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ARENA CONSTRUCTION NZ

We have a team and precision equipment dedicated to world class equestrian arena construction.

We've spent over 12 years perfecting our arena construction methods for New Zealand conditions.

We've worked closely with Stable 88, the New Zealand distributor for the GGT fibre product and the German manufacturer to develop our arena footing blend and construction methodology for local conditions. Installing the new footing on Harrison Lane’s own 65x35 arena meant we could thoroughly test and monitor performance over the years and confidently back our product and workmanship.

Often arena footing consists of washed silica sand,  but we have found that using a mix with black sand has better binding qualities. The compaction properties of this sand are quite different to washed silica sand, it has a much higher density and holds ten times its own weight in water. 

Performance surfaces for performance horses.

Our arena construction methods are centred around achieving the right balance of compaction, binding and density in the surface blend; which we have found is the key to engineering a performance surface that is a pleasure to ride on and reduces impact and stress to joints and ligaments.

From dressage to show jumping, our arenas are built to perform at the highest level of competition.

CHOOSE AN EBB & FLOW ARENA FOR ALL-WEATHER PERFORMANCE

Moisture level is the key to a perfect arena surface, think of what it’s like to ride on the beach at low tide!

The Ebb & Flow system is an arena base construction that consistently maintains optimum moisture levels and surface performance through an integrated combination of:

  • Drainage pipes under the surface layer of sand and fibre.

  • A waterproof liner to contain the water.

  • A sump/balance tank to pre-set and maintain the perfect water level.

The combination of drainage and irrigation creates a continuous balance of moisture underneath the arena, to maintain a perfect riding surface year round.

Our Ebb & Flow Arena System

Ebb & Flow arenas are built in a watertight liner and have pipework charged with water to irrigate the arena from below the riding surface. The capillary action of the sand surface absorbs the moisture required to maintain an optimum riding platform. 

An Ebb & Flow arena can be constructed with a sand, or sand & fibre surface, and requires access to a good water source.

Lady and bay horse canters across Ebb and Flow arena

BENEFITS OF EBB & FLOW ARENAS

  • A consistent moisture level is maintained so the riding surface performs at an optimum level at all times.

  • Water clears quickly after heavy rain.

  • Low dust in Summer

  • Low maintenance with the right equipment.

  • When other infrastructure costs taken into account Ebb & Flow is often the most cost-effective long term.

  • Can be built all year round

  • Can be built in difficult areas as drainage is not a problem.

  • No crown or slope required in the site cut.

  • Heavy rain is not a problem as water clears quickly.

  • Uses less water than overhead irrigation as removes external factors such as the wind.

CONSIDERATIONS

  • Requires a good water supply

"Choose an engineered surface that will reduce impact on your horse's musculoskeletal system"

DR ALEX LEANDER BVSc MPhil

“There are many ways riders can help keep their horses musculoskeletal system healthy and prevent injury. A diet that provide the correct nutrients to assist bone, connective tissue and muscle health, correctly fitted gear, a proper warm up before training, and a warm down period after work.

Another key factor to musculoskeletal health is the surface a horse is asked to work on. Safe footing to prevent sliding and stress on tendons and ligaments is so important. 

The impact on horses cartilage and ultimately their bones when performing at any level of equestrian sport can be affected by working on a poor surface. To achieve the best results in your equestrian endeavours as well as keeping your horse healthy, choose an engineered surface product that will reduce impact on your horses musculoskeletal system.”

PROJECT FEATURE: ABDERRY EQUINE SERVICES

World class arena footing available to riders at Abderry Equine

Legendary Franklin equestrian Cheski Brown has spent more than 50 years working with horses and riders, and she’s still keen to give the NZ equestrian community the very best training facilities possible.

She’s just installed a radical new 3200 square metre ebb & flow arena at her Abderry Equine Services facility in Karaka, with our performance blend of GGT Fibre and black sand footing.

“A good arena surface means the horses are happy in their work and will jump boldly because they have confidence that the footing on take-off and landing will be consistent”

An experienced team and the right equipment for the job

Our earthworks team is dedicated to arenas and riding tracks, with precision equipment that supports our meticulous approach to arena construction.

If you wish we can manage your arena project from start to finish, from putting in access through to finishing touches like fencing and landscaping; removing the need for you to coordinate multiple sub-contractors.

Ebb & Flow Arenas

Dressage arenas

Show jumping arenas

Competition arenas
Commercial arenas

Arena lighting
All-weather riding tracks

Round pens & yards

Landscaping & fencing 

Recent Arena Projects

We're based in Pukekohe and have built many arenas locally in Karaka, Glenbrook, Clevedon, Whitford and Pukekohe, but we've also travelled to build arenas right across the North and South Islands including Christchurch and Wānaka.

WORDS FROM CLIENTS

"After researching and talking to many others who have had an arena built at their property we decided that Harrison Lane was the company that fitted our needs and requirements the best. After our initial meeting with Laura and Scott we were once again reassured about our choice.

Not only have they done an outstanding job they have finished it well before the expected time. From start to finish the communication has been perfect and changes we made have been quoted and amended within a day which keep things moving smoothly.

We would highly recommend Harrison Lane, do it once and do it right! Thanks again team for your amazing work it is better than we could have imagined."

CHRISSY. EBB & FLOW ARENA. AUCKLAND

Client experiences – We just love receiving feedback like this.....

"I just wanted to thank you for our new Ebb and Flow arena. You, Scotty, and the team at Harrison Lane have done a wonderful job and the end product is first-class. Under terrible weather conditions,Read more

Arenas and extreme weather. We're thrilled to receive these updates from clients

The greater Auckland region was hit with an extreme weather bomb that saw over 240mm rain fall in a 13 hour period and caused devastating flooding events in many areas.  For context that’s an entiRead more

World class arena footing available to riders at Abderry Equine Services

Legendary Franklin equestrian Cheski Brown has spent more than 50 years working with horses and riders, and she’s still keen to give the NZ equestrian community the very best training facilitiesRead more

You're invited to celebrate the new Ebb & Flow arena at Abderry Equine Services

We are thrilled to invite you to celebrate the official opening of Abderry Equine Services' fabulous new 80x40 Ebb & Flow arena we recently constructed. Join us for the afternoon on SeptemberRead more

Arena construction bookings are now open for the Summer earthworks season

We've had SO much rain in Auckland over the last few weeks, it feels like we've never seen so much water at our show barn in Waiau Pa! Our Ebb and Flow arena with GGT Fibre not showing a puddle andRead more

A barn built for more than one kind of horse power

We had the pleasure of revisiting this recently completed barn with stables on a stunning winter’s day. Multi-functional barns have become a popular choice for clients, accommodating spaces forRead more

Everything arenas. Summer vs Winter challenges

We are constantly refining arena construction methods to ensure riding can be enjoyed year-round and mitigate the challenges brought by the changing seasons in New Zealand. There are many factors toRead more

Exciting start to the week at Abderry Equine

We are thrilled to be starting the construction of a new large jumping arena at Abderry Equine. The arena will be an Ebb & Flow construction with sand and GGT fibre surface, designed to keep theRead more

Our Arena construction methods and surface options

At Harrison Lane we build two types of arena bases for our clients, either a free-draining base or Ebb and Flow system, followed by the chosen footing. There are a variety of arena surface optionsRead more

Anything is possible! A lifestyle project

It all started with a conversation and a sketch in the dirt, and this lifestyle project is a perfect example of why anything is possible when creating a space that will enhance your family's uniqueRead more

Latest project: Ebb and Flow arena with sand and GGT fibre surface

Our latest arena, completed for some wonderful clients and finished a month ahead of schedule. This 60x30 arena is Ebb & Flow base construction with our black sand and GGT fibre surface blend.Read more

Waiau Pa show home open for viewing

Dreaming of building your perfect country home, barn or stables? Our Waiau Pa show barn is open for viewing every Friday for the next four weeks! A perfect example of our skillset; our show barnRead more

Harrison Lane Ebb & Flow arena. Waiau Pa

Come for a test ride on our 65x35 show jumping arena with black sand and GGT Fibre performance surface blend. 

WORDS FROM CLIENTS

"EQUITANA Auckland strives to deliver an international standard equine event to New Zealand. We are the only event to install a purpose-designed and built 3000 seat indoor arena, as well as a large 80m x 60m outdoor competition arena, and three additional education arenas in the one venue at ASB Showgrounds. It is a significant commitment, requiring considerable expertise to install these temporary arenas to our exacting standards.

Our success and reputation is measured by the standard of the arenas and facilities we install at the venue. Since 2017 we have entrusted Harrison Lane with the construction of our arenas. We have worked closely with Scott and Laura in the design and installation of the arenas and witnessed first-hand their commitment to excellence and the ability to deliver at unrivalled standards.

The Harrison Lane team's work ethic and attention to detail are enviable, and their service delivered in a responsive and uncomplicated manner. In November 2019, the standard of our surfaces was outstanding. The research that went into the construction of the arenas was the result of 2 years of development, and we are grateful to Harrison Lane for the surfaces they presented, which I believe were world-class for a temporary surface.

I have no hesitation in recommending Harrison Lane for design, building, and installation of equine arenas.”

ROD LOCKWOOD.  CEO Equine Productions for EQUITANA Auckland