I’m about ready to order sand for my arena and I need some assistance! First, what do you like as far as depth of sand? 2 inches or 3 inches? I’ll be using the arena for flatwork and some jumping.
Actually I like 4 inches, if you are going to do any jumping. The arena here has about 50/50 sand and rubber. I just relied on the brains of my sand company, hat’s their stock in trade, figuring out cubic yardage.
With footing. Remember it is easier to add more than take away too much. Romans built great roads—Rome was not built in 1 day
Thanks, 4 sounds deep. Currently I’m not adding anything to it but the sand.
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Assuming you have a decent smooth, packed base, I’d start with 2 and see if you need more after dragging it and working on it a little while. You can always add more, taking it away is a lot harder. A deep ring is rough on tendons and ligaments and way easier for a horse to take a tumble in.
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I would also start with 2 and live with it for a bit. I hate deep arenas and it’s a huge PITA to remove footing. Not to mention a giant waste of money!
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What kt-rose and Manahmanah said, 2 inches. That’s what I have in my indoor. I’ve been very happy with it. It’s just sand over a good leveled and packed base. I now use it just for flat work, but when my kids were home and riding they also did a fair amount of low level jumping.
Assuming this is an indoor?
I vote for starting with 2", riding/jumping in it & then decide if you want it deeper.
My indoor is 2"+ (not quite 3) over a packed gravel base - put down 15yrs ago.
Just me riding in there & for the last several years hayguys store loaded wagons over the Winter.
Room left for me to ride in the center, but being a Weather Weenie I seldom bother.
They drag it for me in the Spring after wagons are gone.
Sand has not packed down, even along the path most used on the walls.
I have not jumped in there for years, but it was suitable when I did.
No, this is for my outdoor. I put 23/24 sand in my indoor last year and I’m happy with it, we added too much and had to remove some but now it’s perfect.
2”. My favorite sand is limestone. Not sure if you are near a limestone area. Otherwise, construction sand. Whatever you get, don’t get river sand. And yes, best to start with a small amount than too much.
