Stoney hardcore arena surface

[Cheetchy]

Hi all,

Our current yard have relaid the indoor arena surface from sand and rubber to a small amount of rubber and chunky stoney hardcore.
Since its been done he doesn't seem to want to be in there and I haven't wanted to do much other than walk and minimal trot cause worried about him being sore.
Am I right thinking this type of surface could hurt his feet possibly cause issue and best to avoid full stop or do you think it will be ok for lunging, and some basic school work?

 

[ycbm]

Have you got a picture? That sounds more like indoor turnout than a riding surface.
.

 

[Polos Mum]

No I wouldn't school a horse on a surface with lumps of hardcore in.

I've seen hardcore come up in various different schools over the years when either the membrane failed or wasn't fitted properly or when built without a membrane and the stone grading / base layer wasn't compacted enough.

Best stick to hacking / riding in the fields until the yard owner fixes it. I prefer to do most of my schooling out of the school anyway !

 

[NocturneNoel]

If its a new surface are you sure the lining didn't rip while they were laying it? I wouldn't ride on it personally.

 

[Cheetchy]

They flattened it out, then put the hardcore down and then as far as I'm aware they plan to put rubber on top but for the oast month or so it's been left as just hardcore.

 

[Cheetchy]

Have you got a picture? That sounds more like indoor turnout than a riding surface.
.

I dont have a photo but it's definitely the stoney chunky hardcore that would normally be used in groundwork etc.

I'm not sure if there's supplier issue's with the rubber surface, if I'm honest I barely ride in there as he's never really liked the indoor arena just while the weather's been rubbish I've taken him I'm a couple times but all you hear are the stones hitting offers hooves and he doesn't want to go so took that as his way if telling me he doesn't want to work on that surface.

 

[Cheetchy]

Also we are moving to a new yard in the coming weeks when the stable is ready. Waiting on an entry date, our current yard don't have floodlit outdoor and with it getting darker by time I get there riding is limited if we can't get out a hack or outdoor arena so sometimes it's either ride in there or not at all

 

[irishdraft]

Sounds like it's not been finished. Usually it's flattened hardcore, membrane then 6" or so of whatever surface is going on. I wouldn't ride in there personally.

 

[teapot]

That sounds like an unfinished arena ?

 

[Tiddlypom]

Have you been given permission to ride in the arena? What you describe is a part finished arena. It shouldn't have horses on it til after the surface has been laid, levelled and been allowed to settle.

You appear to be riding on the base layer/foundations.

 

[Polos Mum]

Agree with Tiddlypom - it doesn't sound finished so probably best not to ride on it until the surface has been laid