When planning a new horse arena, it’s easy to focus all your attention on the arena itself and overlook something crucial: how you’ll actually get to it. At Royal Arenas, we’ve seen countless situations across Meath, Kildare and Dublin where a well-built arena becomes frustrating to use simply because the access wasn’t properly thought through.
Why Access Matters
Your access road needs to handle daily traffic from horses, riders and regular maintenance equipment. But it also needs to accommodate larger machinery for surface maintenance and heavy delivery lorries bringing materials. If your access road can’t handle this traffic, especially during wet weather, you’ll face ongoing problems that could have been easily avoided.
All-Weather Accessibility
In Ireland’s climate, your access road needs to work just as well in December as it does in June. A grass track might seem fine in summer, but come winter, it can quickly turn into a muddy nightmare. We typically recommend a properly constructed stone base with good drainage, topped with an all-weather surface that provides grip and stability year-round.
Think About Width and Turning
Don’t underestimate how much space you’ll need. Your access road should be wide enough for safe horse traffic and allow maintenance vehicles to reach your arena without struggle. Consider turning circles too, particularly if larger lorries will need to manoeuvre. It’s much easier to plan for this at the start than try to widen access later.
Drainage Is Key
Just like your arena, your access road needs proper drainage. Water running down your access track can create erosion, potholes and dangerous riding conditions. We always design access routes with appropriate drainage to keep them safe and functional throughout the year.
Future-Proofing
Think ahead about what else might need access to your arena area. Storage buildings? Additional facilities? Planning your access road with future expansion in mind can save significant hassle and expense down the line.
At Royal Arenas, we consider access as an integral part of arena planning, not an afterthought. We’ll help you design an access solution that works with your property layout and ensures your arena remains easily accessible whatever the weather. Get in touch for some friendly advice about planning your complete arena project.
