How to Refurbish a Sand Arena

A riding arena is of paramount importance to anyone training horses. A soft sand surface not only provides the ideal surface to reduce impact for both horses and riders, but also drains water quickly and easily. Depending on the amount of use a sand arena receives, it will at some point require either maintenance or a complete renovation.

Things You'll Need

  • Tractor
  • Crushed Stone
  • Grader
  • Roller
  • Water
  • Sand
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Instructions

  1. Inspection

    • 1

      Inspect your arena for any areas that might need repair. Take a close look at all fence posts and gates, and awning, if you are using one.

    • 2

      Inspect the outside perimeter of your arena for signs of water build-up, which indicates improper drainage. Check the sand level inside the arena and look for areas of compaction.

    • 3

      Make a list of the areas that need attention.

    Renovation

    • 4

      Replace any rotten or broken fence posts or rails, if needed. To replace a fencepost you will need to use an auger to dig a hole extending below the frost line. Then put in your post and fill with cement. You should have a minimum of three rails along the inside of the arena.

    • 5

      Excavate all the sand away from the arena using your tractor or backhoe. You can either remove the sand completely (best) or push it to one side and work on only one half of the arena at a time.

    • 6

      Compact the subsoil using your roller and level the surface so you have a 1 to 2 percent slope at the crown. The subbase should sit at roughly ground level for proper drainage.

    • 7

      Apply a crushed rock base of a minimum of 4 to 6 inches deep and level it using your grader. Spray water across the surface and roll it to help compact it fully.

    • 8

      Apply the sand, keeping a minimum depth of approximately 2 to 4 inches, and level it.