How to Build an Outdoor Riding Ring

An outdoor riding ring can provide a pleasant location to train and exercise a riding horse. Properly constructed, a riding ring actually serves as an aid in training a horse. Several factors will go into the planning of an outdoor riding ring. Horsemen should give consideration to the location, construction materials and footing material.

Things You'll Need

  • Fence posts
  • Post hole digger
  • Treated lumber
  • Nails
  • Hammer
  • Saw
  • Tiller or cultivator
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Instructions

  1. Building a Outdoor Riding Ring

    • 1

      Draw a plan for the outdoor riding ring. The plan will need to take into account the size of the ring, location, building materials and footing material. Location is often dictated by the locations of barns and corrals. The outdoor riding ring should be conveniently placed near the barn or tack room.

      Riding rings can be almost any size. Many are constructed between 60 feet and 100 feet in diameter. The smaller outdoor riding rings are used for breaking or early training for horses. The more confined space gives them less room to buck and run. Larger sizes are used for more advanced training.

      Most outdoor riding rings are constructed from treated lumber with wood posts. The spacing of the vertical boards of the fence is also a consideration. Use closely spaced vertical boards in riding rings used for the training of young horses. Restricting visibility to the world outside the riding ring will help keep the horse concentrate on the training.

      The footing or ground cover of the riding ring will often be determined by what̵7;s available. Look for something soft enough to be easy on the horse̵7;s legs and hooves, but firm enough to prevent slippage. Sand is most commonly available and used mixed with the dirt of the riding ring.

    • 2

      Determine the location of the center of the planned outdoor riding ring. Measure out a piece of string or rope equal to the radius of the ring and use it to mark out the circle of the riding ring. Because the boards used for the riding ring will be straight, the riding ring will actually end up being an enclosure made up of a number of straight lines.

      Use a tape measure to determine the post locations based on the length of boards used for the riding ring. For example, determine a starting point on the circle of the riding ring, usually a gate post, and measure a straight line of 10 feet to the next point on the circle of the riding ring. Continue around the riding ring allowing for the gate.

    • 3

      Dig postholes and set posts. Depending on soil type, posts may need to be set as deep as three or four feet or set in concrete. After the posts are set and secure, fasten the vertical fence boards around the outdoor riding ring.

    • 4

      Add footing material to the outdoor riding ring. Sand or rock dust added to the existing soil may improve footing and drainage within the riding ring. Use a garden tiller or small scale tractor and cultivator to loosen the soil and mix it with the sand.