Sandschool too deep...

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cashell

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21 January 2004
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Devon
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Right I had a sandschool built and to cut a long story short (lots of questioning getting hold of them with no response etc), after a little research I know its the wrong sand, i've read up on the interent about in devon and cornwall China clay quarry sand being used. Its FAR too soft never compacts at all, it does drain OK, but it freezes/sticks to everything/my horses find it hard to work in which has now put me off using it.

Has anyone else experienced bad surfaces, or even this china clay sand?

and what did you do about it?

we specifically asked for equestrian sand it wasn't cheap and its a load of rubbish so ideally I want them to remove it and at least a bit of money back, does anyone know where I stand?

I'm desperate to find someone to help as I feel stuck.

Thanks in advance to anyone with any information
 
You need to get the sand analysed and have a written report (ideally by two experts) that it's not suitable for equestrian use. Then you have to write to the company that installed it, include the reports, give them a date to reply by (7 working days) and ask for the sand to be removed or for a refund of your money (that covers the cost of removing the old sand, repairing any damage and replacing with correct sand), and send all this recorded delivery. If they do not respond you need to contact a solicitor and consider taking them to court.

Sorry to hear about this, sounds like a nightmare and it may take a while to sort out! Did you watch the construction? Is the sub-base correctly built?
 
If you fail to sort this through the company who sld you the sand you could add a 'Sand Stabilising Fibre' to improve the sand. It is designed to imitate the root like structure of turf. It is very good for firming up deep riding sands.
 
Thank you for the replies, I did consider the court option but don't know where i would stand with it as my dad said they could just throw in the fact its a matter of opinion and we would lose. But i don't really have any experience in court and weather it's in my favour to take them or not.

The construction of it went perfectly my dad over looked all of that the only problem we have had is the sand suppliers.

I will get on the case of gathering some info and look into getting it analyzed and go from there.

thanks again for the help
 
cashell said:
Thank you for the replies, I did consider the court option but don't know where i would stand with it as my dad said they could just throw in the fact its a matter of opinion and we would lose. But i don't really have any experience in court and weather it's in my favour to take them or not.
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If you have out a condition on any sale (e.g silica sand) then it forms part of the contract. Basic contract law that is!

Make sure everything is in writing. I like the second poster's suggestion of getting the sand tested!
 
Only certain types of sand are suitable for equestrian use, i.e. small, angular particle sands, so if you contracted them to provide you with sand suitable for equestrian use and they did not you have a case. Make sure you get your evidence though, sand analysis and expert written testimony. Depending on the cost of the sand you can take the company to the Small Claims Court which is a very simple process and you can do yourself without the solicitor, but give them a written and recorded opportunity to make reparations first.
 
cashell said:
Thank you for the replies, I did consider the court option but don't know where i would stand with it as my dad said they could just throw in the fact its a matter of opinion and we would lose. But i don't really have any experience in court and weather it's in my favour to take them or not.
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Try contacting a solicitor or even a community law firm who can help advise you on your likelihood to succeed at court. I would say that generally just threatening to take a company to court is enough for them to agree to a settlement with you, after all its potentially a lot more time consuming and expensive for them, especially as the courts (generally) favour the customer...

Hope it all gets sorted soon! :)
 
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