What size arena do you need?

What size of an arena should one get is a question often asked and debated.

It is also a legitimate question to discuss.

There are so many factors to consider when thinking about what size the arena needs to be; however, my first question to clients is “What are you wanting to accomplish in this space and what do you think you will actually do in the arena?” For those horse people that are competing at a high level, or a professional trainer that is training horses and rides in specific disciplines, they typically need large arena spaces that match the competitive riding events. That leaves the rest of us that love to ride. In this case, bigger is not always better or even necessary.

If land and budget are not considerations then, by all means, go big. For most horse folks, land and cost are an issue. It doesn’t matter if you are building an indoor or outdoor arena there is excavating that needs to be done. This may include leveling, hauling in fill material, drain tile, building a pad, then hauling in additional material for base and finally choosing and hauling in the footing material you decide on. Remember, the bigger the arena the more excavation work, material hauling, and land is required.

Now is a good opportunity to ask ourselves “What are we wanting to accomplish in this space?” and then “How much space do we actually need to do this?”

In most circumstances, 60’ is the minimum width that is recommended for a riding arena. More often you will find 80’-100’. Something to keep in mind when determining your width is that it is usually easier to add length at a later date, than it is width. Start with the widest arena you can accommodate and then determine your length.

At the end of the day, putting in a riding arena is a big deal for the average horseperson. Do not get caught up with having to put up the biggest, best, most impressive arena. Focus on what you can comfortably afford, fit, and utilize.