Frequently asked questions

A private arena that serves a farm may fall under Florida's exemption for nonresidential farm buildings on a farm (s. 604.50, F.S.). An arena that hosts shows, clinics or paying spectators is another matter: expect a building permit, fire-marshal review under the Florida Fire Prevention Code, site-plan approval and ADA accessibility for the public areas. Ask the county how it reads your use.

Shade and rain. A roof lets riders keep a schedule through summer sun and afternoon thunderstorms, and the footing stays usable instead of washing out after every storm. Open sides keep the breeze moving under the roof, which most riders here value more than walls.

Start with the riding you do. A standard dressage ring is 20 by 60 meters and a small one is 20 by 40, while hunters, jumpers, reiners and lesson programs each have their own preferences. Add room for a rail, a kick wall and gates, then match the clear span to the arena width so no posts stand in the ring.

Clear height is measured from the riding surface to the lowest point of the roof frame, not to the peak. It has to clear a rider on a tall horse, a horse that rears, jump standards if you jump, and the tractor that drags the footing. Arenas usually run taller eaves than a barn; ask the contractor to state the clear height at the sidewall.

Interior columns are a hazard to horse and rider and they get in the way of the drag. A clear-span steel frame carries the full roof width on the sidewall columns alone, so the whole floor can be ridden. Wider spans need heavier frames and foundations, which is why span is the biggest driver of the design.

Dust comes from the footing, so the footing material and keeping it watered matter most. A roof keeps rain off, which means the surface dries out unless you water it, so plan a water line or sprinklers. Open sides, or good wall and ridge vents, carry the dust that does rise out of the building.

Yes. Translucent roof or wall panels, open sides and a high band of clear wall panels all bring in daylight. Too many roof skylights can cast bright patches and hard shadows on the footing, which some horses shy at, so balance daylight with evenly spaced fixtures for evening rides.