Equine Services

Pomfret, Woodstock, Canterbury, and Scotland hold some of the densest equestrian properties in Eastern Connecticut. We work regularly on private farms, boarding operations, and breeding facilities across Windham County — and we understand why drainage is the single most important variable in arena construction. A 200x100 outdoor arena in the wrong soil, with no crown and no sub-drainage, turns into a mud pit in November and a dust bowl in July. Done right, the same arena rides well for 15-20 years.

Our arena builds start with stripping topsoil, excavating 8-12 inches below finished grade, and installing 4-6 inches of compacted crushed stone over geotextile fabric. That separation layer is what keeps the base from migrating into the subsoil under rain and hoof traffic. Footing — sand, fiber, rubber crumb, or synthetic — goes on top of a stable base. Without the base layer, footing maintenance becomes a seasonal expense rather than an occasional top-off.

Pasture drainage renovations are a common winter-spring call. Standing water kills pasture grass and creates mud that ruins hooves. Most farms we work on need a combination of regrading for surface runoff, French drains through the lowest points, and sometimes full drainage stone layers beneath high-traffic gates and run-in shed entries. Projects range from one-day regrades to multi-week full farm drainage overhauls.