Equestrian centers need to maintain good quality working surfaces to ensure animal welfare. They also have major economic stakes and a strong impact on water resources in their area.
From an economic point of view, the viability of farms is extremely closely linked to the quality of the equipment on offer. As a result, major investments must be mades both in terms of support (aggregate) and the quality of irrigation systems.
The more technical the quarry, the greater the flexibility of the soil., the more likely it is to appeal to both male and female riders.
Quality installations are also essentials whenorganizing competitions. Competitions can have a national and international dimension and therefore have a strong impact on the economic viability of the farm, but also on the local economic fabric.
Equestrian centers and racecourses are subject to increasingly stringent requirements to meet the challenges of environmental transition, as they have a direct impact on nature.
These structures also need to be economically profitable through the resources they use (water, energy, land). They also have a major societal stake: they cater for a large number of people and economic players.
Riding is the 3rd most popular sport in France (670,000 in 2021 vs. 950,000 for tennis and 1,600,000 for soccer), and the French equestrian scene is recognized the world over for the quality of its horses and its culture.
The EQUISI project was born of a request from the owner of an equestrian center in Brittany. In 2022, following a scorching summer, equestrian facilities were no longer allowed to use water for irrigation. Numerous competitions were cancelled, and the restricted use of the infrastructure (unusable arenas) for customers resulted in significant financial losses.
We proposed a solution for continuing to irrigate, while storing rainwater withthe EQUISI solution.
Soil moisture in equestrian quarries must be controlled for several reasons:
- Maintaining humidity Moisture retention: a moist floor provides a softer, less abrasive working surface for horses, reducing the risk of injury and muscle fatigue. Dry ground can become hard and compact, increasing stress on the horse's limbs during exercise.
- Soil stabilization Regular watering maintains the cohesion of ground particles, avoiding dusty or unstable areas that could compromise the safety of horse and rider during exercise.
- Dust reduction Dust reduction: soil moisture reduces dust, improving air quality in the arena environment and reducing the risk of respiratory problems for horses and riders.
- Improved grip Wet ground offers better grip, enabling horses to work better and maintain their balance, especially when turning or jumping.
- Temperature control Temperature control: watering can also help maintain a cooler temperature in the arena, which is particularly beneficial during periods of extreme heat, reducing heat stress for horses and riders.
In short, regular watering of the ground in equestrian arenas is essential to guarantee optimum working conditions, ensure the safety of horses and riders, and promote the general health and well-being of the equines.
Soil drainage in equestrian quarries is essential for several reasons:
- Water drainageDrainage: Drainage efficiently evacuates rainwater or irrigation water that accumulates on the surface of the ground. This prevents the formation of puddles or muddy areas, which could make the arena impassable and dangerous for horses and riders.
- Preventing waterlogging Drainage: poorly drained soil can become waterlogged, making it unstable and unsafe for horses. Drainage keeps the ground in optimal conditions of stability and cohesion, reducing the risk of injury to horses.
- Preserving soil quality Soil that is constantly saturated with water can become compacted and loose, compromising its quality and durability. Drainage helps maintain an optimum water balance in the soil, promoting long-term structure and permeability.
- Reduced health problems for horses Poorly drained soil can encourage the growth of bacteria, fungi and other harmful micro-organisms, which can lead to health problems for horses, such as skin infections and hoof diseases. Good drainage helps to maintain a healthy, hygienic environment in the quarry.
- Improved working conditions Well-drained ground provides a safer, more comfortable working surface for horses and riders. It reduces the risk of slips and falls, promotes better grip and makes riding more pleasant and efficient.
Lhe drainage of equestrian quarry soil thus an essential measure to ensure the safety, health and well-being of horses, as well as to maintain the quality and practicability of the working surface.
Our combined drainage and irrigation solution:
In response to these environmental and social issues,OdysséeLab has developed EQUISI. This innovative, patented water management solution is manufactured in France.
This drainage and irrigation was created and adapted for the sandy environments of quarries and riding schools.
To find out more about the EQUISI solution and help you design your project, contact us!
