We have a team and precision equipment dedicated to world class equestrian arena construction.
The right equipment for the job
Our earthworks team is dedicated to arena and riding tracks, with precision equipment that supports our meticulous approach to arena construction. Over the years we have perfected our arena construction methods on our own arena at Harrison Lane HQ in Waiau Pa; A 65x35 Ebb & Flow arena with GGT Fibre and black sand footing.
With many surface options on the market today, we will work with you to establish the best construction method and footing type for your location, site, use requirements and budget.
If you wish we can manage your arena project from start to finish, from putting in access through to finishing touches like fencing and landscaping; removing the need for you to coordinate multiple sub-contractors.
ARENA CONSTRUCTION METHODS
Choosing an arena base.
Choosing the right base for your arena is just as important as the final surface, and there are many options to choose from!
Sometimes options that might appear initially more expensive at the outset will actually work out more cost efficient in the long run - once all the infrastructure that is required to maintain them is taken into account.
Having the best performing base allows a greater choice in the riding surface, and the better the riding surface the more likelihood of sound healthy horses.
FREE DRAINING ARENA BASE
- A free draining arena consists of subsoil drainage constructed with layers of hardfill to allow water to drain quickly.
- Irrigation is necessary on sand and fibre surfaces, and preferable on other sand surfaces.
- Riding surface options are cushion ride, sand, or sand and fibre mix.
BENEFITS
- Great drainage and performs very well during winter.
- Easy to maintain
CONSIDERATIONS
- Requires reasonable infrastructure to irrigate from above the arena – pumps, power and good supply of water.
- Dries out quickly without regular, consistent irrigation.
EBB & FLOW ARENA BASE
This type of arena is built in a watertight liner and has pipework charged with water to irrigate from below, under a layer of drainage sand. The capillary action of the sand surface absorbs the moisture required to maintain an optimum riding platform.
Riding surface options for Ebb & Flow are sand or a sand and fibre blend.
BENEFITS
- A consistent moisture level is maintained so the riding surface performs at an optimum level at all times.
- Water clears quickly after heavy rain.
- Low dust in Summer
- Low maintenance with the right equipment.
- When other infrastructure costs taken into account Ebb & Flow is often the most cost-effective long term.
- Can be built all year round
CONSIDERATIONS
- Requires a good water supply
PROJECT FEATURE:
World class arena footing available to riders at Abderry Equine
Legendary Franklin equestrian Cheski Brown has spent more than 50 years working with horses and riders, and she’s still keen to give the NZ equestrian community the very best training facilities possible.
She’s just installed a radical new 3200 square metre ebb & flow arena at her Abderry Equine Services facility in Karaka, with our performance blend of GGT Fibre and black sand footing.
WORDS FROM CLIENTS
"After researching and talking to many others who have had an arena built at their property we decided that Harrison Lane was the company that fitted our needs and requirements the best. After our initial meeting with Laura and Scott we were once again reassured about our choice.
Not only have they done an outstanding job they have finished it well before the expected time. From start to finish the communication has been perfect and changes we made have been quoted and amended within a day which keep things moving smoothly.
We would highly recommend Harrison Lane, do it once and do it right! Thanks again team for your amazing work it is better than we could have imagined."
CHRISSY. AUCKLAND
We are constantly seeking ways to improve equestrian arena construction methods.
Over the last ten years we have developed a new blend for our fibre arena footing. Often arena footing consists of washed silica sand, but we have found that using a mix with black sand has better binding qualities. The compaction properties of this sand are quite different to washed silica sand, it has a much higher density and holds ten times its own weight in water.
We worked closely with Stable 88, the New Zealand distributor for the GGT fibre product and the German manufacturer, to perfect our arena footing blend for local conditions. Installing the new footing on Harrison Lane’s own 65x35 arena meant we could thoroughly test and monitor the product's performance.
ARENA CARE & MAINTENANCE
Caring for your arena
All types of arenas should be maintained with a purpose-designed groomer to protect your investment and ensure many years of enjoyment. We will assist you with recommending a suitable groomer and maintenance tips for your chosen arena base and footing.
WORDS FROM CLIENTS
"EQUITANA Auckland strives to deliver an international standard equine event to New Zealand. We are the only event to install a purpose-designed and built 3000 seat indoor arena, as well as a large 80m x 60m outdoor competition arena, and three additional education arenas in the one venue at ASB Showgrounds. It is a significant commitment, requiring considerable expertise to install these temporary arenas to our exacting standards.
Our success and reputation is measured by the standard of the arenas and facilities we install at the venue. Since 2017 we have entrusted Harrison Lane with the construction of our arenas. We have worked closely with Scott and Laura in the design and installation of the arenas and witnessed first-hand their commitment to excellence and the ability to deliver at unrivalled standards.
The Harrison Lane team's work ethic and attention to detail are enviable, and their service delivered in a responsive and uncomplicated manner. In November 2019, the standard of our surfaces was outstanding. The research that went into the construction of the arenas was the result of 2 years of development, and we are grateful to Harrison Lane for the surfaces they presented, which I believe were world-class for a temporary surface.
I have no hesitation in recommending Harrison Lane for design, building, and installation of equine arenas.”
ROD LOCKWOOD. CEO Equine Productions for EQUITANA Auckland
