How to Choose and Site a Dressage Arena: Practical Guidance for Owners

Select a flat site with good drainage and orient the long axis north-south when possible. Choose between standard competition sizes (20×40 or 20×60 m) and build a drained, layered base topped by a surface matched to use frequency. Plan for windbreaks, insect management, fencing, lighting, and regular grooming. Heavier use demands a more robust - and costlier - construction; light-use arenas can be cheaper but need more frequent surface attention.

Location and orientation

Pick a flat site with good access and room for drainage. Where possible orient the long axis north-south to reduce harsh low sun and shifting shadows during morning and evening work.

Avoid depressions that hold water. A slight crown or gentle fall (to a drainage outlet) helps keep the surface dry and consistent.

Size: competition vs. practice

There are two standard competition sizes: 20 m × 40 m (small) and 20 m × 60 m (large). Choose the largest practical footprint you can afford and maintain - more space gives you room to warm up and practice movements outside the competition rectangle.

If you ride in a large field, you can mark a temporary riding rectangle with white boards and dressage letters and move them as the surface wears.

Surface and construction

A well-built arena has three elements: a durable, compacted base layer for drainage, a geotextile or stabilizing layer (optional), and a riding surface (sand, sand-fiber mixes, or synthetic blends). Good drainage and a stable base prevent rapid deterioration and unevenness.

Select a surface suited to how often and intensely the arena will be used. High-use facilities require tougher, more expensive mixes that resist compaction and dust. Low-use arenas can use simpler, lower-maintenance surfaces. Whatever you choose, plan for regular grooming (dragging/harrowing) and occasional top-ups.

Minimize dust by selecting low-dust mixes, maintaining moisture control, and avoiding fine silica-rich sands where possible.

Exposure, windbreaks and insects

An exposed site can be windy. Windbreaks - trees, hedges, or purpose-built screens - reduce wind and can make schooling easier. If you plant trees, place them far enough away to avoid root interference with the arena base and to limit leaf drop on the surface.

A secluded, tree-surrounded arena may attract more flies; shade and shelter can increase insect pressure. Combine site planning with routine fly management (stable hygiene, traps, repellents) rather than relying on location alone.

Proximity, fencing and lighting

Locate the arena with practical proximity to stables for convenience, but be aware some horses may become distracted if stalls are immediately adjacent. Good fencing provides safety and can reduce external visual distractions; choose a fence type with visibility and breakaway safety in mind.

If you plan to ride after dark, include lighting in your design and account for its cost and wiring early in the planning stage.

Maintenance and expected use

Match the arena build and surface to the expected level of use. Heavy daily use needs investment in a stable base and a durable surface. Light-use arenas can save on initial cost but will not withstand frequent hard work.

Budget for routine maintenance: grooming, surface topping, repairs to drainage or edging, and periodic deep renovations depending on use and climate.

Choosing the right combination of site, size, surface and maintenance plan will give you an arena that suits your riding needs and your budget.