Many arenas have been built by tilling sand into the existing clay soil. This is a great way to make a consistent footing without layers. It is also a very affordable option to build and maintain. However, the existing soil must be suitable. Rocks may be an issue that continue to pop up. Be sure to use the right type of sand to maximize the value and reduce compaction.
A standard size horse arena will need anywhere from 50 to 300 tons of sand. The biggest determining factor is the dimensions, or size, of the arena and the depth of the footing. Many styles of riding only need 2 to 4 inches of footing for their arena while some need more than 8 inches of depth. You can use are calculator to input your dimensions and preferred depth to calculate the tons that you will need, or call us and we can help.
The best sand for arenas is a silica sand, sub-angular or angular, washed, and screened sand. Silica sand is durable and lasts longer under the constant horse traffic. The sub-angular shape shifts less than rounded particles. The washing and screening process removes unwanted pebbles and dust from the footing.
Arena Sand comes in many different forms. The type of sand depends on the style of riding and the needs of your arena. Dressage and Jumpers need a finer grade sand for a firm footing. Barrel racing and cutting horses prefer a looser, deeper coarse sand for adding protection in the sharp turns. Also, amending your existing arena usually needs the same coarser particles to relieve compaction that happens over time. New arenas may need either fine or coarse sand. So, there is not one size fits all sand for horse arenas. Masonry Sand, Concrete Sand, River Sand, and Manufactured Sand (m10s) can all work but you need to start with a basic knowledge of what type will work best for your project. RSI can help you decide, and since we offer all these types of sand we can supply the best Arena Sand for your needs.
Manufactured sand or m10s may be used for arena sand and footing. However, dust and compaction are the primary issues with using it. M10s make a firm compactable surface that adds to the traction of the horse. Over time it may have to be amended with a coarser sand as it wears rapidly with use. Irrigation can be a great tool to help keep the dust suppressed.
Pond sand is the sand dug from settling ponds from quarries (the dust/silt washed from the rock). Most pond sand contains a large amount of silt making it unsuitable for most applications (dusty when dry and slick when wet). It can also have a huge variation from each source in the amount of rock, silt, and sand it contains.
Manufactured sand is good for certain purposes. It usually is clean and free of large gravel. Manufactured sand is angular and has some fines that allow it to compact well. It can be an economical option for general construction sand.
Most granite sand is used for aggregate in ready-mix concrete. There are many types of granite sand. Most of it is washed and screened but contains a lot of fine particles that allow it to compact. The shape is generally angular and flat shape that adds to its ability to compact. It works well as a compactable base for pavers and pathways. It also works great as a base for horse arenas. However, it is often too fine and dusty to be used as a footing.
M10 Sand is sand made from the process of crushing rock, usually granite. M10 sand is typically varies from light to dark gray in color. It can contain a mixture of coarse to fine grains of sand. It can be called manufactured sand, M sand, Man Sand, #10 sand, rock dust, granite dust, decomposed granite, or screenings. However, m10s typically is used for the screened, washed version of concrete sand produced by a quarry. It is best used as a concrete sand for a compactible base beneath pavers, pathways, and arenas.
Yes, masonry sand is a washed sand. Washed sand refers to a process that sand is agitated in water to help “wash” or remove the fine clay and silt particles from the sand. Sand that has not been washed will not bind well to the cement in mortar mixes, and creates weak joints.
