How to Build Horse Arenas

Building a level riding area with footing appropriate for your riding discipline can be time-consuming and costly, but can be well worth it in the end, especially if you will be using it regularly. If not, you may want to consider another project.

Things You'll Need

  • Tractor with front-end loader and backhoe attachments
  • Drag
  • Base materials
  • Footing materials
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Instructions

  1. Planning

    • 1

      Decide where to place the arena. Choose an area that drains well and has little to no standing water.

    • 2

      Bring a plat map of your facility to a National Resources Conservation Services office and ask what soil type is on your property in the area you want to build your arena. In her article "Ride at Home," Sharon Biggs recommends you ask about the clay content of your soil, as well. High clay content is good for your arena's base.

    • 3

      Find out if you need grading or erosion and sediment control permits, or if your arena will need to be inspected by your county as it is built. Laws vary in different areas.

    • 4

      Ask a soil consultant if you will need to add soil to what is native to your property to form a base for your arena, and for help with creating drainage solutions. Without proper drainage, your arena will hold water when you have rain.

    • 5

      Find a contractor who is experienced with working with horse arenas or, at the very least, with other sporting arenas such as baseball fields. You could try to disc and grade your ground and install your footing yourself if you have the proper implements for your tractor, but working with a contractor can make it much less stressful for you.

    • 6

      Work with your contractor to design your arena. Consider whether or not you want an oval shape or a rectangular one. With an oval shape, you will be able to drag the arena continuously without worrying about corners. However, an oval shape may not be suitable for some disciplines, such as dressage.

    • 7

      Have your contractor include boards, railroad ties or a wall along the ground in your arena's design to keep your footing from being pushed outside of the arena as you are riding your horse.

    • 8

      Decide on the footing you want. Most people start with some kind of sand, and you want to find sand that has sharp, angular grains rather than round ones. Angular grains hold together and make walking easier. But sand gets dusty if not watered properly, packs together and breaks down over time. An additive to the sand, such as textile fibers, rubber or wood fiber, or getting your footing coated can keep these problems from occurring as often.

    • 9

      Choose the depth of your footing, which will depend on the discipline you train in. To find out what depth you need, talk to professionals in your discipline or to people who run showgrounds.