Start Here Before Planning an Arena Project: Understanding Your Needs & Setting Realistic Expectations
- Dan Henry
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Why Your Arena Planning Matters
When it comes to building or renovating an arena, the truth is this: you’re not just putting sand in a box. You’re creating the surface your horses will train on every day. You’re shaping how they move, how they stay sound, and how your program grows. That’s why the planning stage matters just as much as the construction.
After spending more than three decades in the dirt, grading, rebuilding, troubleshooting, and perfecting arenas all over the country, I’ve learned that the most successful projects all start the same way: with clear expectations. Before we talk footing blends or bring in a single load of material, I want to understand what you need your arena to do. How many horses will use it, what type of training you’re doing, what your goals are, and how your environment works.
Every arena has a job to do, and when we plan it right from the beginning, everything that follows rides better, lasts longer, and supports your horses the way it should. My role is to help you think through those details so your investment works for you, not against you.
How Many Horses Will Be Using the Arena?
One of the first things to consider is how many horses will be using the arena each day. A private arena with one or two horses has vastly different needs than a busy boarding barn or training facility where the surface sees consistent, high-traffic use. Light-use arenas often need straightforward construction with footing blends designed for comfort and longevity, while high-use arenas demand engineered footing capable of holding structure, managing compaction, and maintaining consistency throughout long days of riding.
What Type of Riding or Training Will Take Place?
Your discipline also plays a central role in determining the right footing and construction plan. A recreational rider may prioritize comfort, low dust, and minimal maintenance, while high-level dressage, jumping, reining, therapeutic programs, or performance programs require footing with precise elasticity, shock absorption, and depth control to support advanced athletic movement. There is no universal footing that fits every rider; the correct solution is always the one built around your goals and the horses you ride.
Do You Have Clients or Riders with Expectations?
If your arena supports lesson students, boarders, or competitive riders, the expectations shift again. Your footing becomes part of your business model, influencing performance, reputation, and overall safety. Riders expect predictability, comfort, and a professional-grade surface that allows them to progress confidently. For barns providing regular training or daily use, investing in the right construction and footing blend isn’t just advisable, it's essential.
Understanding Your Budget and Long-Term Costs
Budget is the other foundational element that shapes arena planning. Costs vary depending on the amount of excavation required, the quality of the base, the footing blend chosen, and whether you incorporate moisture-management solutions like Evermoist EQ. A well-built arena doesn’t have to be the most expensive option on the market; it simply has to be the right option, one that lasts, performs, and supports the health of your horses without constant repair.
Why Experience Matters
After more than 30 years of building, rebuilding, and riding on arenas, I've learned that no two projects are the same, and no footing blend works for everyone. Horses tell you what works if you know how to listen, and the arena surface should support them, not fight them. My approach isn’t about formulas; it’s about understanding how horses move, how the base reacts under pressure, and how footing holds up after thousands of hoofprints, not just the first week.
I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the best in the industry, and every project has taught me something new about craftsmanship, material behavior, and long-term performance. When I come to your property, I’ll tell you honestly what you need, what you don’t, and how to get the most out of your arena for years to come.
Ready to Begin Your Arena Project?
If you’re thinking about building, renovating, or upgrading your arena, I’m happy to walk the property with you, talk through your goals, and help you understand the best options for your horses and your budget. Whether you’re creating a private riding space or developing a full training program, your arena deserves to be built with intention and experience behind it.
Your footing is more than a surface, it’s the foundation of your program, your horses’ soundness, and your daily ride. If you’re ready to get started, reach out anytime. I’m here to help you build it right.
Contact Arena Works
717-629-0576
About Arena Works
Arena Works, Inc. is a family-run equestrian footing company with more than 30 years of hands-on experience building, grading, and maintaining high-performance arenas across the United States. Founded on true horsemanship and real-world expertise, Arena Works offers footing blends engineered for stability, longevity, and optimal performance for both recreational riders and elite competitors. Every surface is crafted with a deep understanding of how horses move and what riders need to feel confident, safe, and connected in the saddle.
Our team brings decades of knowledge in base construction, laser grading, moisture management, and custom footing solutions, including our proprietary Evermoist EQ footing system designed for consistent moisture and exceptional rideability. Arena Works’ reputation has grown primarily through word-of-mouth, one satisfied rider and one standout arena at a time.
When you work with Arena Works, you’re not just purchasing footing, you’re partnering with horsemen who understand your goals and build every arena with care, precision, and integrity.