What’s the best horse arena size?

Whether for dressage, eventing, jumping, cutting, campdraft or simply recreation, your horse arena must be adequately sized for your needs. Depending on the purpose and usage of your arena, there are different sizes and regulations to consider.

• Dressage arenas
• Showjumping arenas
• Eventing arenas
• Cutting arenas
• Recreational arenas
• Popular horse arena designs
• Tips for horse arenas

Dressage arena design

The interior measurement of a dressage arena is 60 metres long and 20 metres wide. In competitions, the arena must be separated from the public by at least 10 metres and, if indoors, the arena must be at least 2 metres from the wall. Another common feature is a low white fence about 30cm high.

In competition terms, the arena has 12 markers placed symmetrically to indicate where each movement or change should occur. The horse has to demonstrate three paces, including a walk, trot, and canter, along with smooth transitions. The markers on the long sides of the arena and nearest the corners are 6m in from the corners and 12m apart.

Showjumping arenas

In showjumping, the horse and rider complete a course of ten to thirteen jumps, up to 1.6 metres high and with spreads of 2 metres. We recommend opting for a large arena that can accommodate a range of showjumping courses, combinations, and variations. 

In competition terms, an indoor arena must be a minimum of 1,200 square metres, with a minimum width of 20 metres on the shorter side. An outdoor arena must be a minimum of 4,000 square metres, with a minimum width of 50 metres on the short side. 

Eventing arenas

If you want to train for eventing, you will need a dressage arena, a cross-country course, and a showjumping course inside the arena. If you will use your new arena for both showjumping and dressage, it will need to accommodate both courses, including:

• A dressage arena (60 metres by 20 metres). 
• A showjumping course of twelve to twenty brightly coloured fences spaced 2 metres apart. 

Cutting arenas

Cutting is a fast-paced discipline that requires a very different setup to dressage or showjumping. Cutting arenas are typically wider and shorter than dressage arenas to allow space for the horse and rider to manoeuvre cattle quickly and with precision.

The standard size for a cutting arena is approximately 42 - 46 metres wide by 21 - 32 metres long, giving horses ample lateral space without needing the length typical of dressage or jumping. 

Because of the speed and agility required, suitable footing is also crucial. Many cutting arenas use a sand or sand-loam base with adequate depth and drainage to minimise injury and allow horses to stop and turn safely.

Recreational horse arenas

If you ride for leisure, the arena size is entirely up to you, but we always recommend sizing it up. This way, you can adapt to future training requirements and, even if you don’t use the full arena yourself, it will add significant value to your property by meeting the needs of more riders.

Popular horse arena designs in 2025

Covered dressage arena

An arena roof cover provides a cost-effective equestrian shelter without committing to a fully enclosed arena. If you decide to, you can add the walls later when your budget allows.  

Partially enclosed dressage arena

For a dressage arena, we recommend a shed that is slightly larger than the standard dressage dimensions. This way, the interior measurement can match the competition arenas, with a few metres on each side.

For example, the arena we built for Glenhill Sportshorses measures 66 metres by 21.6 metres. This allowed enough space for a mirrored wall and a storage bay at one end. 

Fully enclosed arenas

An enclosed arena is perfect for extreme climates and exposed sites because they’re fully protected from the elements. We can incorporate doors and roof ventilation for maximum airflow, providing a comfortable space for you and your horses. 

To improve visibility, we can also integrate clear roof panels to maximise natural light. However, we have had feedback from clients that the shadows can spook some of the more timid horses.

What type of arena is right for you? Try our virtual shed builder to see your options.

Our equestrian sheds

Our equine sheds provide a safe, covered space for equestrian riders. We specialise in enclosed arena covers so you can train all year round — no matter the season. 

Horse arena 

Our fully engineered dressage arenas can span from 15 metres up to 60 metres. With our clearspan structures, there is no need for centre supports or additional knee bracing so you get the maximum usable area for your arena. 

Horse stable

We can also provide customised horse stables, ideal for housing your horses between training sessions, along with any feed, equipment, and horse floats. We recommend a minimum stable size of 3.7 metres by 4.9 metres and at least 2.75m high to ensure your horses have enough room. 

 While we can supply the steel frame for your stables, we do not offer alternative cladding or complete stable fitouts ourselves. However, we highly recommend the following businesses who specialise in stable interiors and fitouts:

• Anvil Enterprises
• Signature Stables
• Solution Stables

We can incorporate the stables into your arena design or build a separate building, just ask our team! You may also like to incorporate certain elements to create a shed house, ensuring your riders have all the amenities they need for a full day of training. For example, we can implement windows, ventilation, and insulation to make your stables more comfortable year-round. 

When planning your new arena, we recommend thinking about the location, budget, ongoing maintenance, size, and whether it should be indoor or outdoor.

Design considerations for equestrian buildings

Clearspan

Our fully engineered structures can span up to 60 metres with no need for centre supports or additional knee bracing. This means you get the maximum usable space for your arena and don’t have to train around columns.

Indoor vs outdoor

An outdoor arena requires fewer materials, meaning it will cost less upfront. However, outdoor arenas also require more maintenance because the wind and rain get inside, wearing down the footing and the shed structure. In many climates, an exposed arena will also limit your hours of use, potentially leading you to add a cover later anyway.

With that in mind, we recommend investing in an enclosed arena upfront. You can use it at any time of year and in any weather conditions, providing a much greater return on investment. An enclosed arena will generally cost more initially but requires far less maintenance.

If you prefer an outdoor arena but are concerned about exposure to the weather, you can add a cover later or cover just a part of the main arena. This keeps the initial cost down but can also be extended later. 

High-quality

At ABC Sheds, we use high-quality hot dip galvanised steel, ensuring a strong and reliable structure. We also exceed Australian building codes to enhance durability and longevity and minimise maintenance over time. 

​​Custom arena designs

When you work with us, the design customisations are virtually endless. We will tailor your new arena to suit your specific needs, based on your location, riding discipline, preferences, and budget. Learn more about our custom arenas in our free Equestrian Sheds Brochure, packed with specifications and tips.