When you get torrential rain during your test, you want an arena that drains quickly and well. Photo by Jenni Autry.
No doubt about it this has been a rainy spring for most of the East Coast. But no matter where you live, we have all seen the negative effects of too much rain on a poorly constructed arena.
An arena’s drainage system is your first line of defense when the skies open up. Every outdoor should have the minimum of at least one designed French drain INSIDE the arena. Why inside? So that the water does not have to go under or over kickboards to drain away, washing away your footing creating gullies and puddles.
Designing your drainage system is as important as the choice of footing you put in your arena. Ideally your drainage system should let the water leave in a steady consistent manner.
The drainage system should reflect the use of the arena. If the arena cannot have any downtime, more drainage should be incorporated which translates into more maintenance of the footing. More watering and more dragging ensures the footing stays in tip-top shape.
There are always trade offs in creating a perfect riding surface. That’s why riders like Phillip Dutton and Boyd Martin turn to Attwood for their expertise and scientifically proven formulas. Have any footing questions or photos you want to share? Attwood Equestrian Surfaces will be happy to post them on their Facebook and Instagram account. Just email them to [email protected].
National Holiday: Water a Flower Day
Major Events:
Tattersalls: Website, Schedule, Start Times & Results, Live Streaming
Renswoude: Website, Start Times & Results
U.S. Weekend Preview:
GMHA June H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club Spring H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]
Waredaca H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
NJ Region’s H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
IEA H.T. & 3DE [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]
The Spring Event at Archer H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
Your Wednesday News & Notes:
**DATE CHANGE ** Overlook Farm in Berryville, Virginia will host a show jumping schooling show on Wednesday, June 13. All the proceeds will go directly towards Maya Black’s fundraising effort to buy FE Black Ice. There will be a morning and afternoon schedule to accommodate riders with “real jobs.” Only $40 a level and you may repeat the course or any part of it (at the same level) for no additional charge. Click here for more info.
Even after years at the upper levels, Sara Kozumplik-Murphy is adding a new dimension to her skills. Witha tough fall leading into a patchy spring season, Sara realized she needed to regroup with her top mount Rubens D’Ysieux. Engaging with a sports psychologist has helped her up her mental game and maximize her riding abilities under pressure. [Regrouping to Up Her Mental Game]
Charlotte the Clydesdale is still on track for Rebecca Farm. Charlotte and her owner Cortney McDaniel recently made the successful move up to Novice, putting in two clean jumping phases after a solid dressage score. With 100% draft blood, fitness has been a big part of the challenge in preparation for the N3D. [Road to Rebecca Farm]
The 2018 USEA Hall of Fame inductees are officially announced! The lists of six recipients includes a legendary pair of supportive owners, one of the top riders in the history of American eventing, an equine member of the ’96 Atlanta Olympic team, a coach who led an entire era of U.S. team members to medals, a remarkable team veterinarian, and a champion of the Young Rider program. [Meet 2018 USEA Hall of Fame Inductees]
