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Discussion on Frozen Outdoor Arena
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New Member:
Rallen
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Posted on Wednesday, Jan 7, 2004 - 4:12 pm:
I have a well tended, well drained outdoor sand arena (no indoor alas!)that is now frozen solid thanks to 5" of rain over the weekend and sub-zero temps by Monday evening. Last winter under the same conditions, I just waited until the spring thaw because my older horse was retired and we confined our riding to long walks around the fields. I now have a younger horse that has been under saddle since late summer and I would to hate to miss training time! Does anyone have any suggestions or know of any additives (salt)that can soften the surface up? The ring is rock hard,without ice and at this point even our harrow is not making a dent.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Thursday, Jan 8, 2004 - 8:03 am:
Robin, I do not know why salt would not work but I do not know how much it would take and how it might effect the plants around the arena.
DrO
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Member:
Eoeo
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Posted on Thursday, Jan 8, 2004 - 10:45 am:
Dr. O, I believe it would take a lot of salt to accomplish this. If so, how would that much salt mixed in with the sand affect horses' feet? Negligible? EO
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Friday, Jan 9, 2004 - 6:07 am:
I think if it is added prudently the salt will leach away fairly quickly LKR. But immediately after application, if your horse isn't slogging through the snow and water back to the barn I think rinsing the horses feet off when done is sensible, though I am not sure necessary.
DrO
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Member:
Aannk
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Posted on Tuesday, Jan 20, 2004 - 9:22 pm:
Is magnesium chloride OK? I heard that is better than sodium chloride. We have the same problem in our indoor, and I read elsewhere that it takes about 10 bags to do a small indoor. You spread the salt, drag the arena, then water it. Supposedly, this keeps it from freezing, and also holds down on the dust. Any health problems with this as opposed to SC?
Alicia
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Wednesday, Jan 21, 2004 - 7:41 am:
I don't know why it could not be used Alicia.
DrO
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Member:
Aaring
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Posted on Wednesday, Jan 21, 2004 - 8:35 am:
Our barn uses mag chloride in the indoor arena. It's great...no dust, no freezing. As a precaution we wash the horses lower legs and hooves for the first two weeks after application.
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Member:
Aannk
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Posted on Friday, Jan 23, 2004 - 12:07 pm:
Thanks, both of you! Right now, I am not jumping at all, and limiting canter as it is like riding on cement.
Thanks again!!!
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Member:
Belhaven
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Posted on Saturday, Jan 24, 2004 - 9:05 am:
Is this a one time application of magnesium chloride for winter? Or must you add it over and over for each freeze (assuming of course you are using it on an outside arena)?
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Member:
Tagloili
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Posted on Saturday, Jan 24, 2004 - 9:18 am:
Based only on what I've seen for application on paved roads and concrete walks in Denver, the application works for about two weeks. I would think in an outdoor arena, the application would not last long due to absorption into the ground.
George
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