Drainage for indoor and outdoor arenas – how often do you think it’s thought about?

You might be surprised to learn that when it comes to an arena, indoor or outdoor, one of the biggest focus points for many is the arena surface and while we of course agree, we also know there’s a hugely other important factor… the base. More importantly within that base; drainage. In fact, the drainage system of your arena should be one of your first considerations…

The question is however, why is the drainage system so important? And does it make a difference if your arena is indoor or outdoor?

Drainage For Indoor & Outdoor Arenas: Indoor Systems

You may actually be surprised to learn that a sub-par drainage system within your arena, indoor or outdoor could potentially lead to an array of problems that will ultimately affect everything from the safety of the surface to its performance and even composition over time. This will in turn lead to a much reduced lifespan making your investment a costly one as you’ll find yourself needing to put more money into a better drainage system down the line as well as a new surface sooner rather than later.

While an indoor arena surface will be much better protected from the elements, this doesn’t protect it from the affects of an inadequate drainage system; in fact it’s just as important. Drainage within an indoor arena will help prevent against something called shearing.

“Shearing… when the arena surface shifts from the dry side of the arena to the moist side leading to irregularities and corrugations within the surface, thus causing unstable footing for both horse and rider.”

Correctly installed drainage systems within indoor arenas are actually hugely responsible for keeping moisture levels regulated. What does this mean? Well, this means holding back moisture or even water for that matter that would naturally be held within the ground’s water table. This will also help avoid the moisture or water from contaminating other areas of the arena, such as particularly deep areas. Drainage also ensures the water added to it via rain or an irrigation system will be stored to prevent excessive drying while also ensuring any excess water that isn’t needed, drains away from arena footage to the surrounding earth. 

Drainage For Indoor And Outdoor Arenas: Outdoor Systems 

When it comes to an outdoor arena, things start to differ. The key thing to think about is the fact that these arena surfaces will remain exposed to all the elements. Every. Single. One. Various weather conditions will present themselves throughout the year which means not only various temperatures but also precipitation too. These will all have an impact on your surface. While a Foley’s Equestrian Surface is an all-weather surface, resisting frost and wind, it’s worth noting that a decent drainage system will only help improve its ability to fight off the elements. 

Think of the drainage system as an extension of your surface arena, giving it that extra strength to perform as it should, allowing you to ride throughout the year without a problem. Not only will you find yourself with constant access to a training facility but you’ll also help increase the lifespan of your surface and therefore increase your initial investment’s worth too.

Drainage For Indoor And Outdoor Arenas

Drainage for indoor and outdoor arenas, or simply drainage systems as a whole, it’s fair to say, are hugely beneficial. Not only can they help keep moisture in the surface during drier months but they’ll also help drain excess water away during the wetter months.

With that in mind, the question really remains, can you afford not to have a decent drainage system? If you’d like more information on the aggregates needed for the perfect base and drainage system in your arena in the UK, do check out our sister company, Foley’s Aggregates. At Foley’s Aggregates we supply and deliver Grade A Recycled Aggregates throughout the UK and we can for you too.

Simply contact us today via sales@foleysequestrian.co.uk or check out our sister website foleysaggregates.co.uk.