How big is a standard dressage arena?

The length of a standard arena, 60 meters (about 198 feet) allows for exactly three precise 20-meter circles, and the accuracy of those figures is, again, one of the secrets to putting your horse on the aids. But you can skimp on the length of your arena without detriment to your riding technique.

How big is an Olympic dressage arena?

In Dressage competitions, horse and rider perform a series of predetermined movements known as figures or movements. The arena, flat and level, is 60m long and 20m wide. These measurements are for the interior of the enclosure, which is separated from the public by a minimum distance of 10m.

What is a good size for a riding arena?

According to experts, the minimum dimensions for an average horse arena should be no less than 60′ in width and interior heights ranging from 16′ to 18′ measuring ground up to the peak of the trusses. The recommended horse arena sizes are as follows: 80′ wide x 200′ long and 60′ wide by 120′ long.

How big is a large dressage arena?

The large dressage arena is measured in meters—20 meters wide and 60 meters long (see illustration).

How big is a cutting arena?

If by some chance you do decide to make your cutting pen round, I think 130 to 150 feet in diameter is about right. Four inches of sand will give your cutter enough “cushion” for the hard stops without being too deep and causing strained tendons.

How big is a pony club dressage arena?

MVPC is run under the rules and regulations of the Pony Club Association of NSW and belongs to Zone 24 of the PCA. Matcham has wonderful grounds and facilities, including; Full size 60 x 30m arena – brand new, self-watering ebb & flow technology.

What size is a small dressage arena?

The small dressage arena is 20 meters wide by 40 meters long—20 meters shorter than the large arena (see diagram below). The corner letters are still 6 meters from their respective short sides.

How do you measure a dressage arena?

Measure 15-meters of the first long side (where “M” will be), using one of your 60-meter/40-meter measuring tapes. Mark the end of the 15-meter line with a Temporary Stake. Now, take a 20-meter measuring tape and mark out the short side of the arena, where “C” will be located. The short side should measure 20 meters.

What size should a sand arena be?

Size. The most popular arena size is 40x20m, while those dedicated to dressage may opt for a 60x20m layout. For jumping arenas, extra width is recommended. “Even 40x25m makes a difference to where you can site jumps, so I always advise people to go for the extra five metres if they can,” says Steve.

What is the smallest size for an indoor riding arena?

The minimum width for an indoor riding arena is 60′. Anything less is probably going to be too small. The average width for an indoor horse arena is 70′ to 80′. The optimum length can vary widely depending on your discipline; however, covered riding arenas falling within the 120′ to 250′ range are the most common.

How big is a 20 meter circle in dressage?

In dressage terms, circles are defined by their diameter in meters rather than feet. A dressage arena is 20 meters wide (65.6′) by either 40 (121.3′) or 60 meters (197′) long. Therefore, when you ride a circle with a diameter that is the width of the arena, you are riding a 20-meter circle.

How deep should a dressage arena be?

Ideally, the footing should be around 2 to 2.25 inches deep. Never harrow your arena when it’s very dry, as that can damage the surface.

How deep should the sand be in a dressage arena?

Generally, a 2”-2.5″ depth of quality sand is sufficient for the lower levels. However, if you’re training jumpers at the mid to upper levels, you’ll need more shock absorption and cushion in your arena footing than a shallow sand alone can provide.

How many inches of sand do you need for a horse arena?

With its deep, loose traction, sand deeper than 6 inches is stressful to horse tendons. Start with about 2 inches and add a ½ inch at a time as necessary. (Start with only 1½ inches for arenas used primarily for driving horses.) Newly laid sand contains air pockets that absorb shock and rebounds.

What is the best surface for a dressage arena?

While sand is the most popular surface material please note that there are many different types of sand available, so you’ll still need to consider the type of sand that’s just right for your dressage arena.

Is concrete sand good for horse arenas?

Coarse sands, commonly called concrete sand, are the least expensive, but can cause shearing. … “Silica sands are harder in composition, so they don’t break down, and pure silica sand is free of silt and clay, so it is dust-free,” Calhoun says. It offers excellent stability, but a harder ride.

How big does a round yard need to be?

A round yard alone can be used as an exercise or lunging ring, in which case the diameter would be between 12 m and 18 m. If the yard is to be used for breaking in, the diameter should be between 7.6 m and 10.7 m.

Is silica sand good for Arenas?

Silica arena sand is ideal for horse riding arenas due to the quality, firmness and drainage properties of the sand. Watering the sand or adding rubber chip and fibre will maintain its firmness and quality. It is crucial to select the correct sand to ensure you are able to create the ideal surface for horse riding.

What is the best sand to use for horse arena?

Silica sand
Silica sand is commonly used for horse arenas due to the hardness of the sand particle. It is a natural sand that resists weather and breakdown due to the hardness so lasts longer as an arena or track footing. The sub-angular sand particles will lessen the ability to compact and provide traction under hoof.

What is the best arena surface?

When rubber is combined with silica sand it provides a springy, cushioned surface so is good for jumping arenas. Rubber is a good insulator against frost as it’s impermeable and it also doesn’t rot down like wood fibre, meaning it is incredibly durable.

Is Mason sand good for horse arena?

This is a great option to start out with for dressage and jumping horses, particularly if you intend to optimize the footing with a textile additive like TruTex. In some cases, a well balanced concrete sand can work but typically, mason sand is easier to stabilize.