Jun 2, 2022

Making a horse arena is a huge investment. Not only do you have to construct the arena itself, but you also need to think about the fencing, lighting, and other amenities that will make it a viable and safe space for your horses.

In this blog post, Dirt Werx will take you through some of the most common mistakes people make when building their arenas so that you can avoid them! By learning what these common arena construction errors are, you can save yourself time, money, and headaches down the road. Read on for more information.

1. Proper Excavation and Site Prep:

An important aspect of building a horse arena is preparing the site properly. It means excavating to the correct depth, ensuring that the subsoil is well-compacted, and installing appropriate drainage. Without proper site preparation, you risk your arena developing sinkholes or other problems that can be both dangerous and expensive to fix.

2. Ignoring the Soil:

The type of soil that your arena is built on is very important. If you have poor quality soil, it’s going to be much harder to maintain a level surface for your arena. In addition, the wrong type of soil can lead to drainage problems and other issues.

3. Improper Fencing:

People make another common mistake when building horse arenas by skimping on the fencing. Your arena needs to be well-fenced to keep your horses safe, but it also needs to be high enough that they can’t jump out. Consult with a professional fence installer to get the right fencing for your arena.

4. Inadequate Lighting:

If you’re planning on riding in your arena at night, adequate lighting is a must. It is important for safety, but it will also help you see any potential hazards in the arena. Install bright lights and place them in strategic positions around the arena.

5. Poor Drainage:

One of the most important things to consider when building an arena is drainage. If your arena is in a wet or marshy area, poor drainage can lead to several problems, including flooding, mud and dirt buildup, and even erosion. Consult with a professional to make sure your arena has proper drainage.

6. Ignoring the Base:

One of the most important aspects of an arena is its base. The base provides support and stability for the entire structure, making it from high-quality materials. A good base should withstand heavy usage and the elements, so don’t skimp on this part of the construction process.

7. Failing to Consider the Climate:

When building an arena, it’s important to consider the local climate. If your area has extreme weather conditions, then your arena needs to be able to withstand those conditions. For example, if you live in an area with very cold winters, you’ll need to make sure that your arena is properly insulated.

8. Not Planning for the Future:

When constructing an arena, it’s important to think about the future and plan for any potential expansion. You don’t want to have to tear down and reconstruct your arena a few years down the line because you didn’t build it with future expansion in mind.

Arenas are a great investment for any horse owner, and by avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your arena is everything you dreamed it would be.

And if you need help with any part of the process, Dirt Werx is here to serve.

We offer free estimates. Contact us today and browse our service department page online. We’ll help you get started on your dream arena in Easton, TX!