There are some things in life that are truly worthwhile to spend money on. If you will love and use it year after year, then it might just be one of those things. I remember getting my first horse trailer and truck and feeling absolutely liberated. No more begging for a ride to a show or event, no more waiting on someone else's schedule to fit with mine. That is how I feel about having my own all weather riding arena. I don't have to pay to use someone else's all the time, and then feel like I need to make extra efforts to not be in their way when I am there. Now I can train colts and if they are naughty... there is no one to apologize to for ruining their ride. This is wonderful.
Big Big thanks to my wonderful husband, who was not a horseperson before meeting me, but who has put up with the trials and tribulations of horse care and continues to be of great encouragement. At this point, not only is he okay with turning a large piece of our property into a sandbox, but because I am four weeks away from delivering our first baby, he is even having to feed and water horses before and after work! Don't worry, I will be sure to find a way to thank him for all the joy he has brought to me. I don't know if I can ever repay him.... it means so much to me to be able to have the opportunities I have now, but I will definitely strive to make sure I do whatever I can. Big Thanks Honey!
The photos of my riding arena show the 6" lime base being put down over some geotextile fabric (aka polypropelene filter fabric). The filter fabric keeps mud from migrating up into the base layer. It will keep the base from breaking down or getting dusty. Another perk of filter fabric is that it distributes the weight of any vehicle, horse, or other load that travels across the surface and prevents low spots that can collect water. Also the fabric is water permeable so that it allows the base to drain. It is wonderful stuff. My excavator and arena builder had never heard of it and was quite skeptical about using it. After much research into arena building in rainy/muddy states, I insisted and found a supplier. Last night after 3/4 of the arena base was put down it rained hard for two hours. We got two inches of rain. The driveway where we did not lay filter fabric under the road base was wet and squishy. The arena base could be walked on without making more than a 1/2 inch footprint... if that. Now the builder wants all the information on how to get filter fabric for other jobs. :)
Well, that's the update. The horses are fat. Tokaj has a big belly that is reminiscent of mine. Bailey and Savannah are doing great and loving being outside more now that it is warm and sunny most of the time.
P~
