The mineral drainage and bearing layer for moisture management of riding arenas and paddocks as well as sports flooring
An – or rather the – ideal riding arena surfaces has to cope with a range of demands. One factor that plays a part, of course, is whether the riding arena is indoors or outdoors, but both require a functional drainage layer.
Our mineral drainage and bearing layer is made of treated CN expanded clay with a granule size of 10 – 20 mm, coated. The coating, which is actually impregnation, results in a permanent, practically 100% capillary break above the water line, so that the expanded clay is unable to absorb any more moisture. Even is it is occasionally flooded, the expanded clay dries back to its own sorption humidity. The principle of this form of material treatment has successfully proven itself over several decades as a (water-permeable) drainage layer and has recently been modified. The advantages are obvious: on the one hand, our expanded clay the seepage water is discharged into the ground well and quickly, on the other hand, the all-important tread layer on top keeps the desired humidity level over an extended period.
There are no common basic standards for the ideal riding arena surface, so every customer benefits from the many years of experience of our specialists when selecting the right choice and composition for their riding arena surface. It is essential to consult experts when making such a selection to ensure that the horses can can continue to ride on an up-to-date floor. Of course, these factors also play an important role when building a paddock, as the horses spend a lot of time in the paddock.
In addition to the ride-ability, the ground of the riding facility should also be gentle on the horses’ joints, while taking all of the various weather conditions into consideration. This not only helps take care of the horses, but is also pleasing for the horse owners and riders, as it avoids any extra veterinary costs by starting to maintain the health of the horses right from the stage of choosing the right type of floor.
The riding arena surface system consists of several related components. The basis is the subsoil, which has to bear all of the other layers on top of it. The substructure, also known as the bearing layer (drainage layer) is applied on top of the subsoil. Then a dividing layer, which may be made of fleece, for example, is laid over the bearing layer. This dividing layer prevents the upper tread layer from being flushed into or mixed with the bearing layer.
We would like to wish all interested parties good results.