Arenas & Manèges

 
 
 

SURFACES 

We can work with lower priced wood fibre surfaces through to pro-grade wax surfaces:  

Sand

Our pro-grade silica sand has no silt or clay particles and the angulated shape of the granules means the surface stays firm, providing excellent drainage., 

Cheaper sands simply don't perform. They tend to ride deep and soft and they don't drain in wet periods, which is why we don’t use them. High silt content will also result in blocked membranes which stops drainage and causes a surface to fail. 

Rubber

Rubber shred or chip is still a popular surface. It provides a fairly low-maintenance surface which is tried and tested, as well as being cost effective. This surface helps prevent freezing in winter and water retention in summer. 

Stabilizing Fibres

Can either be supplied pre mixed with pro-grade sand or a less expensive alternative is to mix the fibres onsite. This helps to bind the sand together and give a more turf-like riding surface for your arena. 

Waxed

Waxed surfaces are the top end choice for the professional finish. These surfaces are created by mixing sand, fibre and rubber, which is gelled together with wax providing a variety of grades for different uses. 

We are happy to explain the differences between the surface types and will work with you to provide the correct one for your needs. 

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ARENA CONSTRUCTION

Preparation

Any top soil removed is retained for landscaping or removed from site if you prefer. Top soil is never used for levelling. If there is a need for cut and fill, we use the most effective method and laser technology is used to achieved the perfect level. 

Drainage

The drainage in and around your arena is of paramount importance. Depending on the soil type we will provide the correct drainage and right amount of drains to cope with all circumstances. If your arena has been levelled and the surrounding ground is sloping we will provide a cut off drain to prevent run off water which can be worse than direct rainfall. 

We use 100mm perforated land drain pipe with membranes in the bottom of the trench which is back filled with clean free draining stone or shingle. 

Sub Base

Using either granite or good quality lime stone we endeavour to use local product but will never substitute this for quality. We never use recycled material as this will quickly degrade. The sub base is layered over a ground membrane at a depth of 150mm when compacted.  

Top Membrane

At LandMark we use non woven Geotex needle punctured membrane with heat welded overlaps. The only circumstance in which we would recommend an alternative is with the western riding fraternity where a looser surface is required and we would suggest open knit tarmac over stone.  

Fencing

Your arena will be finished off with fencing and/or retaining boards as appropriate to your needs. Please click here for more information. 

Round pens and lunge rings are built to the same specification with the exception of using high (7 foot) close board fencing. 

Large arenas for Polo are a speciality of LandMark. 

We offer free site surveys and advice and all of our work is fully guaranteed subject to proper maintenance.