Standard Dressage Arena Layout

Dressage Arena Layout

You will notice letters around the outside perimeter when you first look at a standard dressage arena layout. They are not in alphabetical order but look like a random bunch of letters. They do, however, have a reason for being there. Let me explain what they all mean.

These letters are set out at pre-designated intervals around the outside edge of the arena; this helps the dressage rider follow the correct path while riding tests or simply having a lesson with a trainer.

These markers help clarify where movements should be performed, and as a rider, you perform these movements from point to point. It gives you a clear understanding of where you are within the arena and, as you work through your dressage test, where the movements start and finish from.

Arena Size

There are two sizes for dressage arenas, with the first small dressage arena being a 20 meters x 40 meters arena and the second 60 meters x 20 meters arena (or 20 by 60). Arena sizes can vary according to the competition and who is organizing. In New Zealand, however, most Dressage competitions use the larger arena, except some classes occasionally run in a smaller arena. To the best of my knowledge, some Para classes often use the small arenas for their competition.