HICKSTEAD SPENDS £40,000 ON MORE IMPROVEMENTS

Hickstead has continued with its ground improvements by investing more than
£40,000 in a new drainage system for the International Arena.

More than 5,000 metres of new drains have been installed in the 4½-acre arena which is already acknowledged as one of the best outdoor showjumping surfaces in the world. American team manager and former rider, George Morris, once described it as "a magic carpet."

The new work, which drains into the nearby River Adur, has meant using special equipment to lay the pipes 500mm (20 ins) deep and five metres apart. The arena's famous permanent obstacles have not been disturbed.

In recent years, Hickstead director Edward Bunn who supervises year-round arena and showground maintenance, has managed a programme of ground improvement which have included using a special machine to regularly "spike" the turf and then laying tons of sharp sand.

Last year Hickstead spent nearly £500,000 on ground improvements, which
included a new 100m by 50m warm-up arena and improvements to the existing
International and outside ring warm-up areas. 

As well as the water drainage system, Hickstead has sophisticated watering systems which are used in dry weather, and often overnight during major shows 

Hickstead has a license to take water from the River Adur, which runs  through the show ground.

28.11.06

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