Jessica Jahiel's HORSE-SENSE Newsletter Archives

Riding arena fencing

From: Kathy

Dear Jessica,

My husband and I have just moved into a new home with a little acreage (1 acre to be exact) so that we can bring my mare home. One thing I want to put up is a riding arena. I can only fit a small one, about 60' x 120', onto the property, but I am concerned what kind of fencing I should put up. I'll also be using it as a turn-out area for her (we just got finished buiding her a stall and paddock). There seem to be so many choices, is any particular fence (wood, wire, electric) better for a riding area than another? I have lots of info on the pro and cons of fencing for pasture but nobody seems to mention riding areas. Thanks for the advice. (I really enjoy getting your e-mail news).

Kath

Hi Kathy! One good thing about fencing a small area of land is that ALL options are open to you.

I know that you're asking "How do I fence my riding arena?", but I think that you had better ask THIS question, "How do I fence my TURNOUT area that I use as a riding arena?" If all you do with a riding arena is RIDE in it, you can use a one-foot-high rail for "fencing", because it's just marking boundaries. But any area that's used for turnout needs to be fenced safely with something that will serve to keep horses in. My own choice would probably be for something highly visible. If you had more space, I would suggest putting in a standard dressage arena marked off with sleepers (painted white for high visibility) six or eight feet INSIDE the fencing of your choice. That way you could have safe turnout AND a marked-off arena, and an area between arena and fence that you could use as a little exercise track. But with a total of just 60' x 120', you don't want to do anything to make the arena any more narrow.

What about PVC fences? These are attractive, sturdy, durable, and flexible, and come in a variety of heights and styles -- and once they're installed, maintenance is minimal. For an enclosure of this size, PVC would also be affordable. ;-)

Good luck, and congratulations on moving your horse onto your own property. I think that all horse-owners dream about looking out the kitchen window and seeing their horses grazing. ;-)

Jessica

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