Horse Arenas & Round Yards

We have used this simple but effective design in many arena's and round yards that we have constructed in the past. Visit the website gallery at www.doddsexcavations.com to view arenas we have constructed in the past.

Using a free draining washed sand, it is free from any fines, not only preventing the sand from compacting it also allows water to drain through and flow under the sand, then across the top of the base course, and into the dish drains or off and down the batter.

The base course is a hard surface of sandstone or a dense grade road base. It is protected from damage by the sand cover and allows water to shed across the top through the sand and off to the drains. With the sand and base course costs being approximately 60% of the construction price I try to use only what is necessary, a 100mm thick base is a sufficient depth in good quality ground but if the subgrade is sandy or unsuitable it will require strengthening with extra base material.

There are a few different ways to retain the sand inside the arena and this as well as fencing, landscaping and cosmetics is a matter of choice for the customer.