Top Tip: It Requires More Than Just Sand!
Building a high-quality horse arena is no small feat, especially when it comes to getting the footing just right. Among the numerous choices that you will have to make, determining the correct horse arena sand depth is crucial. That’s why we’ve created a guide to help you craft the perfect surface for your horses.
The Four Primary Levels For Horse Arenas
No matter what type of arena you’re building, you’ll always need these levels to ensure the safety of both horses and humans. A well-constructed horse arena consists of four essential layers:
- The Base: This is the foundational layer that is usually made of compacted clay. It provides stability and prevents shifts in footing that could lead to injury.
- Drainage Layer: We recommend an angular washed stone such as limestone and 40mm Clean Drainage Stone; recycled stones, rounded stones or road planings should never be used. Angular limestone allows for the stones to interlock, allowing for adequate drainage and prevention of breaking down of the stone.
- The Subsurface: Membrane or Blinding Aggregate? Many contractors use geotextile membranes due to the speed of installation, however these can get blocked by leaves and droppings. This will then affect drainage. Make use of our limestone, available in many sizes. This is an ideal stone for the blinding layers often paired with our 2/6mm Quartz Grit Clean.
- The Top Dressing: This is the final layer, consisting of materials that provide grip and stability. The top dressing and subsurface work together to create what is called “footing”. We recommend our 0-2mm Fine Yellow Sand or our Premium Equestrian Trac Sand.
What is the Correct Horse Arena Sand Depth?
The depth of sand required for your arena will largely depend on what you are planning on practising in there. Here are our recommendations:
- Dressage: Ideally you will need a three to four inch depth. This will provide enough shock absorption to protect your horses joints from the repetitive movements that are common in a dressage routine.
- Jumping: If you are planning on building a jumping arena, around four to six inches of sand if typically recommended. This depth will provide the much needed cushioning to support the horses takeoffs and landings.
- Western Disciplines: Western arenas vary depending on the activity. For example, barrel racing arenas may have three to four inches, while reining arenas may only require two to three inches to accommodate sliding stops.
Calculating Your Arena’s Requirements
To determine the right amount of sand for your horse rena, you’ll need to calculate the volume based on its dimensions and desired sand depth, which looks a little something like this:
However, at Westcott Sand & Aggregates, we’re available to assist with precise calculations to match your specific needs.
Our online calculators make this process even easier! Tailored to each product we offer, from compacted sub-bases like Type 1 to Equestrian Silica Sand, our calculators help you estimate your material needs with ease. Simply input your arenas length, width, and depth, and let us handle the hard work for you!
Why Choose Westcott Sand & Aggregates?
Our team is proud to be Southwest’s leading industrial packing provider and supplier. We are dedicated to providing our clients with exceptional service and high-quality products and with our unique product calculators, we ensure that you order exactly what you need.
Our delivery options range from small, site-specific loads to 18-tonne deliveries, up to full artic tippers for sites with plenty of access. With our commitment to customer satisfaction, our team is ready to support your arena project every step of the way.
For more information on your horse arena needs, get in touch with us today. Our friendly team is happy to help you with any questions and orders.