The Horse

SEP 2017

The Horse:Your Guide To Equine Health Care provides monthly equine health care information to horse owners, breeders, veterinarians, barn/farm managers, trainer/riding instructors, and others involved in the hands-on care of the horse.

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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

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