Revamping arena surface - DIY?

Art Nouveau

Art Nouveau

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I have realised that my arena doesn't have a membrane between the top layer and the stone layer. I also think the entire surface needs 'fluffing up' as the previous owners let their kids ride quads round on it for fun, so it is fairly compacted and gets waterlogged in heavy rain. I know the drains aren't blogged as the arena is raised up so the drains discharge out of the bank, and I can see the water flowing fast out of it.

I want to lift the entire surface, lay a membrane, add in new surface (it's carpet fibre and sand so probably more of the same, or maybe just more sand), and then re-lay the whole lot. Is this feasible as a DIY job if I hire a digger, or is it not worth the risk of ruining the surface and I should get a professional in?

The arena isn't ridden in much at the moment so I don't have big equipment to maintain it, I rake by hand when it needs it. If a new laid surface needs rolling or something else then I might be best getting a professional in to do the job properly. Thanks for any thoughts.
 
The membrane may be the tricky bit to lay and join yourself, we decided not to have one as use it for turnout in the winter. Haven't the gov. just banned carpet fibre surfacing though ? sure I read an article recently.
 
Yes government has a banning carpet fibre in surfaces. Never liked a surface with it in anyway.

It’s a big job and you’ll need machinery I would think. Plus you’ll need to stitch a few membranes together and that needs to be done properly. ( or can you get gigantic membranes these days?)
 
Parrotperson said:
Yes government has a banning carpet fibre in surfaces. Never liked a surface with it in anyway.

It’s a big job and you’ll need machinery I would think. Plus you’ll need to stitch a few membranes together and that needs to be done properly. ( or can you get gigantic membranes these days?)
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As far as I understand, it’s not a “ban”. They just have new regulations on which materials are used and how they are manufactured.
 
If it’s not been harrowed regularly and is compacted, I would first get it power harrowed (careful not to disturb the stone base). If it then rides well and drains correctly its saved you a lot of time and money.
 
Parrotperson said:
www.horseandhound.co.uk

Use of waste carpet in equestrian surfaces to be banned

The Government is banning the use of waste carpet in equestrian surfaces, by withdrawing a statement “likely before 1 January”.
www.horseandhound.co.uk www.horseandhound.co.uk
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Headline and opening paragraph are misleading. You need to read the whole article to understand the impact. I’ve no doubt a full ban will come in to effect at some point in the future, but at the moment there are still discussions and use of carpet fibre/ materials under strict regulations. The ban is mostly around “waste” carpet material.
 
lizziebell said:
If it’s not been harrowed regularly and is compacted, I would first get it power harrowed (careful not to disturb the stone base). If it then rides well and drains correctly its saved you a lot of time and money.
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Oh interesting thank you, there's definitely local people who could do that for me
 
lizziebell said:
If it’s not been harrowed regularly and is compacted, I would first get it power harrowed (careful not to disturb the stone base). If it then rides well and drains correctly its saved you a lot of time and money.
Click to expand...

Totally agree with this- just check very carefully that you're not going too deep and pulling the stone up!
 
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