Carpet on the floor and mirrors on the walls – the horses and ponies at Heathlands, Blackborough End are in for a pampered time!

A few weeks ago, we posted an article highlighting the early stages of construction at an equine arena in Blackborough End. This work is now nearing completion, so here is an update showing the work we have done and explaining how our work fits into the owner’s vision for the business’s future growth.

The arena has a post and rail surround, two five-bar gates, one at either end, and Tornado Taurus horse netting R10/90/8. Post and rail is a firm favourite with horse and pony owners as it is the safest form of fencing and, although it is more expensive than a post and wire fence, it is durable and you potentially save hundreds of pounds on vet bills! The netting serves the double purpose of keeping sheep out of the arena (sheep graze around the arena perimeter to keep it tidy) and preventing dogs from escaping the dog behaviour lessons that will also take place in the arena.

Sand and fibre make for a stable and soft surface, perfect for schooling horses and ponies and to provide a soft landing!

The floor of the arena is laid with a sand and fibre mix. The fibre comprises thousands of inch-long pieces of carpet, which add structure to the sandy floor making it more stable. The carpet fibres also soak up rain, again making the floor much better for the horses to travel across. As owner Charlotte Carter wryly added: “It’s softer if you fall off too!”

Charlotte and Adam have big plans for the arena. At the moment they have up to 20 horses in livery but they plan to raise this number to 30 in the coming months. In the arena, they will school and exercise the horses as well as running classes, specialising in things such as therapy classes or dressage courses. Dog behaviour classes are an additional revenue stream for the hard-working family-run business.

The arena has post and rail fencing and a sand and fibre floor

“We have invested a lot into this,” says Charlotte, “now we have to start making it pay.”

Besides the fencing and flooring, Dodd & Co has also installed a storage shed, where jumps, equipment and machinery can be stored. Built from 6x1 Yorkshire board, the upper sides have gaps between the wood to allow good ventilation. The roof is made from juniper greenbox profile, with anti condensation backing.

Storage shed for hurdles, jumps, equipment and machinery

Along two sides of the arena there are mirrors, which the riders can use to ensure they have the correct form on their horse or pony. This is an important part of the learning process as the rider is able to see for his or her self exactly how he or she is sitting and moving.

The whole set-up at Heathlands is very professional. From the arena and fencing which looks smart, durable and of the highest quality to the amount of time, thought and effort that the Carter’s have put into the project. This time next year, the arena will be buzzing to the sound of lessons, classes and courses.