It was a busy month in March with our equestrian and groundworks services. After finishing an extension to a large horse arena on the outskirts of Exeter we then headed up to Upcott Park in Cookbury near Holsworthy, to the Mare and Foal Sanctuary. 

New Sand School in Devon

The requirements of the Mare and Foal Sanctuary was for the construction of a new outdoor arena for their horses and ponies to use. To be able to use the new sand school as much as possible throughout the year, a sand and fibre mixed surface was chosen. 

After digging out the site, the earth was compacted with a roller  and made level. As the location of the sand school was in a filed with a slight slope it had to be built up to make level. The next stage was to dig out for the drainage, one of the most important parts of any sand school construction. With the drainage channels dug, the first membrane was spread across the arena and the fencing was installed. The larger corner posts went in first, then the individual posts on each of the four sides and the entrance gate posts.

Next the wooden kickboards were attached to the base of the fence posts. We use a larger grooved kickboard around the base of the arena to provide a better finish and greater durability. Once these boards were installed the drainage pipes and clean stone were added. The clean stone is a must for an arena to allow the water to easily drain from the sand school. If recycled stone is used then after a while the drainage will get blocked and cause major issues with the arena.

Landscaping and Fencing

With the clean stone added to the site we made sure everything was level. Once we were happy with the level the second membrane was added on top. This needs to be carried out before the sand and fibre surface can be spread out. 

With the sand spread across the arena the fibre can be added, mixed in with sand to give an ideal surface for all types of riding. The remaining rails were also attached to the fence posts and the BME Groundworks and Equestrian Services sign was screwed to the arena gate.

Further landscaping was required to create a Devon Bank on one side of the sand school. The slope of the Devon Bank was turfed and plants were added along the top of the bank. 

After a final clean-up the outdoor arena in Holsworthy was complete.