Stabilising horse box entrances at an equestrian centre with the Nidaplast NG040 cellular grid — a permanent, free-draining surface that stays firm and safe in all weather conditions.
To tackle persistent mud and ground poaching at horse box entrances, Nidaplast NG040 cellular grids were installed across 300 m² of the facility. The result: a stable, fully permeable equestrian surface that eliminates rutting, prevents standing water and provides safe, consistent footing for horses and handlers year-round.
300 m2
stabilised area
40 mm
grid depth
2017
year of installation
Context — box entrances degraded by hoof traffic and wet ground conditions
Horse box gateways and access routes are among the most heavily stressed surfaces on any equestrian yard. These areas are subject to:
- constant daily hoof traffic,
- persistent moisture and poor natural drainage,
- light machinery movements (wheelbarrows, compact tractors),
- progressive ground poaching in wet periods.
Without adequate ground reinforcement, these conditions rapidly lead to:
- slippery, uneven surfaces,
- deep rutting and compaction fatigue on horses’ joints,
- hygiene risks from standing mud, water and urine,
- excessive maintenance time and cost.
Project brief — a draining, stable and low-maintenance surface
The client’s requirements were clear: a ground surface capable of withstanding point loading and intensive hoof traffic throughout the year, with no mud and no rutting, specifically designed to:
- provide safe, non-slip footing for horses moving in and out of boxes,
- drain water and urine rapidly from the surface,
- resist puncture loads from hooves and light vehicle tyres,
- accept a grass or fine aggregate fill depending on the zone,
- minimise ongoing maintenance and replacement costs.
Solution — Nidaplast NG040 mud control grid
The NG040 cellular grid, manufactured from 100% recycled low-density polyethylene (LDPE), is well-suited to high-traffic equestrian surfaces thanks to its robust honeycomb structure and full permeability. Two fill options were used depending on the area:
- natural turf (for a softer, more natural appearance),
- fine aggregate or stabilised sand (for zones with the highest traffic intensity).
Key performance advantages in this application:
- Excellent load distribution → no rutting, no soft spots
- High drainage capacity → clean, dry surface even in winter
- Firm, non-slip footing for horses
- Fast installation → lightweight, click-fit panels (pre-assembled in 500 × 500 mm units)
- High mechanical resistance to hoof puncture
- Brown colour option blends naturally into the stable yard environment
- Compatible with stable machinery and wheelbarrow traffic
Technical specifications — NG040 grid
Panel dimensions
500 x 500 mm.
Cell depth
40 mm.
Permeability
100 %.
Material
Recycled LDPE (low-density polyethylene)
Available colours
Brown, green, grey, black
Slab NG040
The nidagrass NG040 grass slabs are low-density recycled polyethylene (LDPE) panels designed to be grass-filled. They were specifically developed to provide a stable and driveable grass surface, preventing the formation of ruts, depressions, or puddles.
View product sheetInstallation sequence
1. Sub-base preparation
Excavation and laying of a free-draining bed (compacted sand or fine aggregate). Levelling and installation of anti-contamination geotextile.
2. Grid installation
NG040 panels laid in pre-assembled units of 4 (1 m²) and clipped together.
3. Fill and finish
cells filled with fine aggregate, stabilised sand or natural turf depending on zone. Compacted and ready for immediate use.
Results and observed benefits
- Clean, dry, stable surface year-round, including during heavy rainfall
- Improved comfort underfoot for horses — reduced stress, safer movement
- Secure access zones — no slipping, no ground subsidence
- Significantly reduced cleaning and maintenance effort
- Durable, discreet installation that integrates naturally into the stable yard
