Instructions
Planning for Specific Use
Consider the way you want to use a corral. As a turn out or exercise pen all you truly need to consider is size. To have room to run about and play while still being in a contained space that makes your horse easy to catch the corral should be no smaller than 80-by-80 feet and no larger than 120-by-120 feet. For turnout areas a few shade trees are not only lovely accents but give shelter in sudden rain or snow and even relief from hot sun. Make sure any trees in the designated area are safe for horses. Certain trees like red oak and black walnut should be avoided at all costs because the leaves and fruits from those trees are toxic to all livestock.
Look for a suitable placement. For a riding arena you will first need level ground and soft yet firm footing. If your area is moderately uneven a bulldozer or backhoe can be used to level it out. However, if there is too much of a grade you will either need to reconsider your chosen location, or give up on a riding area. Riding arenas can be as small as a round pen for simple training, but make sure you allow yourself enough room for more dedicated uses so that you have the room you need. Jumping and barrel racing will require full-size arenas of at least 120-by-100 feet as will dressage.
Make sure a chosen riding arena area is free of obstacles such as trees and brush.
Check the ground suitability for your type of corral. If the footing of your corral space is too soft your horse will sink in while being ridden and risk injury while too hard a surface can cause impact fractures. For hard clay surfaces sand can be dumped in the area to cover the corral base and provide a better cushion. Large areas that are too soft can be difficult to correct and be very expensive. However, recycled rubber chopped into small bits has become a very popular arena footing that is both weather proof and provides good drainage.
Provide proper space for corrals to be used for training purposes. They should be small enough to not let your horse get away from you. An 80-by-80 foot enclosure is large enough to do most low level training while keeping him well contained.
Planning for Cost
Decide on the type of enclosure that will work best for your needs. Wood fencing is the most popular type of corral construction but can be very expensive. A traditional white split rail fence is immediately recognizable and might be the best choice if your corral is a focal point of your property. Solid fencing can provide a distraction free zone while keeping onlookers from gawking but is very expensive.
Pick aluminum pipe rail panels for an easy to install method for enclosing your corral. They are on the same level of cost for corral fencing but there is no digging required and they simply hook together via chains. They are low maintenance and will not require regular painting or replacement for weather damage and are harder for horses to break through, as well as being resistant to cribbing and chewing of the rails.
Buy the lowest cost, safe fencing material for a corral if your budget is tight. The cheapest materials for corral enclosures to be used for riding or training is heavy duty field fencing. Along with being relatively cheap it is quick and easy to install. This is sold in rolls of 50 to 150 feet in length and can be nailed to 4x4 posts for support, or wired to t-posts for even quicker installation.
Install electric fencing consisting of two or three stands of electric wire and a charger that is either solar or electric powered for an extra low cost and easy to construct area for corrals that will be used solely for turnout.
Do not attempt to use electric fencing for any corral that will be used for riding or training because you could easily be shocked by the wire or pinned to it causing serious burns.
How to Plan a Horse Corral
A corral for your horses is an excellent addition to any barn area. There are many uses for a corral from temporary turn-out, training areas and even riding. How you plan to use your corral will determine the best methods of building it. The amount of money you can afford to spend will determine what types of materials you can use. The area you have available and the type of footing in the area will also have an impact on what you can use your corral space for or if you need to improve it for a specific purpose.