Dressage Arena

When choosing a location for your dressage arena, ensure that you account for the size needed for your layout. Then, walk the area to confirm that you have chosen an area without holes or tripping hazards for your horse. You also need to ensure the site has good drainage and will not end up with puddling after rainstorms. Taking care when picking the location helps ensure the safety of both horses and riders.Be sure to allow for spacing outside of the arena for competitors and a judge’s box if you intend to hold competitions at your arena.

Before you begin, make sure you have your diagram in hand, as this will be crucial for following this step.The first stake should be placed at the corner between the letters “C” and “M”.The second stake should be placed at the corner between the letters “C” and “H”, 20 meters from the first stake.The third stake should be placed at the corner between “A” and “F”, either 40 or 60 meters from the first stake (depending on the arena size).The fourth stake should be placed between the letters “A” and “K”, the meeting point of 20 meters from your third stake and 40 or 60 meters from your second stake.*Make sure the corners are set at 90-degree angles.

The final step is to place the fencing between the stakes and set up the arena letters. The letters require specific spacing and placement. Refer to the diagrams above for this last step.