Putting It All Together: Some Examples

Arena design is a complex subject, but the best way to learn is by example. Here we consider three designs for a 20m x 40m arena -- two raised, and one sunken.


1a) Raised Option with Geotextile

In this raised design, the arena is built up within a timber kicker or topsoil or turf bank. This maximises lateral drainage and removes the need for expensive trenching and pipelaying.

Plan View:

Cross sectional view:


1b) Raised Option with Graded Filter

In this raised design, the geotextile is replaced with a graded filter.

Plan View:

Cross sectional view:


2) Sunken Option

Sometimes, usually for aesthetic reasons, it is desirable to have the arena lie flush with the ground level. Such arenas are harder to drain, and so require a perforated pipe drain. For our 20m x 40m arena, a 100mm diameter perforated pipe drain, at a minimum 1% gradient to clear 40m x 20m x 100mm/hr = 80,000 litres/hr, would be required.

Plan View:

Cross sectional view:

** This design has been reviewed in 2022 to substitute 0/4 SWS for discontinued FCP sand.

N.b.: A gravel manege option can be constructed by increasing Filter Layer 2 to a depth of 100 to 200 mm and omitting the overlying layers.