Introduction
Established in 1979 by the Rector family, Nag’s Head Farm is a premier dressage and combined driving facility located in both Scottsdale and Flagstaff, Arizona. Contrary to popular belief the name Nag’s Head does not come from North Carolina, but rather a pub in London where Shirley and Walt decided to purchase their first horse abroad. Today Nag’s Head Farm is still a family run facility that has everything from kids on ponies to top competition horses.
Nag’s Head Farm Scottsdale location was challenged with higher levels of dust from the drive paths and within the arena while riding. Although the facilities were watered regularly, they were just not able to keep the dust under control. They tried other products and solutions like lignosulfonates to mitigate the dust. They were unhappy with the results because they were expensive, smelled bad, got all over the riders and horses, leached oily rainbows into the irrigation ditches when it rained and didn’t work well.
Uses
- Nag’s Head Farm Scottsdale, AZ location is a boarding, riding, and training facility.
- 12 boarding stalls
The Challenge
• Maintain dust free riding and driving areas
• Maintain soft footing for horses and riders – do not over compact
• Cost Effective
Pre-treatment Conditions
Soil: Sand and native dirt mixed with recycled wood chips
Watering System: Sprinklers mounted to poles around arena – used nightly
Facility Activity
Daily: 6 Training hours per day – 10 – 12 horses per day
The Solution
Application Date: June 2009 (the driest month in Arizona)
Project Tasks:
1. Remove fencing and posts that formed an “outer” arena to create a larger overall arena
2. Fill low spots and level the entire arena after fence and post removal
3. Add wood chip material to footing base
4. Apply pine based emulsion to control dust in arena and drive ways
Arena Size:
200’ x 80’ = 16,000 sq ft.
Method
Day 1 - Fencing Demolition, fill dirt added, wood chips added and spread. Ran sprinklers for pre-wetting of soil for dust treatment
Day 2 - Applied IntegraSeal with pressurized spray bar. Tilled wood chips, soil, and IntegraSeal with client’s equipment
Day 3 – Second application of IntegraSeal, Tilled arena
Treatment Duration
Arena: 4 months
Pre-treatment Costs
For the purposes of this case study, the costs only pertain to the dust treatment solution.
Conditions Before Treatment (Approximate):
Water: $556.80 (8000 gallons/day for (just for arena) = 18.56/day x 30 days)
Labor: $0.00 (automatic sprinklers)
Repairs: $150.00 per month
Sub Total: $706.80 per month
Estimated Increase needed for dust control and healthier conditions:
3 X water currently applied: $1670.40 per month
Difference: $1113.60 per month
Treatment Cost
The costs are variable based upon location and size of arena.
Equipment mobilization: $384.00 (variable)
Applied Dust Treatment: $1,868.29
Total Application: $2,252.29
Cost Savings
Pending Monthly Increase: $1,113.60
Duration (months): 4
Pending Additional Costs: $4,454.40
Cost of Treatment: $2,252.29
Savings: $2,202.11
% Saved: 49% ($2,202.11/$4,454.40)
The Impact
In our Scottsdale location we have been challenged with higher levels of dust from the drive paths and within the arena while riding. Although we water the facilities regularly, we were just not able to keep up. We tried products and solutions to mitigate the dust that quite frankly smelled bad, got all over our riders and horses, and leached oily rainbows into our irrigation ditches when it rained.
"Resperion approached us with a solution that not only reduced the dust and airborne particles, but also reduced our watering costs. An additional bonus is that the products they use are 100% “green” and natural. Our riders and horses are no longer covered in oily coatings after riding and we are breathing much healthier."
"Nag’s Head Farm Scottsdale is a healthier place for our horses, riders, and community thanks to the solutions from Resperion."
- Nag’s Head Farm
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