Hickstead’s International Arena is to undergo improvement work this summer.
The venue has appointed turfgrass experts Sports Turf Research to monitor the arena over the next two months to measure factors including hardness, traction, drainage, grass cover and hoof penetration.
Last year the venue was criticised when the footing failed to hold up after severe weather conditions.
All drainage and irrigation systems will be updated and the new turf will be grown from seed, to improve strength and durability.
This article was first published in Horse & Hound (3 June, ’10)
