Manege surfaces

S

showqa

Well-Known Member
Joined
26 February 2008
Messages
827
Visit site
Hi guys

I'm having a manege built at home, and the guy who is doing it recommends 4 inches of silica sand and 2 inches of rubber - does this sound right? Is it deep enough? Thanks a lot folks.
 
Yes that is the correct amount of sand to rubber but it isn't one of the best surfaces, it depends on your budget! there are many types of silica sand but the only one you should use on maneges is the silica from the Mendips. When looked under a microscope the Mendip sand has uneven particles which allows it to drain as they all interlink however, a lot of the cheaper silica sands have round particles which don't drain very well at all! Depending where you are in the country there are some superb surfaces which are fibre sand, lots of fibres mixed into a manege silica, they are far less dusty, dont freeze and stay good for a long time between rolling, grading etc.
 
I forgot to mention, the 4" sand must be when compacted!! you loose about 1.3" when rolled so make sure that is compacted depths that they have quoted you.
 
Thanks dressage babe - that's very useful. I live in North Wales. I've ridden on so many surfaces but never seen one being built and frankly don't have a clue really (beyond the obvious points).
 
We have put in two maneges totally from scratch with my husband as the skivvy & my Father doing the digging!! both have been superb, never flood or freeze over. The most important thing is the drainage - never skimp on it!! no matter how much you pay for a surface it will always be rubbish if your drainage doesn't work for you. My fibre surface was supplied by a company in Somerset (I am in Devon) and it cost £8,500 for the surface alone, just to give you some idea. If you need any advice you're welcome to PM me.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top