What sand for arena ?

staceyn

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Obviously silica and equestrian sand.
Has anyone used grit sand ? Or any other sand will be mixing with chopped pvc ? Any photos of anyones dIy arena would be a great help. With regards to the total depth of the surface is 6" enough ? And hardcore Has anyone used road plannings and is 2-3" enough ? Many thanks
 

soloequestrian

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We used a woven membrane, then four inches of hardcore, then a fuzzy membrane, then four inches of sharp sand (couldn't afford silica and not totally convinced by it anyway) and 14 bales of carpet fibre from Equicon (who were very helpful). So far so good.
 

staceyn

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Brilliant we have been told beach sand is fine too only needs to last a few years were did you get your carpet ? And how much is it per bale ?
 

Hoofprints in the Snow

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What stone would you use ?

Clean gravel under and around drains, then clean quarry stone, then layer of clean small stone, then fibre membrane, then fine silica sand, (sharp sand can be very abrasive on the soles of horses feet) after rolled and settled etc mixed with combi ride. I think that was the order it was all put in. Cutting corners isn't an option if you want it to last and be a safe surface. Although shopping around, and looking at other people's arenas and how they have stood the test of time with use and any snags they might have had is a good idea. Also always try and get suppliers to cut the price of their stone sand etc. they usually do if they think they might miss a sale!
 

staceyn

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If it was my own land a totally agree and I would do it all properly. But its someone else's house And I just don't want to be training my youngster in a slippy field I only need it to last 4years max so don't want to spend too much but have a area that is better then mud.
 

soloequestrian

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Brilliant we have been told beach sand is fine too only needs to last a few years were did you get your carpet ? And how much is it per bale ?

I've heard that beach sand isn't good because it is rounded, so never beds down. Sharp sand, in theory, is angular and so will form a stable surface. A few people in my area have arenas just of sharp sand and they seem to ride fine, but mine rode too deep before I got the carpet. Maybe I am just fussy.
I can't really remember how much the carpet was - not particularly cheap, but that plus the sand was still a lot less than carting silica sand up to Aberdeen! The website is here http://www.horses-now.co.uk/ad_deta...this_company_name=BTC Equestrian Supplies Ltd - it doesn't look very inspiring but Brennan is really helpful and sent me lots of samples before I decided, then was very quick to supply the bales.
 

WelshD

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There are aggregate calculators online where you put in the dimensions and depth and it works you out a rough guide
 
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