Skip to main contentCatalogue

Construction of the outdoor riding arena

WITH A 4-LAYER STRUCTURE FOR A FLEXIBLE RIDING SURFACE.

All the products in the OTTO Sport riding surface system work in perfect harmony, and are the result of our decades of experience in riding arena construction.

 

Our requirements for riding arenas

  • Skid resistance
  • Cushioning = shock absorption properties
  • Excellent drainage capacity, even after heavy rainfall

Result:

  • Healthy, happy horses
  • Greater safety for your horses, confident performance

OUR STANDARDS OF QUALITY FOR THE WELLBEING OF YOUR HORSE

The OTTO riding surface system has a 4-layer structure. Our core concept is therefore: the same high riding surface quality for all!
Our priority is to ensure that our riding surfaces meet the same high standards of quality anywhere in the world. Whether it’s a small private riding arena or for a large tournament, we provide all our customers with a 4-layer structure made from the same components.

How does the OTTO riding surface work, and why does it have an excellent reputation among our international customers?
The interaction of the individual layers clearly distinguishes our riding surface from other systems. Each individual layer of an OTTO riding arena performs a very specific and vital function.

HOW DO WE BUILD OUR RIDING ARENA?

THE OTTO SPORT RIDING SURFACES HAVE A 4-LAYER STRUCTURE:

1) Gravel drainage layer serves as the permeable layer

2) OTTO PerforatedMat as a separation layer

3) Backfilling or filtration layer

4) Footing with washed quartz sand with various aggregates

SUBSTRUCTURE OF THE OUTDOOR RIDING ARENA

Is your sub-base layer concrete, a field or a clay soil? Depending on the substructure available on site, we will find the right solution for the riding arena you are planning. Will your riding surface be located on a field, farmland, clay soil or concrete? Just ask us, and we’ll be delighted to help you.

Tip from the OTTO Sport team: We recommend a maximum edge gradient of 1%. The gradient also increases the drainage capacity. Our team will be happy to provide their expert advice.

4-LAYER STRUCTURE OF THE OTTO RIDING SURFACE

DRAINAGE LAYER

A drainage layer of chippings (5-11 mm to 8-16 mm grain size) is applied to the load-bearing sub-base layer and levelled with laser precision.

The layer of chippings ensures an effective water discharge.

THE OTTO-PERFORATEDMAT

The OTTO-PerforatedMat can be installed on a sub-base layer that has been correctly prepared and finished.
It serves primarily as a separation layer between the sub-base layer and the footing to provide skid-resistance, water storage and shock absorption.
You can see all the benefits of the OTTO-PerforatedMat here.

 

INSTALLING OTTO-PERFORATED MATS IN THE RIDING ARENA:

The OTTO-PerforatedMats are installed offset with a joint spacing of appr. 2-3 cm. The system of high and low knobs as well as the high and low water cups must be on the topside of the mat.

 

The advantages of the OTTO PerforatedMat in terms of the riding surface

Separation of the sub-base layer and the footing
Without a riding arena mat, the sand would gradually combine with the substructure (gravel, etc.), particularly if you are training the horses on the riding surface. The OTTO-PerforatedMat is an effective way of preventing this. It creates a clean and permanent separation between the sub-base layer and the footing sand.

Skid resistance
Your horses will enjoy cantering around the riding arena, because our special system of raised nubs of varying heights on the upper surface of the mat prevent skidding and slipping. The nubs provide excellent bonding with the footing and therefore guarantee a high level of stability.

Drainage function
It is often not possible to use the riding surface, particularly after heavy rainfall. Mud and puddles may cause the horse’s hooves to slip and lose traction, posing a risk to horse and rider.ud and puddles may cause the horse’s hooves to slip and lose traction, posing a risk to horse and rider. The drainage holes in the mat prevent excess water from accumulating on the footing and mud cannot form. Excess water is able to drain away through the layers. The riding surface remains free of mud, even after heavy and persistent rainfall.

Water storage
The OTTO-PerforatedMat has a water storage system on the upper side of the mat, which can store up to 4 litres of water to maintain the required moisture level of the footing.
This ensures that the riding surface remains firm and prevents sand and dust from being stirred up.

20-year functionality guarantee
We provide a 20-year warranty for the functionality of OTTO-PerforatedMats that have been installed and maintained with the due care and attention.

Backfilling with washed coarse sand or chippings

The OTTO-PerforatedMat is backfilled with chippings or water-permeable coarse sand to prevent the fine sand or organic material from migrating down through the drainage holes of the mat.

 

Layer of washed fine, clay-free sand, with aggregates

The OTTO-Arena footing can now be installed.
It consists of a homogeneous mixture of high-quality, clay-free, quartz sand mixed with textile and fibre aggregates or shavings.

Individual footing - the correct riding arena sand:

Not all sand is created equal:
We only use washed quartz-sand mixtures.

Properties of the OTTO Arena footing:
- High-quality quartz sand in specific grain sizes
- Clay-free for optimum drainage

Quartz sand is one of the hardest sands in the world:
- Extremely durable with the correct care and maintenance
- Suitable for all equestrian disciplines

Long service life
Our footing is extremely durable provided it is treated with care. We want you and your horses to enjoy your riding arena for many years to come.

An individual sand mixture to suit your requirements
We adapt the sand formula to the requirements of your equestrian sport:
- All-round riding arena
- Show jumping arena
- Dressage arena
- Tournament surfaces

Training tracks:
- Tölt and flying pace track
- Gallop track

Is my sand suitable for my riding arena?
Do you have sand already and want to know if it is suitable for the riding surface you are planning? Send us your sand sample or enquire about our OTTO-ArenaTex footing and the sand mixture that has been specifically developed for riding arenas. We will be delighted to help you.

Sand analysis

The riding arena border

Enquire about our riding arena borders. We are also happy to offer solutions for individual borders to provide the right surround for your riding arena.

 

GET A QUOTE NOW! FREE OF CHARGE AND NON-BINDING.