Horse arenas enable horses and riders to practice and compete in a dry environment. They can be indoor or outdoor and made of wood, brick or sheet metal panels. They can be built separately or attached to stables, and are sometimes part of larger arena complexes that include a competition arena, warm-up arena and barn.

The type of surface used in an arena depends on a number of factors including the discipline, whether it is indoor or outdoor, and budget. Footing material choice has a major impact on riding characteristics, such as the amount of traction and depth of loose footing. Some arenas use a natural mix of materials such as sand, while others are designed with delivered, trademarked or manufactured products that have defined particle size and composition.

Exploring Horse Arenas: Types, Features, and Options

One of the most important factors in any arena is drainage. Flat areas are prone to collect water, while hills and slopes promote percolation and help prevent moisture buildup. In addition, the design of the base layer is critical to the performance of the arena.

Malmgren and Wordley Martin both agree that the most common arena problem is not having the proper amount of moisture in the arena. If an arena is worked only a few times a month or not at all, it will dry out and create the dreaded dust that makes riding in an arena uncomfortable. A minimum of four to six percent moisture is recommended for an arena.