Sand types available

Preferred: Lazy R Classical Equitation Custom-sized-and-blended Arena Footing Sand

(If the goal is an "OIympic quality arena," then this is the only sand advisable.)

Sand Source: Lane Mountain Silica

Makeup: Pure, Natural Silica Sand

Geologic term: Silica Dioxide

Molecular chemical makeup: SiO2

Purity: 99.4% pure natural quartz

Toxicity: none (approximately 35% to 40% of the Earth is composed of Silica)

Also known as: quartz

Hardness: of all naturally occuring minerals in the Earth, only diamonds, sapphires and topaz are more adamant than quartz.

Porosity: 0.0% (due to its molecular structure)

Durability: Long-lasting, due to non-porosity + adamant nature.

Customization: Is Available in custom blends of particulate sizes (ideal for different applications)

Sand cost: Lower than Ravensdale, higher than CADMAN "bunker sand" or mason sand, etc.

Delivery: Will be shipped via railcar to nearest available railroad spur, offloaded to dump truck for hauling the last few miles to the job site (contracting local independent haulers)

Less durable:

Sand Source: Ravensdale, Washington

Makeup: Aggregate - largely consisting of Silica Sio2 (app. 70-90%, according to various authorities)

Durability: Better than bunker/mason sand - simply because it contains some silica as one of its components.

However, inevitably all non-silica components will decay into dust (due to natural geophysical laws).

Ravensdale Sand will exceed the lifespan of "bunker sand" (mason sand) below, with degradation commencing upon installation.

Eventually will degrade into:

70% to 90% Silica Sand (the components which will not decay)

30% to 10% pulverized/decomposed stone dust (the components that will decay)

Lifespan therefore will depend upon how quickly the sand decays, which will depend upon:

local usage (the more riding, the faster it decays - every hoofstep will create decay)

the arena base (high-quality separation layer + resilient/flexible base will slow decay)

the amount of watering (watering will accelerate its decay),

and local climate/weather it experiences (temperature fluctuations also accelerate decay).

Customization available: Not available, "take it or leave it"

Sand Cost: Highest cost (more than Lane Mountain / ton, FOB Ravensdale sand quarry)

Final delivered cost would exceed Lane Mountain Silica, FOB the JOB SITE.

Delivery: Must be shipped via truck from Ravensdale, Washington to job site overland.

(this is where a large expense is incurred: delivery cost rivals than the sand cost)

Not advised:

Product: CADMAN "bunker sand"

Makeup: An aggregate/composite - largely consisting of decomposed granite and shale, with some Silica, mica, feldspar, and so forth

Durability: All non-silica components will inevitably decay into dust

(lifespan will depend upon traffic/use, freeze/thaw cycles, amount of watering, etc.)

Customization: Not available (whatever comes out of the crusher runs)

Sand cost: Much more reasonable per ton initially

NOTE: Although initially less expensive, this will require frequent replacement as the non-silica components decay.

Delivery: Locally Available - four (4) miles south of Monroe

(other sands are available, although we do not expect them to provide desired performance or durability)