen it down so the surface can compact and hold itself together.

 

[LynH]

Thanks LynH for your response.

Did you have to sort drainage and hardcore layers before the surface went down? Did you have problems with the sand becoming too deep before you had the surface?

I had it laid on a brand new surface so drainage and hardcore layers were installed.
If you search for other threads there are quite a few HHOers who had it laid straight onto an existing sand arena.