Arenas 101: Everything You Need To Know About Building, Buying, and Maintaining Horse Arenas
- Tori Goldsworthy
- 2 hours ago
- 6 min read
When it comes to equestrian properties, the riding arena is often the heart of the operation. Whether you’re training for high-level competition, starting colts, or just looking for a safe place to ride, the right arena can make all the difference. But not all arenas are created equal. From size and layout to footing and amenities, every decision shapes the functionality and safety of the space — and attracts a particular type of buyer.
Arena Sizes and Disciplines:
Different riding disciplines require different arena dimensions, and understanding these variations is crucial for both builders and buyers. For example:
Dressage: Standard dressage arenas measure 20×60 meters, while smaller 20×40-meter arenas are used for lower-level tests. Precision and consistency are key, requiring level footing and excellent drainage.
Barrel Racing and Gymkhana: These high-speed events need larger arenas with ample space for tight turns. A minimum of 100×200 feet is recommended to safely accommodate patterns and high-speed runs.
Cow Horse Sports and Cutting: These require long, rectangular arenas with enough space to maneuver cattle, usually 100×250 feet or larger.
Training Facilities and Mustang TIP Programs: Smaller, controlled environments are preferred for groundwork and colt starting. Round pens and small arenas that are able to be sectioned off offer better control during initial training phases.
Eventing and Jumping: Larger outdoor arenas with specific jump courses or cross-country elements provide diverse training environments.
Private/Leisure: Private owners might prioritize simplicity and safety over size, opting for a functional outdoor arena that blends with the landscape and is easy to maintain.
Matching the right arena size and layout to the buyer’s needs ensures they get the best use of their property while avoiding costly modifications.
Footing: The Foundation of Every Ride
Footing is arguably the most critical part of an arena. The right footing prevents injury, enhances performance, and ensures longevity. Different disciplines require specific footing:
Sand: The most common and versatile option. Washed sands like torpedo sand or river sands offer low dust and great drainage. However, sand breaks down over time, creating dust and requiring regular maintenance.
Crushed Concrete & Low-Dust Sand Mix: My personal favorite — this combination offers excellent stability and minimal dust. It’s particularly good for all-around use and reduces the need for constant watering.
Rubber: Adds cushioning and reduces compaction, making it ideal for dressage or jumping. However, rubber can overheat in summer and requires specialized maintenance and can cause toxic runoff. (I do not recommend)
Wood Chips or Fiber: Provides cushioning but needs frequent upkeep as it breaks down quickly. Can cause issues if ingested, and can be very complex to maintain.
For detailed information on arena footing options, check out Premier Equestrian’s Arena Footing Guide.
Footing maintenance is non-negotiable. Even “low dust” sands degrade, requiring regular grooming, moisture control, and occasional replenishment. Sprinkler systems are excellent for dust control, and footing conditioners help extend the material’s lifespan.
Building an Arena: Steps and Costs
Constructing a proper arena is a complex process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Planning and Permitting: Secure the necessary permits and work with engineers to ensure proper grading and drainage.
Land Prep: Grade the land to ensure water runs off properly. Compact the base to prevent shifting.
Base Layers: Lay a sub-base of compacted gravel, followed by a base layer for stability.
Footing Installation: Add the chosen footing material, ensuring even distribution and proper depth.
Finishing Touches: Install kickboards, mirrors, gates, and sprinkler systems.
The average cost ranges from $50,000 to over $150,000, depending on size, location, and materials. For a professional touch, consider reaching out to Wisconsin-based arena builders.
Tackling Dust: Arena Additives and Dust Control Practices
Dust in riding arenas isn’t just a nuisance — it can affect respiratory health for both horses and riders, reduce visibility, and degrade footing over time. Thankfully, there are several solutions to help keep dust at bay:
Arena Additives
Magnesium Chloride and Calcium Chloride: These hygroscopic salts draw moisture from the air, helping to keep footing damp and reduce dust. They’re popular in indoor arenas or dry climates.
Find these products at TruTex Footing or Premier Equestrian.
Wax-Coated Footing: Waxed footing requires little to no watering, making it ideal for low-maintenance setups.
Organic Stabilizers: Products like peat moss, coconut fiber, or shredded rubber help bind footing particles, improving stability and moisture retention.
Arena Hydration Systems: Sprinkler systems or underground hydration options like the HydroKeep System offer automated moisture control.
Best Practices for Dust Control
Regular Watering: Installing a sprinkler system makes watering efficient and consistent, especially for large arenas.
Proper Footing Depth: Maintaining the right footing depth reduces unnecessary dust creation.
Arena Drags and Groomers: Tools like the ArenaWerks Drags help aerate and level footing, preventing compaction and reducing dust.
Ventilation: In indoor arenas, proper airflow reduces stagnant dust clouds. Consider large fans or open side panels in warm months.
Wisconsin-Based Arena Contractors
For professional installation or maintenance of these systems, check out local contractors specializing in equestrian facilities:
Midwest Horse Arenas — Offers full-service arena construction and footing installation.
Footing Solutions USA — Specializes in arena design, footing products, and dust control solutions.
Investing in the right additives and dust management practices extends the lifespan of your arena while creating a safer environment for both horse and rider.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Arenas:
Indoor arenas offer year-round riding in Wisconsin’s unpredictable climate but come with added expenses for lighting, ventilation, and moisture control. Outdoor arenas require proper grading to prevent water pooling and taller kickboards to minimize distractions.
Red Flags When Buying:
When evaluating a property with an existing arena, watch for:
Low Spots or Puddling: Indicates poor drainage.
Compacted Footing or Deep Spots: Can cause injuries.
Leaky Roofs and Drip Lines: In indoor arenas, this is caused from poorly maintained or constructed arena roofs and can impact the longevity of the structure.
Inadequate Equipment Access: Needed for footing maintenance.
Poor Ventilation and Lighting: Affects horse and rider comfort.
Beyond the Arena: Consider the Goal
Consider what the arena is for:
Event Arenas: Need meticulous maintenance for public use.
Private Facilities: Require daily and weekly upkeep as well as upkeep for small events.
Training Facilities: Benefit from smaller arenas or round pens for groundwork or an arena that can be easily sectioned off.
TIP Trainers: Prefer smaller, enclosed spaces for wild horse handling and often times need taller containable fencing (when talking about outdoor spaces).
Personal Use: A simple outdoor arena may be ideal.
What Isn’t An Arena:
Not every open space qualifies as an arena. Round pens are invaluable for training but don’t replace full arenas. Pole barns with gravel or dirt floors aren’t suitable unless proper footing is added (which is not always worth the effort and the money). Pastures don’t count unless purpose-built for eventing.
Final Thoughts:
Arenas are more than just four walls and a roof (or a fenced perimeter). They are carefully crafted environments that cater to specific disciplines and training styles. As a Certified Equestrian Property Specialist, I understand these intricacies. Whether you’re buying, selling, or building, having a knowledgeable advocate ensures your arena isn’t just functional — it’s exceptional.
For more insights into horse property ownership, check out my other blog posts, or submit a question in the Q&A section that you would like covered.
Tori Goldsworthy
Equestrian Property Specialist | Photographer | Blogger
Tori Goldsworthy has dedicated her life to serving the equestrian community. Based in Central Wisconsin, she is the state’s first Certified Equestrian Property Specialist, combining her educational background in Equine Science and Business Management with years of hands-on experience in the horse industry. Her passion extends beyond real estate—Tori is also the owner of Goldsworthy Equine Photography, where she captures the bond between horses and their humans. She runs a free educational blog, helping farm owners navigate the challenges of horse property ownership.
With a deep understanding of equestrian needs, Tori brings expertise, compassion, and a lifelong love of horses to everything she does.
This article is from the September issue of Equine Business Magazine
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