Riding Arenas
Indoor and outdoor arenas built to the highest standard
From private training facilities to professional competition yards, we've built riding arenas across the region that our clients use and love every day. Every project is different, but the standard is always the same: solid groundwork, quality materials, and a finish that looks as good as it performs. Browse the gallery below to see some of our recent arena builds.
Indoor Arenas
A steel-framed indoor arena gives year-round usability regardless of weather and is the single most significant investment most equestrian properties will make. We design and build indoor arenas from 20x40m upwards, with full flexibility on span width, eaves height, ventilation, natural light, and cladding finish.
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Good ventilation and natural light are not optional extras in an indoor arena. Both affect horse behaviour and rider comfort over long sessions. We design for both from the outset, with ridge ventilation, translucent roof panels, and open or louvred gable ends as standard considerations on every indoor build.
Outdoor Arenas
A well-built outdoor arena will ride well in all but the most extreme conditions, and will continue to perform for decades with basic maintenance. The difference between an outdoor arena that holds up and one that becomes unusable within a few years comes down almost entirely to drainage and the depth and quality of the sub-base. We do not cut corners on either.
Arena Surfaces
We source premixed arena surfaces from the most reputable suppliers in the industry. Every surface we lay is a tried and tested product, which means consistent performance and predictable behaviour over time. The core choice is between waxed and unwaxed.
Waxed Surfaces
The wax coating binds the fibres, dramatically reduces dust, and gives consistent going across a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions. Waxed surfaces require significantly less day-to-day maintenance and perform well without irrigation, making them the lower-effort option over the long term. They are the standard choice for competition facilities and high-specification private arenas.
Unwaxed Surfaces
Unwaxed surfaces perform well and come at a lower initial cost, but require regular watering to maintain going and prevent dust, particularly in dry weather. For an unwaxed surface to perform consistently, irrigation is not optional, it is part of what we build.
We install two types of irrigation system depending on preference and budget:
Undersurface leaky pipe systems are laid beneath the riding surface during construction. Water seeps evenly upward through the surface from below, giving consistent moisture distribution across the full arena without any above-ground equipment. Once installed, the system is largely invisible and requires minimal intervention.
Above-ground sprinkler systems are a lower-cost alternative and can also be retrofitted to existing arenas. They require more active management to achieve even coverage but are a practical and effective solution where a subsurface system is not viable.
FAQs
What is the standard size for an equestrian arena?
The standard dressage arena is 20x60m. A smaller 20x40m arena is adequate for basic flatwork and jumping but limits what can be done at higher levels. For jumping, 30x60m or larger is preferable. We build to whatever size the site and planning permission allow and will advise on the right size for your intended use.
How long does an arena take to build?
An outdoor arena typically takes 4 weeks on site depending on size and drainage specification. An indoor arena takes longer due to the steel frame construction and is usually 8 to 14 weeks from groundworks to completion. Both timelines depend on ground conditions and weather during the groundworks phase.
Can you resurface or upgrade an existing arena?
Yes. We carry out arena resurfacing, drainage improvements, and full sub-base reconstruction on existing arenas. If your arena is riding poorly, holding water, or compacting unevenly, a site visit will establish what work is needed and whether the existing sub-base is worth retaining.
Do you handle the groundworks as well as the construction?
Yes. Groundworks are part of the service. We do not split the project across contractors.
What areas do you cover?
Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Warwickshire, and Essex.​