Sand arena - how to clear of slippy moss/algae

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Scot123

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Hello. I have use of a small sand arena. It hasn't been used in quite a while and the surface is mostly covered in moss and algae (West Coast of Scotland!!).

Can anybody suggest the best way to get this back into a useable state? Ideally not by mechanical means as I think the owners would rather not go that route.

I was wondering whether to set the shetlands loose in it for a week or two and see what they could manage??
 
When you say useable, do you mean for turnout or riding?

Tbh you will struggle to get it rideable without using a harrow ime. We moved to a property with a sand arena that had not been used in years. We had to spray a couple of times and then harrow quite a few times before it was useable.

What about putting some sheep on it? Depends how long the vegetation is.
 
Thanks. I think the shetlands would be fine - they've grazed along the beach previously and seem to have insides of steel! It's not got any vegetation other than the moss/algae (and a few rogue small trees that are at least easy to get rid of!). Yup, if harrowing were an option it would be ideal...
 
Sand is mainly a problem when it is ingested by accident - as in along with any ground fed hay. So long as they are aren't fed anything edible off it they should be fine - you could take the opportunity to loose school them :)
 
PorkChop said:
When you say useable, do you mean for turnout or riding?

Tbh you will struggle to get it rideable without using a harrow ime. We moved to a property with a sand arena that had not been used in years. We had to spray a couple of times and then harrow quite a few times before it was useable.

What about putting some sheep on it? Depends how long the vegetation is.
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Hi,
We have just bought a property in Moffat Scotland, with the same issue. The sand arena is covered in moss and lichen.
We do not intend to get any animals until we clear it up.
Any advice on what treatmen to buy to get rid if the moss, and do we need a rotovator or scarifier. Any nod in the right direction appreciated
 
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