Tired of hauling out your horses every time you want to ride? Or, maybe your kids are getting serious about junior rodeo? Planning a new business teaching riding lessons or training reining horses?
Whatever the reason, having your own riding arena on your property is one of the best investments you can make in your horse life.
At Seven Peaks Fence and Barn, we manufacture riding arena kits right here in Godley, Texas, and Mesa, Arizona. We’ve helped thousands of horse owners get up and running fast—without the stress of figuring it all out from scratch.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to plan and build your own riding arena—from choosing the best size to picking your ideal fencing and prepping your site. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
- What Size Riding Arena Do You Need?
- Riding Arena Fencing: Panels vs. Continuous Fence
- Where to Build a Riding Arena
- Drainage and Footing Considerations
- Riding Arena Kits Save Time and Stress
- Start Planning Your Riding Arena
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Riding Arena Do You Need?
Before you start measuring, think about how you’ll actually use your riding arena.
Just looking for space to ride at home or fine-tune your horse a few times a week? A smaller setup might be all you need.
If you're planning to practice for rodeo events or reining patterns, you'll want more room to move—and fence that can handle the momentum.
Note: For dedicated roping practice or training, consider our roping arena kits which include various features such as holding pens and built in alleys.
Running lessons or working with multiple horses? Some extra space will go a long way in keeping things flowing and safe.
Whatever your goals, the size and layout of your horse riding arena should fit your riding style—not just your acreage.
That’s why we offer three riding arena kits, each one designed with real riders in mind.
Choose the Best Riding Arena Size
We offer riding arena kits in three sizes—all designed to go up quickly and stand up to real use.
| Use Case | Recommended Size | Description |
|---|---|---|
| General Riding | 80' x 120' | Great for smaller properties and personal training needs |
| Training & Barrel Work | 120' x 200' | Room for full patterns |
| Multi-Horse Lessons | 140' x 240' | Room for multiple or younger horses to stretch their legs |
Riding Arena Fencing: Panels vs. Continuous Fence
When it comes to riding arena fencing, you’ve got two great options—and both are included in our horse riding arena kits.
1. Continuous Fence: Clean Lines & Timeless Appeal
There's a reason that continuous fencing is one of the most popular choices for horse riding arenas.
If you’re looking for something rugged, clean, and classic, continuous fence panels might be your perfect fit.
Our 20-foot panels are available in 4, 5, or 6 rail options. All of our panels are designed to be installed a foot off the ground to create a 5-foot-tall fence.
We build with 14-gauge raw steel, making it easy to create smooth, uninterrupted lines that give your riding arena a timeless, professional look.
2. Horse Panels: Simple, Strong, and Easy to Adjust
Riding arenas built with horse panels are a great fit—especially if you want to get your riding arena up quickly or anticipate changes down the road.
Just plant your posts and bolt panels together—done.
All of our horse panels are available in 4 or 5 rail standard panels and 5 or 6 rail heavy-duty panels.
Where to Build a Riding Arena
Do you choose your location first—or your arena size? The answer often depends on your property.
If you have multiple options for location, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Less leveling and excavating means lower installation costs
- Never build in a flood zone
- Sunny spots help dry footing faster after rain
- Do you need access to electricity and water for longer training days?
- Will you need it close to the barn for easy feeding and tack-up?
Drainage and Footing Considerations
1. Drainage
Drainage is essential to any horse riding arena. Poor drainage can lead to slippery, uneven footing that increases the risk of injury for both horse and rider.
Build on a slight grade when possible. Visit your site after a heavy rain to see how water naturally flows. Consider French drains or other drainage solutions if needed.
2. Footing
A well-built riding arena starts with the right foundation.
Footing should include a compacted base layer, a middle cushion, and a top layer—typically clean sand or specialty blends.
Talk to local suppliers familiar with horse riding arenas to choose footing that fits your discipline and geographical area.
Riding Arena Kits Save Time and Stress
Our riding arena kits take the guesswork out. You’ll get:
- Arena fencing in your choice of horse panels or continuous fence
- Industry-standard layouts designed to fit your space and your needs
- A system you can install in less than a week with basic tools
Start Planning Your Riding Arena
Admittedly, planning and building a horse arena is a big project. But using a pre-built kit can help it feel manageable.
Need help choosing a horse riding arena kit? Browse our riding arena kits here or reach out—our team is here to help you sort it out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Riding Arenas
What size riding arena do I need?
The right size depends on how you plan to use it. For general riding and tune-ups, an 80' x 120' riding arena is often enough. If you're training for barrels, roping, or working multiple horses, you'll want more space—like a 120' x 200' or 140' x 240' riding arena.
What’s included in your riding arena kits?
Our riding arena kits include all the fencing materials you need—either horse panels or continuous fencing—pre-sized for easy installation. Each kit is designed for durability and can be installed in less than a week with basic tools.
What’s the difference between horse panels and continuous fencing?
Horse panels are easy to install and adjust—ideal if you might want to move or reconfigure your arena. Continuous fencing offers a clean, seamless look and is great for more permanent horse riding arenas. Both options are strong, safe, and included in our kits.
Can I use these kits for a horse riding arena at home?
Absolutely. Our horse riding arena kits are perfect for home properties. Whether you're riding for fun, training, or getting ready for competition, we have layout sizes that fit your land and your goals.
What kind of footing should I use in my riding arena?
A proper riding arena footing system includes a compacted base layer, a middle cushion, and a top layer—typically clean sand or specialty blends. Footing should be chosen based on your riding discipline and local conditions. Always prioritize drainage and dust control.
How long does it take to install a riding arena kit?
Most customers can install their riding arena fencing in less than a week—often in a single day with help. If your site is already prepped, installation is quick, especially with our modular design.