Building a Horse Riding Ring

Training rings provide both a visual barrier for your horse and containment if you lose control and become unseated. Riding arenas also provide safe areas in which to let your horse get some turnout time if you're not around a pasture. Building a riding arena is easy.

Things You'll Need

• 2x6s 4x4 posts 1 6-foot (minimum) gate Hammer Nails Level

Instructions

Constructing a Riding Arena

1. Choose level surfaces large enough to give you plenty of riding room. Training over jumping or race barrels requires more room than if you simply practice riding styles at a walk, trot/jog or canter/lope.

2. Buy enough 2x6s to cover the perimeter of the amount of space you have mapped out in three rails.

3. Plant 4x4s in 8-foot intervals for the amount of perimeter fencing. Know what the frost line is in your area if it is a cold weather climate. Plant the posts at least 3 feet deep or further--they should be 5 feet above ground after you sink them in. If you need a 4-foot planting depth to get to the frost line, your posts should be 9 feet in height total.

4. Allow an opening for your gate size. Six feet is the minimum size for an arena gate. Ten feet is the maximum to prevent sagging, unless you opt for a two-gate system. Avoid going over 10 feet in width for a gate unless you feel you will need to drive tractors through for ring maintenance or to move heavy equipment, such as jumps.

5. Nail the 2x6s, starting level with the top of the posts for the first plank, then in 1-foot intervals for the second and third, checking each plank with a level to ensure an even set.

6. Hang your gate in the opening.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't use electric wire and T-posts for your riding arena. While electric fencing makes a great pasture containment, it is dangerous in a riding situation and can easily shock you, as well as your horse. Do not use thinner or smaller wood planks for your perimeter, as it will not be strong enough to contain your horse in desperate flight.