How to Set Up a Dressage Arena in Your Backyard

The equine riding discipline dressage derives from the French word meaning trained. When done well dressage is a stunning display of grace, elegance, precision and the amazing bond that develops between the horse and rider. Building a dressage arena on your property is an affordable way to hone your dressage skills without having to keep your dressage horse at a boarding stable. Read on to learn how to set up a dressage arena in your backyard.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• A metric measuring tape
• A flat piece of land
• Dressage letters

1. You need to choose a location for your dressage arena. You will need an area that is no smaller then 40 x 20 meters (131.23 ft. x 65.616 ft the size of a small dressage arena) and no larger then 60 x 20 meters (196.850 ft. x 65.616 ft. the standard size of a dressage arena). The area you choose should have good footing and be well drained.
2. Once you have chosen a place to set up your dressage arena you will need to clearly mark the arena’s perimeters. There are several dressage arena kits available in catalogs and at tack stores that you can purchase. The problem with these kits is that they can be expensive; you have more economical choices available. If you are creating a grass arena you can use spray paint to mark your arena’s perimeter. The problem with spray paint is that you will have to repaint the grass every time you cut the grass. A second option would be to use ground poles to mark your arena.
3. Anyone who has ever ridden a dressage test knows that letters are used to mark the precise spot where a dressage move is to be executed. In order to hone your dressage moves at home you will have to create letters for your dressage arena. Once again there are several kits of dressage letters available for purchase. There are also more economical ways to mark your dressage arena. One method is to take old tires and spray paint each letter on a tire. The tires are wonderful because they won’t hurt your horse if the two of you inadvertently step on the tire.
4. You will need a way to enter your homemade dressage arena. If you have used ground poles to mark the perimeter of the dressage arena you can simply ride your horse over the ground poles to enter the arena. If you used a fence or raised chain to mark your dressage arena you will have to leave a wide enough entrance to smoothly enter the arena at a trot and canter.
5. Now that you have built your dressage arena you will have to make sure the arena stays well maintained. Walk the arena every few weeks to make sure rodents haven’t dog any holes that your dressage horse can step in. Also remove any racks and stones that have found there way into the arena.