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A riding arena is a prepared area for training and competing with horses, outdoors or in an indoor arena. The surface material, moisture, maintenance and arena construction need to be assessed together when planning a new arena or improving an existing one.
Sport Surface Group helps with new construction, maintenance and advice. Before choosing materials, we discuss your needs, water supply and maintenance equipment.
Outdoor and indoor arenas
An outdoor arena is affected by the weather. In an indoor arena, rainfall does not supply moisture. For both, the choice of materials and maintenance needs to reflect how the arena is used and can be watered.
Describe who rides in the arena, the training it is used for and how heavily it is used. Also explain your requirements for how the surface should feel as the horse works.
Choose the top surface to suit your conditions
The top surface is the material the horse works on. SSG offers SSG Ridbanemix with sand and stone dust, SSG Fibersand with synthetic fibre, silica sand with wood chips, and SSG Grusbana.
Fibre sand and the wood chip mix can be used in outdoor and indoor arenas. They require a good water supply, regular watering and a suitable arena harrow. The wood chips in the mix break down over time, so the need for topping up and renewal needs to be monitored.
Your choice needs to suit both the arena's use and the maintenance you can carry out. The aim is a surface that works well and is gentle on the horse as it works.
Maintenance and problems with an existing arena
Plan for watering, harrowing and keeping the riding surface free of manure. Working depth and maintenance need to suit the material and the arena's use.
When a customer experiences problems, SSG often starts by reviewing how the arena is watered. If the problem also involves the base or water drainage, further measures may need to be assessed before changing the top material.
Before seeking advice, describe where the problem occurs, when it becomes noticeable and how the arena is currently maintained. Also state which harrow and other equipment you use.
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Common questions about riding arenas
What is a riding arena?
A riding arena is a prepared area for training and competing with horses. The riding surface can be outdoors or in an indoor arena.
What is the difference between an outdoor arena and an indoor arena?
An outdoor arena is affected by the weather, while an indoor arena surface receives no moisture from rainfall. Water supply and the ability to maintain the surface need to be considered when choosing materials for both.
How do you maintain a riding arena?
Adjust watering and harrowing to the material and how the arena is used. Keep the surface free of manure. Fibre sand and the wood chip mix need regular watering and a suitable arena harrow.
How does SSG help me choose a surface?
We discuss your needs, water supply and maintenance equipment. Following advice and agreement, we send a quote.