Ros Kirkby
It is with absolute pleasure that I write this testimonial to highly recommend the team from Equestrian Services Australia. From my very first contact with Sona Hessel, to meeting with Tim Hessel to discuss the planned site, to then seeing Tim and his team in action, the service was extremely professional . Tim’s wealth of knowledge in this field is exceeded by none.My arena was completed in 12 days including being fully fenced, associated irrigation put in place and a driveway and surrounding area make over.I am so happy with the finished product. It drains beautifully and is amazing to ride on at all times.If you are considering investing in an arena Equestrian Services Australia are definitely in a class all of their own.
Heath Ryan
(From EQ Life article)
“With over 60 horse per day on the surface, the pressure was on to get it right. Equestrian Services have done that. Our surface leaves horses feeling on top of the surface, creating a sponge effect. You cant even here the horses coming. While a traditional sand surface would be inclined to move around, the fibre mix holds together and doesn’t bank up. We can have a jump in the same position at least 150 times without it adversely affecting the take-off and landing surface.”
Kathy Holtrust
Southern Cross Horse Treks
www.horsetreks.com.au
Vicki Roycroft
Hi Tim,
Just a quick note to let you know that I am really pleased with how the new surface has worked out. It has really done what I wished it to achieve, and is providing great footing, with just enough ‘grip’, and not getting too sloppy, even with the huge amounts of rain we have had lately!
Thanks again for your help with it. Regards, Vicki
Bonnie McIntyre
Equestrian Professional Coach
From my initial interactions with Tim I was impressed with the time he took to share his knowledge without reserve. Tim had a quote to me within 24 hours, and this was for several different options. At this time, I made many phone calls, and exchanged quite a few emails with Tim – as it was not a decision I wanted to make lightly. I never felt rushed, or pressured, simply supported. Once I had made my decision, the arena was underway in just a few weeks, one week from start to finish and I had a stunning new fusion fiber, all weather outdoor arena. Tim and his right hand Matt worked in the cold, the miserable and the non-stop rain, all of which made the delivery of the stone and sand extremely difficult. However, they found a way to continue on and get the job finished despite all hurdles. I know how challenging it is to find good contractors, but Tim and Matt restored my faith and delivered more than promised.
Belinda Basquil
Belinda Basquil Consulting
We approached Tim about building a 60 x 20 m arena and found him very thorough in his explanation of the different surface options and answering all of our questions. We wanted an arena with a European style surface and one we could ride on in all weather conditions even after flooding rains. We also had the opportunity to inspect a surface he was installing in our area. Within 2 weeks he was setting up camp at our place. He and Mat worked from dawn till after sunset and on the fifth day it was all but done. It was an extraordinary effort. When the fusion fibres arrived a couple of weeks later the arena was finished in the day.
Tim explained that it needed a drenching fall of rain to settle, however, unlike normal Southern Highlands weather, it didn’t rain. Simulating a tropical rainstorm I drenched it by hand and it did make a huge difference. Once it had settled sprinkler watering was adequate. Next was the harrow situation – we didn’t have any – nor did we really want to buy a tractor so that we could pull the specialised harrows that Equestrian Services manufacture. Alas Tim to the rescue again, he went above and beyond to design and build a set of harrows with a roller that could be towed, in our case behind a ride on mower (25hp), and still be effective on the fusion fibre surface. Now THAT is customer Service!
We are extremely happy with the end result. The footing is absolutely perfect and consistent throughout the entire arena. It drains well yet retains moisture due to the fusion fibres. I would highly recommend Equestrian Services to anyone. Belinda Basquil.
Lynn Jenkin
HORSANITY
horsanity.com.au
My only regret is that I did not find Equestrian Services and Tim prior to starting the construction of our arena so that Tim was involved in the planning stage. He rose to the occasion however and we could not be happier with the result. We wanted a surface that was all weather and of dual use as a riding arena and our workshop space for Equine Facilitated Learning, where people would be on foot . The dry sand and fibre mix seemed to fit the bill but for us the need to water it – we are on tank water – meant it was not suitable. Tim suggested the wax sand fibre mix which has required an upfront additional cost but one which will be cost effective in the medium to long term as we will not have to continually buy water long term and /or lose surface.
As a ridden surface it is superb. Firm but not hard. Cushioning but not deep. It has the tick of approval from horses, riders and people on foot.
As a contractor we have found Tim great to deal with.