For International show jumping trainer Dan Delsart, the quality of the surface beneath his horses isn’t just a detail - it’s a foundation.
Based in North Northamptonshire, Dan has created a bespoke arena at Teeton Valley Stables using carefully selected materials from Mansfield Sand, helping him deliver a surface that prioritises both performance and horse welfare.
Dan has spent nearly 20 years building his career in the UK after originally coming over from France to train and develop his skills. Today, his arena reflects both his European experience and his commitment to creating a surface as close to natural grass as possible.
“We built the facilities ourselves and we built the arena,” Dan explains. “I wanted to recreate as natural a surface as we could.”
Having competed and trained across France, Belgium, Holland, Spain and the UK, Dan had seen a wide variety of surfaces and knew exactly what he wanted when it came to his own.
“I wanted a good sand which drains, and a sand which can hold a bit of moisture, so it doesn’t dry too quickly and go dusty,” he says. “And with adding up some quality fibres we were able to recreate a bit of a root like grass.”
That approach led him to work with Mansfield Sand, combining their materials with fibres from Combi-Ride to create a hybrid surface designed for performance and durability.
The result is a surface that balances freedom of movement with support, helping reduce the risk of injury while maintaining consistent rideability.
Since the arena was completed in August 2022, Dan has been impressed by how well it performs under daily use.
“We have a lot of horses here; about 15 to 20 a day,” he says. “Some days we might not pass the leveller for two or three days because the arena still looks really good.”
Maintenance still plays a key role, but the surface’s consistency makes day-to-day management straightforward.
“You’ve got to read the arena,” Dan adds. “If a jump starts to feel a bit loose, just pass the tractor over it, give it a bit of water if you need to. It’s just maintenance and looking after your horses in the long term.”
That long-term focus is exactly what makes the surface so important to Dan. For him, it’s about protecting horses and supporting natural biomechanics.
“The arena is so good, the surface is so natural under the horse’s hoof,” he explains. “That’s really important; to not have that impact and blockage of movement when the horses land.”
His confidence in the system has already led to recommendations across his network, from fellow professionals to veterinary practices.
“I’ve recommended it to so many people,” Dan says. “Even vets have come here and said how good the surface is.”
With the combination of Mansfield Sand’s high-quality materials and Combi-Ride’s expertise, Dan believes he’s found the ideal solution; one that supports both performance and welfare.
“If I had to build another 20 arenas, I’d do exactly the same,” he adds.
For more information, visit www.mansfield-sand.co.uk, follow them on X at @MansfieldSand, or connect on Facebook and Instagram at Mansfield Sand Sport Surfaces.
Comments