New School - When to start using? Advice Please

[bibaladiva]

We have been very lucky and had a new school built in the last 6/8 weeks which is a mix of a heavy sand base and the best quality rubber topping. Obviously it was very hot and dry when it was finished a few weeks ago but our guy who built it did say to start using because it had rained on the sand base before the topping went on. However we felt it was too deep to use and waited for some rain. Now over the last 10 days we have had intermittent rain (some heavy and some light), one of the horses schooled in it a couple of days ago and the outskirts are still very deep. Do we leave or do we continue to use which may compact the outskirts down - or should we leave well alone until substantial rainfall? Any advice would be great please!

 

[flyingfeet]

Oh you are not going to like this - you should be able to use immediately !

I am slightly concerned that if its deep now you may find its always deep. I would get a roller on there and try and compact down to see if that helps.

 

[eggs]

Do you know what sand was used? If it was proper equestrian sand you shouldn't have a problem using it after some rain.

You could always ask your local fire service if they would be prepared to come and soak the school for you.

 

[_daisy_]

as far as i was aware you should start using it straight away.
my arena was completed a few weeks ago and ive been using mine every day. the only way it will compact is with work.

ive had to water mine quite a bit over the dry period as it got very soft and deep but we hadnt really had any rain from it being put down.
i got my quad back today and given it a good harrow and roll and is doing fantastic since weve had heavy downpours over the last few days.

 

[irish_only]

Oh you are not going to like this - you should be able to use immediately !

I am slightly concerned that if its deep now you may find its always deep. I would get a roller on there and try and compact down to see if that helps.

Ditto - I had this problem, and it was due to the sand not being the right sort
Lots of battles with the sand supplier to no avail.
Try either a vibrating road roller or a friendly local farmer with a water ballast roller. I ended up rotovating in clopf, and it is fine now.