Geotex Horse Arenas & Equestrian Installations

Equestrian Herringbone installation

Construction of a complete equestrian riding arena can be a long, complex and yet delicate process.

When planning, one must consider many factors: site access, ground level; drainage qualities; and general exposure. Once these details are confirmed, it is time to begin the actual ménage construction.

First comes the excavation, followed swiftly by the drainage. The latter is most commonly utilised in a herringbone pattern, as shown below.

It’s after this point that we, Trade Geos, get involved.

For more installation on how a horse arena is fitted please see here.

the base layer 

Once the drainage gets fitted correctly, it’s time to cover with a woven geotextile membrane, providing extra reinforcement and stabilisation.

Ideally, the drainage pipes would also be wrapped in woven geotextile to prevent clay and silt blocking the drains.

In our many years of equestrian specification, particularly for horse arenas, we have always recommended our 78gsm Woven Geotex for the base layer.

Of course, higher grade products are available, but since the membrane is being laid below the sub-base and therefore isn’t required to withstand significant point loads, there is little need to consider these.

Ensure you have the right product for the job; there is no need to over-specify.

the top layer

For the top layer of an arena, there are several non-woven geotextile membranes to consider.

This is necessary to prevent the stone sub-base from migrating upwards into the surface while aiding the slip resistance.

Suitable overlaps of approximately a third of a metre should be secured with Geotex Cloth Tape, preventing sand from getting underneath and lifting the membrane.

All creases should be removed before laying the sand, ensuring a smooth and flat surface.