Why Many Equestrian Properties Use Tar & Chip

Equestrian properties often require robust, durable surfaces that can withstand the demands of heavy foot and vehicle traffic while maintaining a safe, smooth surface for horses and riders. One material that has gained popularity in recent years for driveways, pathways, and other outdoor areas on equestrian properties is tar and chip. This surface, also known as bitumen and gravel, is an ideal choice for many property owners due to its affordability, versatility, and low maintenance requirements. In this post, we’ll explore why many equestrian properties in Haverhill, Suffolk, use tar and chip for their driveways and pathways.

1. Durability and Strength for Equestrian Use

Horses, vehicles, and heavy equipment can put significant stress on a surface, especially in high-traffic areas like driveways and access roads. Tar and chip surfaces are ideal for equestrian properties because they are strong and able to withstand heavy loads without significant wear.

• Durability: Tar and chip surfaces are known for their long-lasting durability. Once the material is applied, it forms a solid, hard-wearing surface that can stand up to the weight of horses, vehicles, and machinery.
  
• High traffic tolerance: Whether it’s horse trailers, tractors, or regular foot traffic, tar and chip surfaces provide a stable foundation that can handle the repeated stress of heavy usage.
  
• Non-slip: The rough, textured surface of tar and chip makes it naturally non-slip, providing safer footing for both horses and riders, especially in wet weather.
  

For equestrian properties where a stable, durable surface is essential, tar and chip offers excellent performance without the high maintenance of other surfacing materials.

2. Cost-Effectiveness for Large Areas

Equestrian properties tend to have larger outdoor areas that require durable surfacing solutions. Tar and chip offers a highly cost-effective option for covering large spaces, making it a popular choice for property owners looking to achieve high functionality without breaking the bank.

• Affordable installation: Compared to other surfacing options like concrete or asphalt, tar and chip is much more affordable. This makes it a great option for larger equestrian properties where extensive surfacing is required.
  
• Low-cost maintenance: Once the surface is installed, maintaining a tar and chip driveway or pathway is relatively inexpensive. Occasionally adding a fresh layer of gravel and resealing the surface is usually all that’s required to keep it looking great and functioning properly.
  
• Long-term savings: Due to its durability and low maintenance, tar and chip proves to be a more cost-effective choice in the long run, providing savings compared to other materials that may require more frequent repairs or replacements.
  

For equestrian property owners, the combination of durability and affordability makes tar and chip an attractive choice for both new and existing surfacing projects.

3. Versatility in Design and Functionality

One of the most significant advantages of tar and chip is its versatility. It can be applied to various surfaces, from driveways to paths, and can be customised to suit the needs of equestrian properties.

• Customisable appearance: The gravel used in tar and chip surfacing comes in a variety of colours and textures, allowing property owners to choose a design that complements the overall aesthetic of their property. Whether you prefer a natural look or something more refined, tar and chip can be adapted to meet your vision.
  
• Multiple applications: Tar and chip can be applied to a wide range of surfaces, including driveways, access roads, horse arenas, and paddock entrances. This versatility makes it ideal for equestrian properties, where different areas need varying levels of durability and aesthetic appeal.
  
• Flexible repairs: Unlike concrete or asphalt, which can be difficult and costly to repair, tar and chip surfaces are easy to patch. If a section of the driveway or pathway becomes damaged, it can be quickly and cost-effectively repaired with minimal disruption to the property.
  

The ability to customise both the appearance and functionality of tar and chip surfacing makes it a flexible choice for equestrian properties of all sizes.

4. Environmental Benefits

In recent years, more property owners are considering the environmental impact of the materials they use for their property. Tar and chip surfacing can offer environmental benefits that other materials do not.

• Permeability: One of the key benefits of tar and chip is that it is a permeable surface, meaning water can drain through it rather than running off into the surrounding environment. This reduces the risk of surface water flooding, which can be particularly beneficial for equestrian properties that may be located in areas prone to heavy rainfall.
  
• Natural appearance: The natural look of tar and chip, with its gravel and stone texture, blends well with rural or countryside landscapes. It also avoids the environmental impact that may come with more industrial-looking materials like concrete.
  
• Reduced carbon footprint: Compared to other materials like asphalt, tar and chip has a lower carbon footprint due to its simpler installation process and the use of locally sourced materials.
  

Choosing tar and chip surfacing for your equestrian property not only benefits your property but also contributes positively to the environment.

5. Easy to Maintain and Repair

Maintaining a safe and functional surface on an equestrian property is essential for the wellbeing of both horses and property owners. Tar and chip is relatively easy to maintain and repair, which ensures that your surfaces continue to serve their purpose effectively over time.

• Simple maintenance: Maintaining a tar and chip surface usually involves occasional sweeping to clear debris and periodic replenishment of gravel. The surface is resilient and can be quickly restored to its original state with minimal effort.
  
• Efficient repairs: If a section of the surface becomes damaged, repairs can be made quickly by adding a new layer of gravel and reapplying the bitumen. This process is efficient and cost-effective, ensuring that your equestrian property remains safe and functional.
  

Regular maintenance ensures that your driveway, path, or arena continues to serve its purpose without significant costs or disruption.

Conclusion

Tar and chip is an excellent choice for equestrian properties, offering a durable, cost-effective, and versatile surfacing solution that meets the unique needs of horse owners. With its ability to withstand heavy traffic, reduce the risk of damage, and maintain a natural appearance, tar and chip provides a long-lasting solution for both the driveway and surrounding areas. Whether you’re looking for a new driveway or need to resurface existing paths, tar and chip surfacing is a practical and environmentally friendly option for your equestrian property.

At Haverhill Driveways, we specialise in the installation of high-quality tar and chip driveways and paths. If you’re considering tar and chip surfacing for your equestrian property, contact us today for a consultation and to learn more about how we can help improve your outdoor spaces. Let us help you create a safe, attractive, and durable surface for your horses and vehicles.

Call us on: 01440 840 590
Click here to find out more about Haverhill Driveways
Click here to complete our contact form and see how we can help with your driveway needs.