With an indoor riding arena, you can ride, train, and care for your horses year-round—regardless of snow, wind, and temperature swings. But to make the most of your investment, careful planning is essential. Before breaking ground, use these proven design tips to avoid costly missteps and build a high-performance equestrian facility that meets your needs.
Prioritize the Right Location
Site selection can dramatically affect construction costs and long-term usability. Here’s what to look for:
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A naturally level site to reduce excavation costs
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Dry ground with natural drainage—avoid low spots or standing water
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Proximity to your barn or stable for convenience
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Distance from trees and root systems
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Consider underground utilities like electric, septic, and wells
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Elevated foundation pad to prevent water intrusion
If possible, attach your indoor arena to your existing stable for ease of use and future cost savings.
Understand the Permit Process
Indoor arenas must meet local building codes and zoning laws. Before construction can begin, your project needs engineer-approved plans. Pro-Line’s experienced team helps you navigate permitting and approvals to keep your build on track.
Establish a Realistic Budget
Size, materials, insulation, lighting, and features all affect cost. Work with your builder to align your budget with your priorities. Key design features to consider include:
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Rain gutters
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Natural lighting (sidelights, skylights)
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Roof insulation
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Watering systems
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Heating, cooling, and ventilation
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Cupolas, stirrup rails, and rider wall guards
Knowing what matters most to your riding experience will help you choose where to invest.
Choose the Right Size for Your Needs
Standard non-competitive indoor arenas range from 60 to 80 ft wide by 100 to 200 ft long with 14–16 ft of interior clearance. For competitive training or multi-use spaces, go larger.
Doorways should be at least 16 ft wide and 12–14 ft tall. Choose a clear-span design with no posts or beams inside the riding area for safety and maneuverability.
Select Your Structure Type
ProLine builds both steel-frame and post-frame indoor arenas:
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Steel-Frame: Ideal for larger spans, cathedral-style ceilings, and sleek, modern looks. Steel is durable and easily insulated.
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Post-Frame (Wood): Cost-effective and rustic. Perfect for small to mid-sized arenas (up to ~80 ft wide) and naturally energy efficient.
Our team helps you weigh performance, aesthetics, and cost to find the best structure for your goals.
Don’t Overlook Footing
Footing is critical to safety and performance. It should provide:
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Stable surface
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Shock absorption
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Consistent depth
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Quality local sand that fits your riding discipline
Work with a footing expert to ensure proper grading and material selection based on how your arena will be used.
Build Your Arena with ProLine
Whether you need a custom equestrian arena, stable, or multi-use ag facility, Pro-Line delivers high-performance buildings tailored to the Midwest's unique conditions. We offer both post-frame and steel-frame construction, along with expert guidance from permitting to finishing touches.
Start designing your indoor riding arena with Pro-Line today.
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