Managing a Flooded Arena

By Absolute Innovations

Here in the Midwest, we have had a fair amount of rainfall, which has caused some flooding in our indoor arena. While the mischievous side of me would like to practice cantering through our new indoor water obstacle, the rational side reminds me just how much damage can be caused by riding through underwater footing.

Let me start by saying our indoor arena is 140’x 60’ containing a manufactured clay base with a sand/clay mix for the footing layer. The previous owner missed the mark on proper drainage around the exterior of the building and every time it rains, the indoor turns into Loch Ness. My mare is convinced the Loch Ness monster appears every time it floods.

We’ve all had an experience with a “moisture-rich” arena, and here are a few things to keep in mind as you address the problem:

• Stay off the flooded side of the arena. That means no four-legged creatures and anything with wheels of sizeable weight.
  • If you have a crushed limestone or limestone with clay base, your footing will dry out quicker because of the draining properties of the limestone. The base will be susceptible to damage depending on what type and how much it is impacted.
  • If you have a clay base, your footing will take a long time to dry out and is very susceptible to damage because the base can become more malleable.
• If standing water is gone but the ground is still very tacky or tight, give it another 24 hours before your first drag (pending upcoming weather).
  • It would be ideal to have your TR3’s ground engaging components in a semi shallow setting, just in case the footing is still holding too much moisture beneath the surface.
• Work with a local contractor or excavator to add drainage tile or a drainage system. Be prepared to know that while it’s not always easy it is well worth it for the condition of your footing as well as your property.
• While your arena is drying out, use your TR3 to re-grade areas of your property for proper drainage. The fun doesn’t stop there! As you are grading, you will also be prepping that area for seed. The TR3 is not only an incredible arena drag but it’s also a highly effective seedbed prep tool for quality germination of your new grass seed.