Arena installation. Layers? Road fabric? Filter fabric?

[ASB_Stars]

And more questions. A friend of mine, who lives in the Pacific NW, just received a quote to do a full size dressage arena. He proposes stripping the topsoil, installing road fabric, installing 3/4 inch stone (six inches), filter fabric, “additional material”, and then six inches of sand. AND a french drain down one side. What?

I did my ring here some years ago. We decided against fabric, which was successful. Stripped it down to clay, rolled that and let it sit 60 days, installed six inches of street compact screenings- let that sit for 30 days, and then put down around three inches of sand (nominally). Topped it with rubber after a few months. It’s been perfect for 20 plus years.

What did they do with the construction of your arena? How has it worked for you? Yes, I know that six inches of sand is craaazzeee. I find some of the rest of it suspect, as well. But, I’d like to hear your real experiences.

Thanks!

[walktrot]

Six inches of sand is way too much. BO at my prior barn went too deep with the footing. Her arena is 80x200. She had to get her friend with the Bobcat remove as much as he could. It was still too deep is several areas. It’s 2-3" for dressage and 3-4" for jumping.

[Scribbler]

It’s all going to depend on the drainage of the site. In the PNW drainage controls everything.

Our club dropped about $50,000 to refurbish a year round outdoor arena in an actual bog. Multiple french drains, stones, landscape cloth, at least a foot of hog fuel cedar bark mulch. It’s great, very functional.

On the other hand, I rode at a clinic venue up in the mountains about 8 hours North East of here. They had a lovely sandy soil and all they did for their inside and outdoor arenas was take off the grass and harrow.

That’s not an option down here on the coast. We even have French drains in our runout paddocks

[ASB_Stars]

Thanks for the great input! I appreciate it!

She is relocating the proposed area for the ring on her property, and getting a new bid. We shall see!