Need help with new arena!!

[nw4321]

Hi all,
I have just been given the opportunity to convert an old shed into an indoor arena!!
Obviously ever riders dream so want to make it right. I believe it is around 45x30m (maybe more or less we haven't measured completely, just guessed from map layout.)
So, here's my first question, do I need planning permission to fence, surface and put lights in? Even after all the rain that we've had, it is completely dry underneath, so I'm hoping I won't need to add drainage, what are your opinions- just ensure the guttering is working?
Next question, what surface? The market seems to be so contradictory, some people rave about a surface and others despise it- I know its largely down to personal preference, I love the Andrew Bowen's surface but quite expensive, worth the money? It's so difficult!!
Also, what kind of price do you think we'd be looking at for that sort of size, opinions on buying second-hand surface!?!
Based South West, and we're able to do quite a bit of the work ourselves apart from lighting and acquiring the surface, any recommendations for companies/ people who can do these?
Thank you so much in advance )

 

[SpotsandBays]

Can’t help I’m afraid, but I’d been keen to know answers to some of the questions you have posted ? However, I do see lots of posts telling people to avoid “Carpet Gallop” - I’ve seen pictures of some really shoddy work and poor quality materials/surface (including a plastic kangaroo in the surface!!)

 

[TheMule]

In an indoor the surface is the most important thing to get right. Unless you install a watering system you will likely need a waxed surface. It's worth using an expert company to advise on this part. The rest should be pretty straightforward

 

[Darbs]

Agreed, every riders dream!

I am not an expert, but I do assess arenas from a safety point of view, so will give you my thoughts.

With regard planning permission, technically probably 'yes', but in the real world its more like 'its depends'. If there is nobody around you likley to complain and you are not going to be using it commercailly, I woud just do it and apply retrospectively for change of use if it ever got formally questioned. There are no visual, structural or engineering changes, so I am not sure what the grounds for refusal could be. (Insurance for anybody paying to use it becomes tricky, so thats a whole new world).

If its not getting wet then drainage is not going to do anything, and we have had a lot of rain lately. (I am not sure where you are based, but 3rd October 2020 was the wettest UK day in history, so if it stayed dry at that time, no drainage pipes you put in will ever have water in!)

For the surface, I would defintely take advice, some the worst surfaces I have ever seen are on indoor arenas. The issue is that an arena surface needs some water otherwise they can ride very deep and get extremely dusty. Also plenty of people in your position take an old cow shed, throw some sand in and think its an indoor arena! It doesn't need to be a waxed surface, but have a look into dust control and how they need to be watered. Be careful of second hand surfaces, there is a reason somebody has pulled it out of their arena, make sure its coming from somewhere like a competiton venue that is changing surfaces. Don't use woodchip. I would get a surface supplier to come and quote as they will give you an idea of volumes, depths and types. Even if you don't use them they will give you an idea.

The base needs to be taken into account too, I am not sure what you have but existing soil may cause moisture to be pulled up into the surface, and concrete needs a mesh or grid to prevent the surface sliding over it on canter turns or when jumping. Normally a stone base is in place with a 'fluffy' membrane to prevent mixing of layers but give a stable surface to prevent rippling and sliding. (The stone, membrane and sand combine to give a surface that resists side forces). Never use a smooth or shiny ground separation membrane, this makes sliding worse.

A couple of other points, don't skimp on lighting. Current LED lighting is fantastic, get it as bright as you can. Plus make sure you install kick boarding around the arena perimeter. Don't take the risk of a bolting horse hitting a vertical steel roof support.

If I think of anything else I'll update.