Looking for a good quality Indoor Riding Arena? Don’t know how to choose the right builder? Not familiar with arena construction? If you answer YES to any of these questions, this article is for you.
Here is what you should know about Indoor Arenas:
1. The first step is to set up your total budget and to figure out your total cost of the arena building project. To do this, you will need to get quotes from different builders. Your total budget should include the following: Permits, site excavation, construction of indoor arena itself, arena flooring, electric and sealed drawing. Other expenses might include: land perk, drive way, landscaping and may be even a water run-off system. And I’m sure, if you dig even dipper, you might find more expenses associated with arena construction.
2. The second step is to find the right builder. Ask the builder if they have built any arenas before. If they have, don’t be lazy, drive and take a look at one to see the construction, or even better, talk to the owner to get a feedback. After all, you’ll be spending thousands and you want to make sure there are no surprises.
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Third step, is to make sure your indoor arena is built the right way and the right size for your needs. After all, you don’t want to build too small of an arena and be sorry for the rest of your days. At the same time, you don’t want to build too large arena and waste all that money. Indoor arenas, in my opinion should not be less than 60′x120′x14′ in size. The good indoor arena size is 72′x180′x16′. This size of indoor may be used for different purposes and disciplines. The bottom line, your riding style and intended use will determine the proper size of the arena that will work best for you. In some cases, you will even need to go with a wider indoor such as 80′ or even 100′ wide arena. If you will use your indoor for jumping or running barrels, you’ll need a larger arena. If you are doing English or Western show, you might get a way with a smaller one.
4. Finally, you need to make sure your indoor arena is constructed properly. If you are looking for a steel building, make sure it’s of a good quality. If you are looking for a post-frame construction, here is what we recommend. Have your arena built with 4-ply 2×8 glue laminated posts. Glue-lam posts are stronger and will not bow or bend compared to regular posts. Make sure your builder installs all of the bracing such as wind/side braces and truss braces. Make sure your kickboard is sloped and at least 5′ in height. Sloped kickboard will better protect the rider from pinching their legs. If using metal roof, do not forget to install a reflective insulation under metal to keep heat away in summer time. Make sure you have enough light and ventilation in your arena. And make sure to build your arena in the right spot (preferably on higher ground elevation). After all, you don’t want your arena to be flooded every time it rains.
Well, now it’s up to you, but I hope you can learn something from this article.