Instructions
Cover your arena. A covered arena will stay significantly cooler than one exposed to direct sunlight all day and it has the benefit of being usable during rainy weather. You can put a carport-style pole barn over the arena or construct a full indoor arena. Consult a professional contractor to find out what you will need to add a cover to your dressage arena.
Put up fans around the arena. Fans increase airflow and can help keep riders cooler, especially when installed in a covered arena. Make sure your arena footing is not too dusty if you install fans, as you may need to begin regularly watering your arena to keep dust from being blown around by the fans. Fans can be any size or type, though your choices may be limited by expenses and electrical equipment. Some arena owners install ceiling fans, but it is possible to simply arrange and install box fans at various locations around the arena. Fans should be installed near enough to allow riders to get the benefit of the breeze without being within the horses' reach.
Plant trees. If a covered arena is not in the budget right now, place trees around the outside of your arena to provide natural shade and cover. Otherwise, construct your arena in a shady area. Just make sure the trees are not located where they will be in the way as you ride.
How to Cool a Dressage Arena
Most horse enthusiasts who have spent any significant amount of time riding their horses during the warmer months of the year have tried to figure out ways to make a riding arena cooler. Both riders and horses can become dangerously overheated and dehydrated in hot temperatures, so making the arena as cool as possible is important. The key to making your rectangular dressage arena a cooler place is to take a multi-step approach when you plan your cooling improvements.