The construction of a round pen
BUILT WITH THE OTTO RIDING SURFACE SYSTEM. AN ALL-ROUND WINNER!
We build outdoor lunging arenas that have no roof in the same way as we construct our classic outdoor arena: we use a 4-layer system and the same high, proven quality.
Photo: KROLLRANCH
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ROUND PEN SURFACE
WHAT MUST YOU BE AWARE OF WHEN BUILDING A ROUND PEN OR A LUNGING CIRCLE?
- Professional installation of a drainage system
The surface of an open round pen must have good drainage to consistently drain off excess water and prevent waterlogging. - Multifunctional separation layer
A firm separation layer is essential owing to the specific type of heavy hoof traffic on the surface when training horses on the lunge. ArenaMats have proven themselves here and, in addition to the important separation effect, are also particularly skid-resistant, elastic and shock-absorbing. The mats are laid directly on the drainage layer, which must be installed flat, with no gradient. - A professional footing protects your horse's health and well-being.
It is important that the surface provides a high degree of skid resistance and elasticity, particularly when the horse is moving at a faster gait.
This requires a footing sand with a grain size that ensures the individual grains combined provide excellent support for the surface. The arena sand should also contain aggregates, e.g. fleece and fibres, to optimise the shearing strength of the footing.
The interaction between the correct riding arena mat and a high-quality footing provides considerable relief to the horse's musculoskeletal system, even when under stress.
A durable lunging circle is not as expensive as you think!If the correct components are used in the construction, and in particular a proven separation layer comprising riding arena mats and a high-quality footing, you will be able to use the surface of your round pen for many years to come. However, it is important to ensure the correct care of the riding surface using the right maintenance equipment. The investment will then pay off twofold: On the one hand, because it is cost-effective, and on the other because you and your horse will enjoy your round pen for many years to come.
THE SUBSTRUCTRE OF THE LUNGING CIRCLE SURFACE
WILL YOU INSTALL ON CONCRETE, A FIELD OR CLAY SOIL? NO PROBLEM!
Is your sub-base layer concrete, a field or a clay soil? We will find an individual solution for you depending on the substructure on which you are planning to build the lunging circle. Will your round pen be installed on a field, farmland, clay soil or concrete? Just ask us, and we’ll be delighted to help you.
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.
Photos: KrollRanch
Installing the OTTO-PerforatedMats on the lunging circle:
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.
For a new build: The border of the lunging circle will then be placed on the mats.
With an existing border: In this case, the OTTO PerforatedMats are cut to size to follow the curve, and then installed.
SAMPLE CALCULATION FOR YOUR MATERIAL REQUIREMENT
Example of a round pen with an 18 metre diameter:
The surface area of the circle is calculated based on the formula r² * π
9*9*3,14 = 254,34 m2
Footing quantity:
The footing quantity would therefore be calculated at roughly 255 m2.
Lochmatten-Bedarf:
To calculate the quantity of mats, add 10% to the circular area to allow for wastage:
254.34 + 10% = 279.74 m2
Quantity of PerforatedMats required: 280 pieces
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF INSTALLING ARENAMATS ON THE ROUND PEN RIDING SURFACE?
Separation of the sub-base layer and the footing
Without a riding arena mat, the sand would gradually mix with the substructure (gravel, etc.), particularly if you are training horses in the lunging circle. 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 lunging circle, because our special system of raised nubs of varying heights on the upper surface of the mat prevent skidding and slipping. The nubs provide an excellent bonding with the footing and therefore guarantee a high level of stability.
Drainage function
It is often not possible to use the lunging circle immediately after heavy rainfall, as mud and puddles may cause the horses hooves to slip and lose traction, thus posing a risk to horse and rider. We have therefore incorporated drainage holes into the mat to prevent the formation of puddles and slippery mud on the footing. Excess water can therefore drain off through the layers. With an OTTO round pen, the footing remains free of mud, even after heavy, prolonged rainfall. We would be happy to advise you regarding a professional drainage system.
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.
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.
TIP FROM THE OTTO TEAM:
We recommend a minimum footing height of 10 cm for lunging circles, owing to the intensive load, particularly in areas of heavy hoof traffic.
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 lunging circle?
Do you have sand already, and want to know if it is suitable for the round pen you are planning? Send us your sand sample or enquire about our OTTO-ArenaTex footing, the sand mixture that has been specifically developed for riding arenas. We will be happy to help you.
Frequently asked questions
We essentially build round pens based on your requirements and the available space.
TIP FROM THE OTTO SPORT TEAM:
A diameter of 18-20 metres has proved to be highly effective in practice.
The actual amount required is calculated based on the surface area of the circle (r2 x 3.14), and then add roughly 10% for the overhang.
Example of a round pen with an 18 metre diameter:
The surface area of the circle is calculated based on the formula r² * π
9*9*3.14 = 254.34 m2
Footing quantity:
The footing quantity would therefore be calculated at roughly 255 m2.
OTTO-PerforatedMats:
To calculate the quantity of mats, add 10% to the circular area to allow for wastage:
254.34 + 10% = 279.74 m2
Quantity of PerforatedMats required: 280 pieces
Are you planning to have a roof over your lunging circle? We are very flexible, and in this case can also use our riding surface system which we install in indoor riding arenas. This is built using a 2-layer system with OTTO ArenaMats.
CONSTRUCTION OF AN INDOOR RIDING ARENA SURFACE:READ MORE HERE
No problem! Our expert team will also be happy to help.
Do you have any questions? Please contact us on +49 (0) 9187 97 11-0!
Similar to wood, OTTO PerforatedMats can be cut to size with a saw, e.g. band saw, chainsaw, jigsaw, but not with an angle grinder, as the mat material will overheat.