A Simple, Practical Build Guide
Building a horse arena is mostly about getting the layers right. A good surface only works if the formation, drainage, sub base and geotextile membranes underneath are correct. When the base is built properly the arena stays consistent, drains well and avoids problems such as puddling, freezing and sand loss. This guide covers the core steps for outdoor arenas, menages, dressage arenas, paddocks and similar equestrian areas.
Formation Level
You should allow around 350 to 400mm total build depth depending on the surface finish. Remove all topsoil first. It contains organic matter that holds water and slows drainage, so it cannot be used as a foundation. Keep the spoil aside for banking the edges or reinstating ground around the finished arena.
Once stripped, bring the formation to a clean, even level. This usually means trimming high spots and filling low areas. A consistent formation makes drainage easier and avoids uneven compaction later.
Below Ground Drainage
Arenas must drain quickly in all weather, so the drainage layout is critical. The most common system is the herringbone pattern, with:
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a central carrier drain running the full length
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secondary perforated drains branching out at angles
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all drains feeding back into the carrier, then into a ditch, stream or main outlet
Use perforated or slotted pipe and wrap the drains in woven geotextile to keep soil out of the pipework. The trenches should be wide enough to allow a good bed of clean stone around the drains so water flows freely.
Aggregate Layer
Once the drainage system is in place, cover it with a woven geotextile membrane. This gives the layer stability and stops the sub base mixing with the soil below.
Add your sub base aggregate on top. The ideal material:
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is 25 to 75mm, no fines
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compacts enough to form a stable layer
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still drains quickly
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does not contain clay, sand, wood or plastic
Crushed concrete or recycled stone is fine as long as contaminants are removed. Avoid bituminous materials because they can clog drainage over time.
A typical 20m x 40m arena uses roughly 100mm of this sub base. Once levelled and compacted, place a non woven geotextile membrane over the top. This separates the sub base from the riding surface, prevents contamination and protects the surface consistency.
Top Surface
Silica sand is the most common finish, usually 50 to 100mm deep. Sand protects the fleece layer below and provides a stable footing. Bark, rubber chippings and fibre mixes can also be used.
If using shredded carpet, rubber or insulation materials, you may not need a sand blinding layer, but the top surface depth usually increases to 200 to 225mm depending on the system.
Pricing and Packages
We supply arena packages for popular sizes and can price custom builds. Higher grade membranes are available for heavy use, deep surfaces or commercial facilities. If you have a plan, drawing or ground type to work from, we can recommend the correct woven or non woven membranes for each layer.
