Construction of the outdoor riding arena
Four Layers for an Elastic Riding Surface
The OTTO riding arena system is built on four perfectly coordinated layers. Each component reflects many years of expertise in developing modern, high‑performance equestrian footing.
The carefully balanced structure provides elasticity, stability and a comfortable riding experience, tailored to the needs of different disciplines and levels of use.
OUR STANDARDS OF QUALITY FOR THE WELLBEING OF YOUR HORSE
The OTTO riding surface system has a 4-layer structure. Our core concept is therefore: the same high riding surface quality for all!
Our priority is to ensure that our riding surfaces meet the same high standards of quality anywhere in the world. Whether it’s a small private riding arena or for a large tournament, we provide all our customers with a 4-layer structure made from the same components.
How does the OTTO riding surface work, and why does it have an excellent reputation among our international customers?
The interaction of the individual layers clearly distinguishes our riding surface from other systems. Each individual layer of an OTTO riding arena performs a very specific and vital function.
THE OTTO ARENA RIDING SURFACES HAVE A 4-LAYER STRUCTURE:
- Gravel drainage layer serves as the permeable layer
- OTTO Perforated Mat™ as a separation layer
- Backfilling or filtration layer
- Footing layer consisting of washed, high-quality quartz sand with various additives, or ArenaPur without additives
The Ideal Base for Your Outdoor Riding Arena
Every riding arena starts with the right foundation. Whether your site consists of grassland, farmland, clay soil or concrete, we assess the existing conditions together and develop a solution tailored to your project. This ensures a riding arena that remains stable, safe and functional in the long term.
A cross slope of up to 1% has proven effective in practice, as it supports natural drainage and simplifies maintenance. If desired, our experienced OTTO Partners can assist you with planning and implementation – professional, reliable and tailored to your needs.
THE OTTO-PERFORATED MAT™
The OTTO-Perforated Mat™ can be installed on a sub-base layer that has been correctly prepared and finished.
It serves primarily as a separation layer between the sub-base layer and the footing to provide skid-resistance, water storage and shock absorption.
You can see all the benefits of the OTTO-PerforatedMat™ here.
INSTALLING OTTO-PERFORATED MATS™ IN THE RIDING ARENA:
The OTTO-Perforated Mats™ are installed offset with a joint spacing of appr. 2-3 cm. The system of high and low knobs as well as the high and low water cups must be on the topside of the mat.
The advantages of the OTTO PerforatedMat in terms of the riding surface
Separation of the sub-base layer and the footing
Without a riding arena mat, the sand would gradually combine with the substructure (gravel, etc.), particularly if you are training the horses on the riding surface. The OTTO-Perforated Mat™ is an effective way of preventing this. It creates a clean and permanent separation between the sub-base layer and the footing sand.
Skid resistance
Your horses will enjoy cantering around the riding arena, because our special system of raised nubs of varying heights on the upper surface of the mat prevent skidding and slipping. The nubs provide excellent bonding with the footing and therefore guarantee a high level of stability.
Drainage function
It is often not possible to use the riding surface, particularly after heavy rainfall. Mud and puddles may cause the horse’s hooves to slip and lose traction, posing a risk to horse and rider.ud and puddles may cause the horse’s hooves to slip and lose traction, posing a risk to horse and rider. The drainage holes in the mat prevent excess water from accumulating on the footing and mud cannot form. Excess water is able to drain away through the layers. The riding surface remains free of mud, even after heavy and persistent rainfall.
Water storage
The OTTO-Perforated Mat™ has a water storage system on the upper side of the mat, which can store up to 4 litres of water to maintain the required moisture level of the footing.
This ensures that the riding surface remains firm and prevents sand and dust from being stirred up.
20-year functionality guarantee
We provide a 20-year warranty for the functionality of OTTO-Perforated Mats™ that have been installed and maintained with the due care and attention.
Backfilling with washed coarse sand or chippings
The OTTO-Perforated Mat™ is backfilled with chippings or water-permeable coarse sand to prevent the fine sand or organic material from migrating down through the drainage holes of the mat.
Individual footing - the correct riding arena sand:
Not all sand is created equal:
We only use washed quartz-sand mixtures.
Properties of the OTTO Arena footing:
- High-quality quartz sand in specific grain sizes
- Clay-free for optimum drainage
Quartz sand is one of the hardest sands in the world:
- Extremely durable with the correct care and maintenance
- Suitable for all equestrian disciplines
Long service life
Our footing is extremely durable provided it is treated with care. We want you and your horses to enjoy your riding arena for many years to come.
An individual sand mixture to suit your requirements
We adapt the sand formula to the requirements of your equestrian sport:
- All-round riding arena
- Show jumping arena
- Dressage arena
- Tournament surfaces
Training tracks:
- Tölt and flying pace track
- Gallop track
Is my sand suitable for my riding arena?
Do you have sand already and want to know if it is suitable for the riding surface you are planning? Send us your sand sample or enquire about our OTTO-ArenaTex footing and the sand mixture that has been specifically developed for riding arenas. We will be delighted to help you.
