Wood chippings as surface?

[kit279]

I've been offered a load of wood chippings by a local farmer and I was wondering whether it would be any good to make a lunging surface? We only have fields and no arena at our yard and the ground gets very poached if you lunge often. Anyone had any experience with them? Do I need to prepare the ground underneath in any way? Should I mix it with anything? Thanks!

 

[MillionDollar]

They get very slippy and very deep very quickly, especially if there is no drainage or membrane. They'll just rot down quickly if put straight down on grass.

 

[Law]

As a surface I've found it terrible

I know about four arenas that used them as they were cheap and they all have problems bar one. They mulch down and get soggy when wet but are just as bad dry

IMO

 

[catherinep]

My OH has built arenas and client has specified wood chip - it is absolutely fine IF you have proper preparation - drainage, hard core etc and you look after it and harrow it etc.

I hope that he might build me an arena next year some time (subject to PP!!) and we will probably use wood chip as I don't jump and the drainage would be top notch.

Good luck!

 

[Rowreach]

I think if you use a properly manufactured wood chip surface and your preparation is fine (drainage, membranes etc) then it can be a very good surface. I would be wary of using just any old wood chippings though.