Where to Start!
Although it is our job to undertake the technical preparation and provide
you with recommendations for your new arena here are some areas
for you to consider.
- Size of manège – This will depend on the type of use and availability
of space (standard manège is 20m x 40m).
- Riding surface – Prices vary considerably depending on the surface
material used. Our most popular surface is silica sand topped with rubber
chipping's
but we have many other surfaces available.
- Entrances - You need to decide where you would like your entrance to the
arena (more than one can be included if required).
- Riding Access – Laying extra material such as road plainings
means that the problem of muddy pathways is alleviated.
- Construction Traffic Access – In order to construct the
manège we will need to have the materials delivered as near
to the site
as possible.
Please
ensure that you can get either an articulated or an eight
wheeler lorry onto your site.
- Planning permission – This is required for the construction
of a new manage. Planning can usually be granted within
about six to eight weeks
depending
on your local authority.
- Lighting – This makes planning more difficult.
It is easier to initially apply for the manège without
lighting
being specified
then submit a further
application at a later date. If you intend to incorporate
lighting at a later date, please inform us so we can
allow for electrical
ducting which
is easier
and more cost effective to put in while the arena is
being constructed.
- Consider your neighbours – Please bear in mind
the position of your neighbours property when planning
your
manège.
- Special Requirements – Please discuss any ideas
/ requirements you have and we will incorporate
these into
the specification
where possible.
Manège construction
The construction of an all-weather riding surface is an investment that
when constructed properly should give years of life. That’s
why we only use the highest quality materials and construction methods and give a five year warranty (subject to correct maintenance).
Our project team provides a free and full estimate with no obligation.
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Following is a brief outline of how we build your new arena, however this is just a guide and should not be followed for self install as every site is different.
Groundwork starts
by levelling the site using cut and fill techniques
using laser technology. Once the area has been levelled drainage channels are then laid in and backfilled with drainage stone. |
Posts are concreted
in position a tough woven membrane
is laid over the entire base stopping the migration of base material
into the ground and drainage system, a suitable aggregate
is laid over the total area usually granite or limestone. This is compacted and rolled to create a firm level surface.
Kickboards are installed and a second non-woven membrane is laid and attached to the
surrounding kickboards with all seams sealed. |
  
Note: The second membrane is always non-woven for safety reasons. If a horse’s
hoof penetrated it (usually due to poor maintenance of the surface) it should tear
reducing the likelihood of injuring.
The arena is then ready for it's riding surface, which are many and varied our most common being Silica sand and rubber chipping's.
Advice on different surfaces is always available so please call. |
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Clients can choose to have their own preferred riding surface or we can advise
although silica sand topped with rubber chipping's is currently our most popular by far.
Most if not all surfaces need maintenance which includes watering again if you are unsure please call us. |
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The arena post and rail (usually three rails) is then completed,
rails are secured using galvanized clout nails, post
tops are machine cut at an angle to allow water run off and for rider safety
reasons then re-treated with wood preserve. Gate posts are concreted in with entrance
gate(s) hung complete with equi-catch(s) and excavated soil is graded around the outside with any spare either stockpiled onsite or removed (at additional cost) if required |
Our staff always conduct a site inspection prior to completion
and project handover ensuring that our arena's are finished
to the highest of standards and our customers are delighted with their new arenas.
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Key Points
- Surface levelled using a laser leveller
- Drainage laid in according to site conditions
- Membrane laid at ground level (to stop migration of the drainage aggregate
into the ground)
- Non-woven membrane used below riding surface with joints sealed (for
Horse and rider safety and to stop migration of riding surface to drainage system)
- Low fines aggregates used (to allow good drainage)
- Quality treated 125 x 75mm posts and 87 x 38 mm rails (three)
- Rails secured using high grip nails
- Post tops re-treated with wood preserve
- Excavated topsoil landscaped if required
- Final site inspection before handover to customer
- Five year installation warranty - subject to correct maintenance (riding surface limited to manufacturers or suppliers warranty only)
Manège Maintenance
It is essential that your arena is well maintained, this includes leveling, topping-up, watering in dry conditions, taking sensible precautions when lunging and so on. If you are in any doubt about maintenance please call us for free advice as poor maintenance can invalidate most arena constructor's warranties. We are happy to advise even if you don't have a Chapelstone arena.
  
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