Riding Arena Accessories: Kit for your arena, school and round pen

Riding Arena Accessories: getting more out of your arena

Whether you have an outdoor arena, an indoor school or a paddock, the right riding arena accessories turn a sand surface into a versatile training ground. Mounting blocks make it easier to start your ride, dressage letters give you orientation for school figures, show jumps add variety and a round pen creates a protected space for groundwork and young horses.

Orientation and order

Dressage letters and circle markers help you ride figures accurately and practise transitions at fixed points. A mounting block at the edge of the arena spares your horse's back when you get on. Keep poles, stands and small items tidy at the side so the track stays clear and maintaining the surface is easy. A tidy arena is also a safe arena, because nobody trips over forgotten equipment.

Training with structure

With show jumps, cavaletti and poles you can make suppling work and jumping training more varied. The round pen is ideal for liberty work, lunging and the first steps with young horses, because the enclosed space gives calm and control. Plan your equipment so you can set it up and clear it away in just a few moves. That way you will actually use it regularly.

Frequently asked questions

What size should a private arena be?
For dressage work, the small arena of 20 by 40 metres has proven its worth. If you jump a lot or ride several horses at the same time, 20 by 60 metres or more is a real advantage. A well maintained surface with good footing is just as important.

What basic equipment do I need for my arena?
Dressage letters, a mounting block and a few poles with blocks are a good start. With these you can cover school figures, groundwork and cavaletti training. Jump stands and more show jumps can follow, depending on your discipline.

How big should a round pen be?
For liberty work and lunging, diameters of around 15 to 18 metres are common. Smaller circles put more strain on the joints, while larger ones give less of a boundary. Choose the size to suit what you want to use it for and your horse.