A well-designed and meticulously maintained drainage system is crucial to the performance of your arena, its longevity and functionality. More Information . Prioritizing this element will help you achieve your dream riding space while reducing time, money, and effort.
As opposed to wooden arenas and wooden structures, pre-engineered cold-formed steel building kits stand up to extreme weather conditions, such as extreme temperatures and moisture dangers. This creates a safer and more secure environment for horses and riders.
Location
The arena is the heart of any facility for equestrians. It is where intense training is transformed into perfection and where riders truly shine. To create the ideal setting for riding and performing, the arena must be a space that understands the nuances of the sport and provides optimal conditions. Many equestrians prefer to build a cold-formed steel riding arena instead of utilizing an existing one.
There are a number of options available for building an arena. However, the best alternative is to choose a complete prefabricated set that includes all the essential framing components and the secondary structural components. This makes building easier which reduces costs and creates a more uniform structure for horses. The kits can also be customized which makes them a great option for those looking to build an unique arena.
When choosing a location for your arena, keep in mind that the more level and compacted the area is more work will need to be completed to prepare it for an arena. Also, an area that is prone to flooding should be avoided, as this can add to the cost and duration of the construction. Be aware of the proximity to other facilities as the arena may need to be connected to them due to various reasons.
Another thing to consider is the type of events you want to host in your arena. For instance, ranching-related events such as team penning, cutting horse and ranch sorting contests all require specific arena designs. The arena should be able to accommodate animals and riders without obstructions, while meeting local building codes.
Carrie Wehle is a roping contestant and steer wrestler. She believes that the most important characteristics of her arena is natural lighting, a healthy atmosphere, and ample space to provide a tranquil and relaxed environment for both horses and riders. She picked an arena made of cold-formed steel and a fabric covering from General cold-formed steel.
Footing & Base
A foundation for your arena and a footing layer are essential to ensure a high-quality ride. The kind of footing and base you choose depends on the discipline you want to focus on, as well as the soil and climate conditions on your property. It is important to consult with experienced arena builders to assist you in determining a solution that balances both natural and technological approaches to your particular requirements.
The base layer is composed of a highly compacted and densely consolidated material that is finely graded and long-lasting. It is an essential component of any riding surface because it protects horses' hooves from digging into the dirt. Crushed stone or other easily available aggregate materials are often used to build arena bases. The ideal base would be a widely graded product with angular particles smaller than 1/4 inch (any larger than that will sever the hoof of a horse).
The loose footing is then "knitted to" the base. The idea behind knitting is essential to the arena's performance as it stops the loose footing from slipping along the compacted base as horses are working in the arena. The base and footing are also designed to help support the loads placed on the arena during usage.
There are a range of products for footing that are available, including sand. The best option for your arena will be determined by your budget along with climate and discipline as well as your desired performance level.
It is important to remember that all arena footing, whether natural or man-made will change over time in composition and properties due to moisture and use. Regular harrowing and deep watering sessions along with monitoring the moisture levels using moisture sensors, are vital to maintain a high-quality arena surface.
Consider a portable arena by Priefert if you want to skip excavation and construction. These arenas are made of cold-formed steel and can be built with minimal equipment and in less time than needed for permanent installations. Additionally, a cold-formed steel arena can be easily insulated and provide all-year-round riding for your customers.
Drainage
A 100x200 arena should have drainage systems that are efficient in the event of rain. This will ensure a stable foundation, reduce maintenance and protect equine safety. The design of your arena's base is critical to ensure that it has the best drainage. Making the right choice in footing additives can drastically impact your arena's drainage. Options like FoamFooting and Levitare provide excellent shock absorption while promoting drainage, and Noviun with its mix of organic fibers and neoprene rubbers, gives you exceptional dust control as well.
It is also important to think about the ideal location for your arena. Ideally, you want to place it on a slope with a slight outward movement to promote water runoff. This will help prevent puddles in low-lying areas and reduce the need for drainage systems in the perimeter. It is also important to have a quick access to trucks for delivering construction equipment, horses and materials.
The water supply in the ground is a secondary consideration. Your arena must be hydrated as part of regular maintenance. If you do not have a well then you might want to think about investing in an arena spinkler.
To ensure that your arena is smooth, you should also harrow it and drag it regularly. This will decrease the number of ruts and trails that horses can get into while training. It is also recommended to invest in moisture sensors to monitor levels of hydration and ensure that the proper watering is in place.
Making these priorities a priority will allow you to create an arena of the highest quality that is safe, comfortable and reliable. Get an expert to build your arena in case you're unsure what to do first. They can direct you to the best tools and materials to build your site depending on the soil conditions, riding habits, and the desired functionality. Their experience will ensure that your dream arena meets the highest standards for horse performance and safety. You can build an arena that will benefit both you and your horse.
Lighting
A well-lit arena is essential to create a comfortable riding experience for both horses and riders. The mounting height of the lights and their layout, spacing and glare reduction techniques all help to create a uniform lighting pattern across the arena and provide an unmatched riding experience.
Try a few different areas of the property before making a decision on a specific arena location. Take your time and ride in each area. Are some areas more muddy than others? Do the feet feel uncomfortable on horses? What about drainage? Once you've decided on the best site for your new arena, it's time to begin construction.
Pre-engineered cold-formed steel building kits offer an easy method of getting your arena in the ground quickly and efficiently. This type of building can easily stand up to heavy snow loads. The clear span design offers a large, unobstructed indoor space. This versatile structure is perfect for equestrian activities, or for private leisure rides. It will exceed your expectations.
The footing and base are crucial for creating a comfortable surface for your horses, as well as for their long-term wellbeing. Without the proper footing, horse hooves can become stiff and brittle and put more stress on joints and tendons. The type of riding you do will determine the most suitable base and footing. However it is crucial to choose durable materials that can stand up to heavy use and the elements.
When selecting a base and footing think about speaking with other local riders who are in an arena to hear their thoughts on what types of materials will work best for them. They can offer advice on the kinds of bases and footing that work for their arenas and geographic climate in their region. They can also discuss their pros and cons for their current footing and bases to help you make an informed choice.
If you're looking for an affordable option or the brightest sports lighting available this 100'x 200 riding arena LED lighting package is the best option. This package comes with (8) 30 foot poles that produce 6,774 watts of light as well as an average of 20 footcandles. The kit also includes a state-of-the-art LED sports light that has a 2.13 max/min uniformity ratio.
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