When it comes to drainage for arenas, whilst it’s key to ensure you purchase and install a sub-surface that is permeable and up to standard such as the materials we supply via Foley’s Aggregates, it’s equally important to ensure that it’s stable, level and consistent throughout the entire arena. This is where working with an expert equestrian surface contractor such as Prestige Arenas, a company with decades of experience in the industry, will come in handy. 

Prestige Arenas are just one of many contractors we work with in the UK who have used Foley’s Equestrian Surfaces when constructing brand new arenas. It’s worth noting however that before they even come close to ordering their Foley’s arena surface on behalf of their clients, their initial thoughts are on the base and subsequently the drainage for arenas.

Drainage For Arenas Tip: Positioning Of A Riding Arena

When you’re looking at constructing your arena, positioning should be an important factor. Would you believe there are actually beneficial positions that will help with drainage for arenas? In fact, research has shown lining the long side of your arena along the north-south compass points is much better in terms of weathering. While this isn’t the case for every single arena out there as there will always be a multitude of factors, it’s certainly an interesting fun fact and one to consider.

Drainage For Arenas Tip: Constructing Your Arena Base

Once you’ve figured out the preferential position, it’s then on to creating the sub-surface structures. You’ll first want to consider the initial base layer made from a mix of stone and gravel. Through our sister company Foley’s Aggregates, we can provide you with recycled equestrian stone and gravel to ensure your base layer works with you, aiding the movement of water away from the surface while also ensuring a solid foundation that’s strong enough to support the remaining layers.

Again, it’s worth noting there really is no one-size-fits-all approach here. It will always come down to the individual arena, it’s location, vulnerability to weathering and the land you have to work with. Your base layer should be no thinner than 25cm AFTER it’s compacted.

Once you’ve worked on this point, you’ll then move on to the membrane layer. The job of the membrane layer is simply to prevent the base layer from mixing with your surface i.e. preventing contamination of your surface while allowing water to permeate through.

It’s then a case of personal preference as to whether you’d like to add a layer of sand to lay your surface on or go straight in with your Foley’s Equestrian Surface. Speaking with our friendly team can certainly help you decide on this one. We’re always on hand to help advise on the best option for you. Your surface is there to provide a stable, supportive and consistent footing for your horse, while also ensuring elasticity and shock absorption. This is all to allow for optimum performance while minimising injury. 

Your arena surface layer will absorb the water which will then drain through the sand, membrane and further more through your stone and gravel layer creating beautiful drainage. Doesn’t a flood-free arena sound blissful?

Need More Help With Drainage For Arenas? Contact Foley’s Equestrian Surfaces Today

If you’d like more information on drainage for arenas, or of course our surfaces, recommendations for arena construction companies like Prestige Arenas, or even more information on equestrian sands and aggregates through Foley’s Aggregates, contact us today. Call 01642 989441 or email sales@folesyequestrian.co.uk.