Temporary Menage Construction - Query

[AppleBon12]

Hi all

I have traveled through the millions of menage/arena posts and I can’t seem to find an answer to my query so here we go.

Have my horses at home but we do not have a menage/arena and I’m struggling with keep my Welsh d’s fit as one is not good on the roads (very nervous of anything bigger than a transit - which I’m learning can be a bit of a Welsh trait!).

Our fields are very wet and do not have the greatest drainage so schooling in the fields is not really an option. Have a track that goes round our boundary but again cannot use this very often. So we have an area on the yard (approx 20x40) that is crushed hardcore/gravel etc and is actually the best area for drainage on the whole farm. Unfortunately having a professional arena etc is not an option due to finances but I was wondering if anyone has advice on temporary construction.

My understanding so far is that as long as you are not digging or changing the landscape you do not need PP. I have contacted both EquestrianDirect regarding their EcoArena and Oakdale Construction regarding their membrane surface options but correspondence is slow. So if anyone has any info on these amazing!

A few years ago I was on a yard with menage that basically sand and fibre/carpet mix laid pretty much straight onto a concrete base that rarely flooded or froze.

So my question is would it work basically flatten/roll the hardcore/gravel flat then potentially lay a surface and maybe a membrane straight on top. I know its probably not going to be amazing but something that means I can keep the ponies ticking over?

 

[whiteflower]

I think you will struggle without proper drainage if the rest of your land is poor draining as in heavy down pours the water will go through the hard core then have no where to go. I've only seen one 'menege' done as you describe, with hardcore/membrane/some sort of flexiride type surface and it didn't work, was a bog all winter. Not what you want to hear but hopefully someone can come along and tell you a way it has worked.

Your probably better applying for planning and digging some drainage into a soakaway. Surfaces are expensive and it's still a big expense for it not to work.

 

[kathantoinette]

Yes exactly as whiteflower said. You will pay good money for the right sand/fibre and throw it all away as it won't drain properly. You'll end up with a sloppy mess!
Planning isn't that expensive. I would save up/borrow and do a proper job!