This equestrian riding arena involved a comprehensive approach to vegetation management and surface preparation, ensuring a well-maintained and functional space for its intended use. The process was carried out in three main stages:
Firstly, weed and grass control was a critical initial step. Upon our first visit to the site, we applied weed and grass spray around the entire perimeter of the arena, including all grass areas and along the fence line. To ensure long-term effectiveness, we planned a second round of spraying at the project’s end, aiming to prevent any grass resurgence in the arena area for the season.
Following the spraying, we focused on cleaning up the arena. This task involved using a tractor with a rake attachment to carefully remove large clumps of dead vegetation from the existing arena. Our approach was mindful of the underlying stone dust base, ensuring no damage during debris removal. This debris, along with a large pile of sand and waste found in one corner of the arena, was disposed of in the nearby woods. Additionally, we addressed the buildup of excess material under the fence line, pushing it into the arena for reuse as sand fill. All grass and organic debris were similarly removed and disposed of at the far end of the arena in the woods.
The final stage was the regrading of the existing arena. After clearing the vegetation and waste, we set up our laser grading system to rework the surface area. The regrading process involved establishing a centerline for the arena and adjusting the laser system to create a crown in the center with a 1 percent fall in both directions, ensuring effective drainage. Our team took great care to maintain an even thickness of sand over the stone dust base without causing any damage. Once the grading was complete, we recompacted the sand base material and dragged the arena, preparing it for the owner’s use.
Throughout the project, careful planning and execution were paramount, ensuring that every step, from vegetation control to final grading, contributed to a well-maintained and high-quality arena surface.