How long for new sand school to settle??

1

1timeonly

Member
Joined
23 July 2012
Messages
12
Visit site
We've put a new sand school put in. Had equestrian grade silica sand from Mansfield Sands. Its been down a week and a half now. How long should it take to settle? We're been unable to roll it yet. OH did try but the roller was too heavy and was sinking. So looking at either getting one of the ones that you can fill with water or hiring one of the vibrating ones over the weekend. Its been levelled though with the chain harrow upside down on the quad bike.
Been reading conflicting things online though - some say ride on it as it speeds up the settling process, which i did yesterday but its so deep :( i'm not keen on using it again just yet. And read others this morning saying not to ride on it til its settled! Whats the best thing to do? Have also read conflicting views on how long it should take to settle, some say weeks others say months!
We're going to be adding a fibre stabiliser but won't be able to do this until the sands more compacted anyway. I knew it would ride a bit deep initially but its really frustrating having a school and not being able to use it!
 
I would imagine the next few days (judging by the forecast) will help the settling down along a treat - the best thing for a sand school to settle is LOADS of rain on it, or you could try watering, but it really needs to get absolutely drenched. Then you can roll it and add the fibre stabiliser.
 
martlin said:
I would imagine the next few days (judging by the forecast) will help the settling down along a treat - the best thing for a sand school to settle is LOADS of rain on it, or you could try watering, but it really needs to get absolutely drenched. Then you can roll it and add the fibre stabiliser.
Click to expand...

Currently in the middle of a downpour - i didn't think i'd be praying for more rain after the summer we've had! lol

Is it not worth rolling it until its been soaked through then?

Was really disappointed yesterday when i rode on it, even though i expected it to be deep i wasn't expecting it to be that bad. OH was getting annoyed with me but i'm not the most patient of people anyway! I want it ready NOW!
 
Oh, you CAN roll it and it will help, but the really proper settling comes with soaking :) You might even not have to roll at all after that.
Think what happens to the beach ;) The dry part is deep and difficult to walk on, the wet part, when the tide goes out, is almost hard surface.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top