When it comes to building a horse arena, it’s what lies beneath that truly determines its success. The best riding surface in the world won’t perform well if the base underneath is uneven, soft, or holding water. A strong, well-drained foundation ensures your arena rides smoothly, drains quickly, and lasts for decades.
At Axis Plant & Groundworks, we’ve helped countless equestrian clients across Devon and the South West achieve durable, low-maintenance arenas by getting the base and drainage right from day one.
1. Why Drainage Is Everything
Devon’s wet winters can turn a poorly drained arena into a soggy mess. Effective drainage keeps your surface consistent and safe to ride on all year. We install perforated land drains, surrounded by graded gravel and wrapped in geotextile membrane, to channel water away efficiently.
Good drainage prevents pooling, surface instability, and frost damage — three of the biggest causes of arena failure.
2. Building the Perfect Base Layer
A typical arena foundation includes several key layers:
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Sub-base: compacted hardcore or crushed stone for stability.
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Blinding layer: a finer material that smooths and seals the base.
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Drainage layer: allows rapid water movement through the structure.
Each layer must be evenly spread, compacted, and shaped with a gentle fall (around 1–2%) to encourage water flow without making the arena feel sloped.
3. Materials That Stand the Test of Time
We recommend clean, angular stone for drainage layers — not rounded gravel — to ensure good interlock and long-term strength. The blinding layer should be compacted using the correct machinery to avoid soft spots that can lead to surface distortion later.
4. Protecting the Layers with Geotextiles
A geotextile membrane between each layer stops fine material from migrating and blocking drains. It also keeps the riding surface clean and prevents contamination from below. This simple step dramatically increases arena lifespan.
5. Levelling and Compaction
Precision levelling and mechanical compaction are essential. Uneven ground causes puddling, inconsistent footing, and long-term structural issues. Our operators use laser-guided levelling to achieve a consistent base ready for surfacing.
6. Long-Term Benefits
Investing in professional groundwork and drainage means lower maintenance, fewer repairs, and a safer ride. A properly built base can last 20 years or more with only surface top-ups required.
In Summary
A great arena starts from the ground up. At Axis Plant & Groundworks, we specialise in arena drainage, excavation, and base preparation across Devon and the South West. Whether you’re building a new manège or refurbishing an old one, we’ll make sure your arena foundation performs beautifully in every season.
📍 Based near Tiverton – serving equestrian properties across Devon and the South West.