Menage help pls!

alanrowbottom

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15 September 2010
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I am just pricing up re doing the menage.
Has anyone used paper mulch as a base, and to be topped with sand? A friend dropped me a sample of, some use it as bedding, it seams quite cushioning underfoot and absorbs 4x amount of water. It will be a very cheap option if it works ( comes free, just pay for delivery )
Also, wheres best to buy sand? Alan x
 
why do you want your manege to absorb water?

you want some moisture held in the surface so it locks but the majority needs to drain away through your base.

is it designed to go onto of the drain system and hardcore groundings?

also, how long will it last before it breaks down and needs to be replaced?
i don't understand how paper will not need to be replaced extremely quickly and often as it breaks down?

sorry for all of the questions but logically i cannot see how paper would work as a surface for working horses (my stepdad builds maneges for a living :))
 
thanks for your replies

the paper mulch would be placed above drainage and membrane, then topped with sand.
I really need to know if anyone has used paper mulch before in this way, like i said it is very cushioning underfoot, i realize it will detoriate down, but i dont know how soon, as it will come free from a local paper mill topping up wouldnt be a concern. I know some yards and farmers use it as bedding and its also used to fertilise fields, but i need advice or thoughts re the menage, ta xx
 
iv not used it & dont know anyone who has but my thought on it would be:
it would absorb the water, which would then freeze im winter & eliminate the cushioning effect & making it unusable. Surely it would just freeze into one solid lump?
Also how would you top up the paper if it has a layer (topping) of sand on it?
I may be wrong but just a thought. Sorry to be so negative, we have just built an arena & overcome a huge number of hurdles!
 
Farmers spread it on fields because it breaks down quickly. If you add sand to it all you will end up with is a pile of sludgy sand so not only will you have paper pulp to dispose of your expensive sand will go with it.
 
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