CONSTRUCTION TIPS
Plan your project for summer/dry months.
You’ll most likely be paying more for the surface cartage than for the product itself so try and support and source locally especially with sand.
Best practice is to have a consultation with an experienced arena builder or earth moving company. they will know what is best suited for your climate, location etc.
Don't scrimp on the base and drainage work, to get the best from your surface your arena must have an excellent base and drainage to begin with. We can recommend a contractor in your region that has good reviews.
Ensure the levelling is done by a laser not by eye.
Access for large truck will be required so overhanging trees, gateways need to be clear and the track to drive in needs to be solid.
CALCULATION
To quote we need the size of your arena LENGTH x WIDTH (metres) also the current DEPTH ( e.g. 2.5cm) and the desired depth (cm) you are wanting.
Square Metre (M2) or (sqm) LENGTH x WIDTH
Cubic Metre (M3) or (cbm) LENGTH x WIDTH x DEPTH
How deep should the surface be? it's about personal preference, climate, discipline and how much usage. Try to check out, ride on and get peoples opinion on what they like (and don't) about their arenas.
We say err on the side of caution, it's much easier to add more, but harder and more expensive to take off.
Your arena should be 50% Sand (combination of coarse & medium & fine) 50% other product. Recommended depth total depth 8cm and 12.5cm for fibre based. You can get some now to start with, try it and add to it later, but consider the cost of a 2nd delivery.
TOP UP or REFURBISHING
Top up is adding more of the same product.
Refurbishing is adding new product and/or additives to a pre-existing arena to improve its functionality or to you are looking to reduce or eliminate issues such as;
Puddles not draining, sloppy footing.
Dust from sand degradation.
No cushion or re bound.
Too dry no water retention.
Too thin, riding on the base.
Unstable, too soft or deep
Too soft, riding through the surface.
Track formation and compaction.
Surfaces blowing away.
Incorrect fall, footing is draining away.
Frost impact and damage.
Drying out or abrasion of hooves.
Joint or tendon ailments.
Organic contamination (leaves/manure).
Uneven - depressions and tripping hazards
You may have to redo your arena base, scraping back all the surface, sorting drainage, levels and starting again. Often, people’s arenas are too deep and up to 50% of the surface must be removed.
The lifespan of your surface can be greatly affected by many factors such as:
· Lack of knowledge/advice.
· Maintenance
· Organic matter e.g. leaves and manure.
· Weather conditions.
· Climate.
· Frequency of use.
Dust is created by sand grinding down with use. Sand doesn’t last forever and should be topped up every 3-4 years. Adding new surface acts as a buffer to prolong your sands life.
DELIVERY
We will recommend and source products from suppliers nearest to your location to save on cartage cost. We offer an obligation free quote (valid for 7 days) for delivery to your closest Mainfreight Depot or you can arrange your own freight.
We have priced all our products in sqm, the volume can vary due to the weight of the different products, but in square meters it’s easier to compare. i.e. The Foam Fill and PVC Granule are in the same sized bulk bags but one is 45kgs and the other 450kgs, they also vary in density/coverage, so you need different amounts of bags to get the same spread. However, they are similar in the cost of delivery due to being the same size.
Access for a large truck will be required - this means a driveway that can easily swing in from the road, no low-lying trees and a solid and level driveway that the truck wont sink in, don’t expect the driver to drive through a paddock or mud, as it will be a hard no.
You will also need a forklift, tractor or a 4wd for unloading. A Hiab truck can be arranged if you do not have any means to unload, this is at extra cost, and we will need to know this at time of ordering.
PROTECTION
When installing and spreading any of our surface products we recommend using safety goggles, face mask and covered footwear. This is to avoid breathing in any dust particles. Ensure to wash hands after handling the product. Keep children and pets away that may ingest the product. Seek medical/poisons advice in an emergency.
Once the product has been on the arena for 24 hours after dust has settled it is safe for people and pets to walk on.
INSTALLATION
When the product is delivered, we will provide instructions on how to map out your arena for application based on which products you have purchases.
either have the bags unloaded or distributed around your arena, if recycling your bags - empty the contents out by lifting it with tractor forks and open the chute at the bottom, if not, then cut the bags from the ground up in 2 places and rake out, then spread - you can do this by hand with your rake, with your bike and harrows or arena groomer to distribute the surface evenly. For fibre there is a more in-depth process to follow that we provide to purchasing clients.
MAINTENANCE
Neglecting maintenance will shorten your arena’s life - ignore it and find unevenness, dips, puddles, deep and shallow areas. Tracks, high use areas and entry points, even where your coach stands will compact, surface naturally migrates to the outside edges and banks up.
This is easily dealt with when tackled early, with a light harrow-like device that will not only redistribute the material but penetrate a little helping to loosen any compaction. If you ignored your horse could end up working on the base, then your only option will be to get a small excavator with a split bucket to gently scrape the surface back towards the crown and do some levelling or even better, get in a professional.
To level - drag harrows (a heavy metal bar with two loops of chain trailing behind), harrows or an arena groomer towed behind a quad bike. During any grooming session, always start in one direction only and offset the bar a little, so it tends to push the material back uphill. This may not totally remove the eventual need for a small excavator, but it will certainly delay it.
Maintaining your arena is always required at some level depending on the surface. The higher the cost of the product, the more maintenance needs to be done, location, amount of use and discipline.
ORGANIC material much as manure, leaves, must be removed as quickly as possible to avoid
Manure should be picked up each time you ride. We recommend using a stable fork and shaking off as much surface before disposing, some surfaces do attach to the manure, some much less. So, the more care you take, the less arena you will remove.
If the product absorbs water or is surrounded by water, freezing or icing up can happen. This is true for whatever surface is used, grooming in the evening will help reduce this.
Harrowing is best at least once a week to break up any compaction, evenly distribute and fluff up the surface. This will not assist with corrugation, tracks, and hollows, you will need to attend to this at least annually with an excavating machine. If you have the luxury of/or means to purchase your own arena rake this is the best way of maintaining your arena long term.
Irrigation or sprinkler system is required for Fibre surfaces and will also be required to dampen a dry, dusty arena for regions that are very windy or have a low rainfall.
ENVIRONMENT
Environmental impact is important to consider. As a company we take this very seriously, we have spent a lot of time researching ways we can ensure our product, packaging, containment, and end of life impact to the environment is always considered and solutions implemented. As we progress our business, we will be recommending TIPS and PRODUCTS in the way of factsheets, step by step demonstrations, guides, and videos.
Suggesting ways to recycle packaging, contain your surface, stop run off, care with composting and muck piles. Keep your surface in your arena by planting the perimeter, placing boards around the outside of your track, put shade cloth around your arena to stop any products blowing away. Line your catchment drains and drainage pipes with weed mat or mesh nets to collect any sand and surface, clear periodically and return to your arena. Natural products such as wool and coco will biodegrade over time and will need topping up, we ensure our materials are from a sustainable resource.
Sand is the base to most NZ arenas, but you will find create dust, its abrasive properties can be damaging to horses hooves and heels, when used alone it breaks down much faster; needing more to be mined from the land, whereas synthetic products will cushion the sand, protect it from wearing down and blowing away. Synthetic footing is much more durable, creates minimal dust and some products will last for 10 years or longer than any natural products.
DISCLAIMER
Information provided by Nitro Equine Ltd t/a Arena Surfaces NZ is sourced from; FEI Equestrian Surfaces - A Guide, industry professionals, articles, case studies, scientific data, and field trials by us. Our views and recommendations are that only. You should carry out due diligence and get expert advice from your arena builder/construction company/earthmovers to ensure that your arena is set up well for the chosen surface/s.
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