A ménage is as much a groundworks and drainage job as a fencing one, which is exactly why it pays to have it coordinated by one contractor. Ben builds it across South Wales and travels for the right job.
Ben builds ménages — horse arenas — working alongside groundworks and landscaping partners who handle the base, levels, drainage and surface, then fencing and finishing the arena to a safe, square, even standard. Getting the base and drainage right is what stops an arena turning to a bog or going uneven, so coordinating the groundwork and the fencing as one job avoids the usual gaps between trades.
The fencing side is post and rail with the right kickboards at the base — solid enough to take a horse working close to the boundary, with no gaps, sharp edges or traps, and the rails set at a safe height for ridden work. Gateways are hung wide and clean for leading horses and getting a harrow or roller in to maintain the surface.
Whether it is a private arena at home or a competition-standard ménage on a yard, the finish has to be safe, square and built to last — and built by people who understand how a horse moves around it.
Ben coordinates the full job with trusted groundworks and landscaping partners who handle the base, levels, drainage and surface, while he builds the fencing, kickboards and finishing. One coordinated job rather than separate trades that never quite line up.
Post and rail with kickboards at the base — solid enough to take a horse working close to the edge, with no gaps or sharp edges, rails at a safe ridden height, and gateways wide enough for leading horses and bringing maintenance machinery in. Ben builds it to a safe, square, even standard.
Because a poorly drained or uneven base ruins the arena — it gets waterlogged, goes lumpy, and becomes unsafe to ride on. Getting the levels and drainage right under the surface is the single biggest factor in a ménage that lasts, which is why it is coordinated as part of the same job as the fencing.
More on our common questions page.
Horse-safe paddock fencing, post and rail, and ménage / arena construction — built by someone who has done it.
Equestrian fencing →Traditional timber post and rail for paddocks, horses and entrances — morticed, strong and squared off.
Post and rail fencing →Paddock boundaries and divisions — post and rail, stock wire and gates for horses and livestock.
Paddock fencing →See all the areas we cover, or read our common questions.
No call-out fee, no obligation. Tell Ben what you are after and he will arrange a free site visit, then quote you a fixed price.