Beneath the surface

MANY equestrians dream of having their own arena, from the amateur who enjoys riding at home to the competitive rider working their way up the levels. But it's no secret building an arena is a long-term investment that comes at a substantial cost, so it's essential to get it right the first time round to save additional costs – and frustration – further down the line.

Building an arena can be a lengthy process from start to finish, and it should be factored in that many will have to apply for planning permission and carry out groundworks before work can even begin.

One of the key considerations is drainage. David Andrews of arena specialists Andrews Bowen says this is the most crucial thing to get