A Guide to Horse Arena Construction

Are you Thinking Building a Menage?

Building a menage requires careful planning and consideration to ensure the final arena meets your specific needs. We have created a comprehensive guide, covering initial planning to the finished product. From the importance of drainage to site access and selecting the appropriate surface materials.

So, if you’re thinking of building a menage, here are a few things that you need to know:

Horse arena construction

You will need to find out the lead time of the team to find out when they are available to firstly assess the site and when they are available to complete the construction.
When planning your horse arena construction, we would start by evaluating the horse arena size to ensure it meets the specific requirements of what you want to use it for. You may need a precise rectangle for dressage or more space for jumping.
Drainage is a critical factor, as proper water management is essential for maintaining a safe and usable equestrian surface under all weather conditions.
Access to the site is assessed to ensure materials and equipment can be easily transported and the construction process is streamlined.
Budget considerations are addressed by offering options that balance cost with quality and longevity.

Lastly, the choice of surface material and construction technique is tailored to the discipline’s demands. This ensures the arena enhances performance and safety for both horse and rider.

The Foundation Matters – Horse Arena Footings

To build the foundation of an equestrian arena, we start by ensuring the selected site is level and has good natural drainage. Then, we’ll excavate the area to remove any vegetation and topsoil, creating a stable base.
Once the site is prepared, we’ll mark out the exact dimensions of the arena and begin the excavation process.
Then, we’ll install a membrane to separate the sub-base from the underlying soil, preventing mixing and enhancing drainage. The sub-base is constructed of compacted layers of clean hard stone, providing a firm, yet drainable foundation.

It typically takes around three months for the horse arena footing to settle into the ideal texture.

Choosing the Perfect Surface

Choosing the correct material for your equestrian surface involves understanding your specific needs and the pros and cons of each material.

Equestrian Sand provides a cost-effective, versatile base with minimum maintenance.
Premixed Surfaces provide stability and cushioning and is ideal for training, competition, lunge surfaces and as a top-up solution for an existing equestrian surface.
Dual Stabiliser Fibre is cushioned, effective and comfortable to ride on. Its blend of pulverised nylon and rubber fleck is perfect for both new or old sand-based surfaces.
Combi-Wax guarantees structure and requires less water to maintain both outdoors and indoors. Despite the lessened need for water, the combination of materials still prevents dust.

A mix of materials often delivers the best balance of performance, safety and longevity, tailoring the surface to the discipline’s needs. Maintenance is crucial for all types, involving regular grooming, moisture management, and compaction prevention to keep the equestrian surface in top condition.
Extras for horse and rider comfort, such as drainage systems and dust suppression methods, enhance the overall experience. They ensure the arena remains a safe, enjoyable environment for you and your horse.

Additions to Your Arena.

Additionally, it’s important to prioritise durable, safe fencing to secure the perimeter and protect both horses and riders. Fencing should be high enough to prevent jumping over and without sharp edges.
For lighting, we recommend energy-efficient, evenly distributed lights that enhance visibility without causing glare, ensuring activities can continue safely after dusk. We all know how limited hacking can be in those winter months and a well-lit menage will extend your riding hours into the evenings.

Get in Touch with us

Contact our team of experts for personalised advice and solutions tailored to your horse arena construction. Start your journey today towards a safer, more effective riding environment that prioritises both the welfare and performance of your horse.