Steel Riding Arenas

Design Features & Specifications

Size & Dimensions

Arena size depends on your primary discipline. A small dressage court runs 66’ x 131’. A full-size dressage arena stretches to 66’ x 197’. Jumping arenas need at least 100’  x 200’ . Multi-purpose setups usually fall in the 80’  x 120’  to 100’  x 200’  range.

On top of this, you’ll also want to account for ceiling height. Plan for at least 16 to 20 feet of clearance minimum for comfortable mounted movement and jumping. If you want spectator seating, factor that into your width as well.

Door & Entry Options

Ideally, horse entry doors should be at least 12 to 16 feet wide, with large sliding or bi-fold doors being most common. Multiple entry points improve safety and traffic flow, especially during lessons or events. Meanwhile, walk-through doors can handle everyday foot traffic.

Ventilation & Lighting

Good airflow is important for riders, spectators, and animals alike. As such, ridge vents paired with sidewall vents create natural circulation that manages dust and heat.

Additionally, translucent roof panels or skylights can help bring in natural light during the day, and LED fixtures can light up evening sessions without a harsh glare.

Insulation & Climate Control

In colder regions, insulation keeps the space usable through winter and prevents condensation on the ceiling.

In contrast, for hot climates, ventilation and fan systems do most of the work. However, condensation control should be part of the plan regardless of where you’re building, as it can occur due to both humidity and other extreme climatic conditions.

Planning Your Steel Riding Arena

Step 1: Assess Your Needs

Start by identifying your primary discipline and how the arena will be used day to day. Consider how many horses will use the arena, any needs for spectators, storage, or tack rooms. Also, future planning may be important, such as expansion down the road.

Step 2: Consider Your Budget

Steel riding arena costs typically range from $40,000 for smaller, simpler builds to $150,000 or more for large, fully equipped facilities. Factors impacting these costs include size, insulation, doors, location, and site prep. And don’t overlook the extras that add up, such as footing material, drainage work, lighting, and permits.

If you generate revenue from events and lessons, long-term ROI is also worth considering, as it can help ensure the building essentially pays for itself over time.

Step 3: Permits & Zoning

Check your local agricultural building codes before committing to any one design. This will include any setback requirements from property lines and even HOA restrictions (if applicable).  Reputable suppliers, such as US Patriot Steel, can often help you navigate this process early on.

Step 4: Site Preparation

The ground needs to be level, along with careful drainage planning (a common oversight). This is where choosing your foundation, such as a concrete perimeter, a gravel base, or engineered fill, is important.

On top of this, keep in mind that footing installation is a separate cost from the building itself and should be factored into your cost and timeline from the very start.