TheHorse.com THE HORSE September 2017
44
U
nless you spend all your time riding
the trails (and we know many do),
you likely need a relatively flat place
with good footing at home to ride and
school your horse, at least for part of the
year.
Some of you already have arena access,
while others make do with pasture or a
flat patch of dirt in the backyard. That
can work for a while but might risk the
long-term health of your horse's joints
(hello, concussion and osteoarthritis),
create dust that ends up in his and your
lungs (and works its way into your
house), and present safety issues for you
and your horse (dodging prairie dog holes
and wire fencing is very dangerous).
To learn more about creating a func-
tional and healthy place to ride we talked
to Eileen Fabian, PhD, PE, a Pennsylvania
State University professor and agricul-
tural engineer who literally wrote the
book on designing equestrian facilities,
and Ashlee Watts, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS,
a professor of large animal surgery and
equine joint-health researcher at Texas
A&M; College of Veterinary Medicine &
Biological Sciences, as well as an upper-
level dressage rider. If you're wanting to
install an arena at home or improve the
space you already have, here are some
important questions to get you started.
What are Your Arena Requirements?
Your riding discipline, how many rid-
ers use the arena, and riding frequency
are important considerations when
planning your arena, says Fabian. Also
important: Is this a commercial arena
that will host horse shows and events, or
is it your own private riding space? This
information will help you determine size,
access, and footing.
Footing and base durability require-
ments for a backyard arena used by two
FARM & BARN
MICHELLE ANDERSON
TheHorse.com/FarmandBarn
Installing an Outdoor Arena: Where to Start
Arena types, sizes, and footing vary depending on the rider's needs, discipline, and geographic location. A flat, well-drained space, however, is always key.
ISABELLE
ARNON
A riding arena is a major financial investment;
here's what to ask before you begin construction