One of the first questions we get asked when meeting new clients is “what size should my horse arena be?”.
It’s a fair question. But, the answer depends on who’s riding, what they’re doing and what you want to spend.
Standard Arena Sizes
There’s no single “right” size for an arena.
The most common sizes are:
- 20m x 40m: the small dressage size. It suits general schooling, flatwork and small yards.
- 20m x 60m: a full-size dressage arena. It gives you room for the full range of movements.
- Larger arenas: show jumping arenas are often wider and longer (typically 25m x 50m), so you can fit a proper course.
Dressage Arenas
Dressage arenas are larger than most general-purpose arenas.
A standard dressage arena measures 20m x 60m. A small dressage arena measures 20m x 40m and is suitable for shorter tests and everyday schooling.
For riders planning to compete, arena dimensions are important. The arena should be built to the size required for the tests being ridden.
Children’s and Pony Arenas
A children’s arena can be a good deal smaller than the typical dressage or jumping arenas.
Ponies and young riders don’t need the space of a full-size arena. A smaller arena is easier to manage and easier for a child to ride in. It’s often cheaper to build and to maintain too.
It also works well for lunging, groundwork and starting young horses.
Size and Budget
Size affects cost. A bigger arena means more groundwork, more surface material, more fencing and more drainage.
That’s why it pays to plan around how you’ll use the arena, not just the biggest size you could fit.
Ask yourself:
- Who will ride in it?
- What discipline will you ride?
- Will you compete or just school at home?
- How much space do you have?
- Do you want to expand later?
Think About the Future
A child’s pony arena today might need to be a full-size arena in a few years.
If you might expand later, plan for it now. It’s much easier to leave room than to move fences and drainage afterwards.
Speak to Royal Arenas
Not sure what size is right for you?
We’ve built and upgraded arenas for over 20 years. We’ll look at your land, your horses and your budget, and advise you honestly.
We work across Meath, Kildare, Dublin and Leinster.
Get in touch with Royal Arenas today.
