If you have recently built and arena, or are considering adding an arena to your facility, you are probably wondering what to do about footing. While many people believe that you can just dump any old sand in the ring, and it is finished, there is much more to be considered when you add footing to your ring.
First of all, outdoor arenas are more expensive to add footing to than indoor arenas. This is because to have a quality outdoor arena that does not harbor puddles after the rain, you need to build adequate drainage.
Drainage is created by building a foundation of coarse gravel. This gravel whisks the water away and out of your arena. Ideally, you should dig down past the topsoil and build your foundation from there. You will need to consider digging drainage trenches to encourage the water to flow out of your arena, especially if you are in a particularly wet area.
Once the ground is prepared, lay down a 4" layer of gravel. Be sure to spread the gravel evenly, as it is the foundation upon which the rest of your ring will be built. If the foundation is uneven, it will be difficult to make your ring level.
Next you will need to add a 4 6" layer of stone screenings. This is suitable both for indoor arenas and outdoor arenas. The stone screenings form a solid layer upon which the footing itself can be laid. It will improve the drainage, and allow you to lay a thinner layer of footing that you might have done without the screenings to seal the ground.
Ideally, once the screenings are down, the arena should be allowed a season to settle. This will pack in the ground so that the footing will not get mixed into the screenings. Screenings are a bit hard for jumping or other high impact riding, but that do make a reasonable surface for basic riding. By using the arena, you will pack the screenings down, making a more solid base.
Once the screenings have settled, you will need to add your footing. There are lots of types of footings out there, from basic sand, to fancy shredded rubber. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. Stay away from footings that are biodegradable like shavings. Your arena will quickly become damaged and the footing will need to be replaced.
If you choose to use sand, consider that the best sand for arenas is coarse, angular sand. If the sand is too fine it will blow away in the wind. Smooth grained sand, such as beach sand, can be slippery and will not offer as much grip for the horses.
Whatever footing you choose, add it in small increments. It is far easier to add more footing than to have to take it out again. Start out by adding 2" of footing. Give it some time to settle, and work your horses in it until you are sure whether you need more. Add new footing in increments of 1 2" at a time. Most arenas are best with 4 5" of footing, but it depends on your discipline.
Be sure to invest in the best footing you can. It will save you money in the long run. Replacing footing is very expensive, especially if you wind up needing to remove the old footing before adding the new. A well built arena will last for years with minimal maintenance. You will be glad that you made the effort to do it right the first time.
Lydia K Kelly writes for HorseClicks, site of horses for sale Mississippi (http://www.horseclicks.com/horses/mississippi-ms/), Missouri (http://www.horseclicks.com/horses/missouri-mo/), Montana (http://www.horseclicks.com/horses/montana-mt/). Lydia is a featured author at http://www.ArticleKing.com
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