Horse Arena Sizes
In this blog, we outline the factors to think about when choosing your horse arena, including:
Equestrian disciplines: What will your arena be used for?
With horse arenas, one size does not suit all disciplines. The right size for your new arena will depend on the number of riders and horses, as well as the core discipline they practice, whether that be dressage, eventing arenas, jumping, or leisure.
Dressage
The interior measurement of a dressage arena is 60 metres long and 20 metres wide. In competition arenas, the arena must be separated from the public by a minimum distance of 10 metres and, if indoors, the arena must be at least 2 metres from the wall. A dressage enclosure will often feature 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.
Browse our Dressage Arenas >
Showjumping
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
Eventing is a competition comprising three equestrian disciplines – dressage, cross-country and show jumping. Dressage requires a flat arena measuring 60 metres long by 20 metres wide. Cross-country requires a series of jumps on a long outdoor course. Finally, showjumping requires twelve to twenty brightly coloured fences inside an arena.
When planning your new arena, we recommend choosing a site near tracks and natural obstacles on your property. This way, you can complete cross-country training in the same area as showjumping and dressage. We also encourage you to incorporate stables into the arena design.
Leisure
If you ride recreationally, the size and setup of the arena are entirely up to you. However, we always recommend sizing up from what you need right now as this enables you to adapt your training. If you decide to experiment with dressage, eventing, or jumping, your arena will already be large enough to accommodate this.
Even if you don’t use the full arena size yourself, the larger, more flexible design will add significant value to your property. By meeting the needs of more riders, you will attract more interested buyers at the time of sale.
Popular horse arena designs
Covered dressage arena
A roof cover provides a cost-effective option, offering shelter without having to commit 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 that maximise natural light. However, we have had feedback from clients that the shadows can spook some of the more timid horses.
To discover more tips on dress arena designs, read this article.
Our horse arenas and horse stables
At ABC Sheds, we design and build a range of equestrian buildings, including arenas, arena covers, stables, and other shed facilities. We specialise in fully enclosed horse arenas, enabling year-round training no matter the weather. These arena covers maximise your training hours, creating a safe and adaptable space for you and your horses.
When planning your new arena, we recommend thinking about the location, budget, ongoing maintenance, size, and whether it should be indoor or outdoor.
Clearspan
Our fully engineered structures can span from 9 to 60 metres with no need for centre supports or additional knee bracing. This way, 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 structures
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.