FEW all-weather arenas can actually be used in all weathers, but equestrian surface suppliers, Martin Collins Enterprises, explains how to reduce waterlogging in surfaces of all types, and how to be better prepared for the next freeze-up.

'The wet winter weeks that tend to precede a spell of freezing weather means many unwaxed sand surfaces will already be waterlogged and beyond improvement until a thaw. In the longer term, the ideal is to invest in a top quality waxed surface that is purpose-designed to repel water and retain nothing that can freeze.

Whatever your surface type, when severe weather is forecast, aim to 'groom' your arena using suitable harrows or other purpose-designed machinery the night before, just as the frost is catching to prevent a hard frost taking hold. 'Open' the surface by setting the adjustable tines a little deeper than normal.

Intensive harrowing of sand/fibre mixes in freezing circumstances will separate the fibre, which then gravitates to the top. When the thaw arrives, fold fibres back through the full depth.

This is time-consuming, but if you don't take time to redistribute the fibres evenly, this will compromise the performance of your surface in future.

Even if the surface beneath is yielding, a heavy cover of snow will still ball in the hooves. If you don't have the right machinery to shave off snow, dig out a perimeter track or large circle.

Shovel the snow towards the middle so that after the thaw you do not find you have decanted surface onto the adjacent yard or fields!

Common sense should prevail. If there is just a light 'dusting' then use machinery carefully, taking care not to work the snow deeper into the surface.

Do not use harrows or rotovators to break up any snow or ice. This will cause your surface to become uneven in depth and compaction as well as increasing the likelihood of future freezing.

Once a surface is frozen solid there's no way to defrost it without causing irreparable damage to fibres, plastics or rubbers. Some non-waxed sand surfaces may benefit from an application of salt, but check first with your supplier.

Occasionally, anti-freeze products claiming to be suitable for equestrian surfaces appear on the market. In our experience they don't work at the below-freezing temperatures they are aimed at.

Poor quality materials are the main cause of waterlogging. Some surface suppliers may achieve cost savings by using non-frost resistant base stone or poor sand but a cheap, non frost-resistant base stone will soon break down and clog up the drainage.

Contaminated stone layers cannot be de-clogged or repaired – the only cure is a completely new stone blanket.