Riding arena surface

[Pennina]

Hi,

Can I ask for opinions?

I'm lucky enough to have my own yard with outdoor school. My husband and I made the arena ourselves so it's not posh but does us well. It's 40 x 20 meters. Hardcore, membrane and topped with treated woodchips. However, over the years the surface has broken down (as I know is normal for woodchips) and it is fast turning green!

I want to resurface it - I'm inclined to go for shredded rubber as it will last longer.

However, we've a very very limited budget so it needs to be as economical as possible.

Would love to hear what anyone else has done/can recommend

Thanks
Pen

[DressageNut]

What are you using your arena for? How many horses per day?

I quite like shredded rubber but only if the sand/rubber mix is correct - I have seen too many where there is too much sand, or the wrong sort, and the surface is too deep which is a personal bugbear of mine. If there is too much sand then it freezes in winter as the sand holds water regardless of your drainage. Have you thought about Flexiride from Equestrian Direct? It has the huge advantage that it doesn't freeze in cold weather. I thought it might be a bit on the deep side when we first put it down but it was fine after a few weeks. Sorry not sure of the cost.

We also have Turfloat at our place which is superb most of the year for flatwork and jumping as they really stay on top of the surface but it is expensive and doesn't like cold weather - a spell of minus temperatures can leave it out of action for days.

[Pennina]

Thanks for that I will check out Flexiride. We just use it for a little bit of light schooling and lunging. Three horses couple of times a week maybe.

Pen

[Garnethair]

We have a fabulous rubber surface. Been down three years and never frozen. It rides beautifully.

[Owllady]

It's shredded rubber at the equine centre my daughter rides at and its much better than anything they've had before and not dusty!

[Holland00]

Worth advertising for second hand surface, as people change surface they often sell the old.