A well-planned and maintained drainage system is the key to arena performance, longevity and functionality. More Information . It is essential to consider this aspect in order to help you attain your dream riding space while saving time, money and effort.
In contrast to wooden arenas, pre-engineered cold-formed steel building kits endure harsh weather conditions, including extreme temperatures and moisture hazards. This ensures a safe space for horses and riders.
Location
The arena is at the heart of any equestrian facility. It is the location where the riders excel and where a rigorous training leads to perfection. To provide the best environment for riding and performing, the arena must be a space that understands the nuances of the sport and has the ideal conditions. That's why many equestrian professionals opt to build a new cold-formed steel arena instead of just using an existing arena.
There are many options to build an arena. However, the most effective option is to build a complete prefabricated set that includes all the essential framing elements and secondary structural components. This streamlines the construction process and reduces overall costs. It also creates a more stable structure for horses. These kits are also customizable which makes them a great choice for anyone looking to build an unique arena.
When deciding on the location for your arena, keep in mind that the more level and compacted the area is and the smaller the amount of work that will have to be done to prepare it for an arena. A flood-prone zone should be avoided since it can make it more expensive and prolong the duration of the project. Consider the proximity of other facilities since the arena may need to be connected to them for different reasons.
The type of events you are hosting in your arena is another important consideration. For instance, ranching events such as team penning ranch sorting and cutting horse contests all require specific arena designs. Whatever the size or design of the arena, it must be free of obstructions for riders and animals and still meet local building codes to ensure public health and security.
For Carrie Wehle who is a roping and steer wrestling competitor the most important element of her arena is plenty of light and an airy and healthy atmosphere, and enough space to create the peace for horses and riders. This is why she chose to use a cold-formed steel riding arena that has a fabric cover from General cold-formed steel.
Footing & Base
A stable arena base and footing are crucial to a good ride. The kind of base and footing you choose will depend on the discipline you intend to concentrate on as well as the climate and soil conditions on your property. Get advice from knowledgeable arena builders who can assist you in establishing an approach that combines technology and natural methods to meet your specific requirements.
The base layer is made of a compacted, dense material that is finely graded and long-lasting. It is a crucial component of the foundation for any kind of riding surface, as it prevents the horse's hooves from digging down into the dirt. Arena bases are often constructed from crushed stone or other easily accessible aggregate materials. The ideal base would be a widely graded product with angular particles that are no larger than 1/4 inch (any bigger will bruise a horse's hoof).
The loose footing material is then installed on the base, and is "knitted" to it. The idea of knitting plays a significant role in the functioning of the arena as it prevents loose footing from sliding across the foundation that is compacted as horses move around the arena. The base and footing are designed to support the weights that are placed on the arena during usage.
There are a myriad of products for footing available, such as sand. The best option for your particular arena will depend on your budget along with climate and discipline as well as desired performance level.
It is crucial to keep in mind that all arena footing, whether artificial or natural, is likely to change in its composition and properties due to the effects of moisture and usage. To ensure a top-quality surface, it is crucial to do regular harrowing and deep watering and monitor moisture levels using moisture sensors.
If you'd like to avoid the construction and excavation phases you can consider a portable arena from Priefert. These arenas made of cold-formed steel are simple to build and require fewer equipment than permanent installations. In addition, a cold-formed steel arena can be easily insulated and provide year-round riding for your clients.
Drainage
A 100 x 200-foot arena must have a drainage system that is effective in the event rain. This ensures a stable footing surface, with minimal maintenance and ensuring the safety of horses. To ensure optimal drainage, the design of your arena base is vital. The drainage of your arena could be affected by the selection of footing additives. FoamFooting Levitare, Levitare, as well as Noviun are three options that provide superior drainage and shock absorption.
The place of your arena on your property is important. The ideal is to locate it on a slope that has a slight movement outward to promote water runoff. This will prevent puddling in low-lying areas, and minimizes the need for a drainage system that is confined to the perimeter. It is also important that you have access to trucks transporting construction equipment, horses, and other materials.
A second consideration is the availability of groundwater. Your arena must be watered as part regular maintenance. If you don't have the option of a well, you should consider investing in the use of a portable water source, such as an arena spinkler.
It is also necessary to have a harrow in place and drag your arena regularly to ensure that it remains smooth. This prevents the formation of trails and ruts that horses could step into during training. It is also recommended to invest in moisture sensors to monitor hydration levels and ensure that proper irrigation is being carried out.
The priority of these items will allow you to build an excellent riding space that is comfortable, safe and dependable. If you're not sure where to begin ask an experienced arena builder. They'll guide you to the most effective tools and materials based on your soil's conditions and riding style as well as desired functionalities. Their expertise will ensure your dream arena meets the highest standards of equine safety and performance. You can build an arena that will benefit both you and your horse.
Lighting
A well-lit area is crucial for creating a comfortable riding space for horses and riders. The height of the mounting lights and their spacing, layout and techniques to reduce glare all contribute to uniform lighting throughout the arena, ensuring a seamless riding experience.
Before committing to an arena location, you should test a few different areas on the property. Take your time riding in each area, and make notes. Are certain areas more muddy than others? Does the footing feel spongy to the horses? What about the drainage? After you've determined the most suitable location for your arena it's time to proceed with construction.
cold-formed steel kits that are pre-engineered are a simple and quick method of getting your arena built. This type of building is extremely sturdy and can withstand massive snow loads. Plus, the clear span design of these structures offers an expansive indoor space free of obstructions. It doesn't matter if you're hosting events for horses or just enjoying leisure rides, this flexible structure offers a high-quality riding arena that is sure to meet your expectations.
The footing and base are crucial for creating a comfortable surface for your horses, and for their long-term health. Horse hooves that are not properly supported can become weak, stiff and put more tension on joints and tendons. The type of riding you perform will determine the most suitable base and footing. However it is crucial to select a durable material that can stand up to heavy use and the elements.
You should consider speaking with other riders in your area that own an arena. Find out what types of flooring they employ. They can offer advice on which kind of base and footing is best for their arenas, and also the climate of their region. They can also explain their pros and cons of their current footing and base, to help make an informed choice.
If you're looking for an affordable option or most brilliant sports lighting this 100'x200 riding arena LED package is the perfect choice. This package features (8) 30 foot poles that generate 6,774 watts of light as well as an average of 20 footcandles. The kit includes a modern LED sports light with a a uniformity ratio of 2.13 max/min.
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