How much does an indoor riding arena cost?
How much does an indoor riding arena cost?
$10 – $50 cost per square foot
$72,000 – $700,000 average total cost
Average cost of an indoor riding arena
The average cost to build an indoor riding arena is $10 to $70 per square foot or $72,000 to $700,000 total, depending on the arena size, type, and features. Your actual cost will depend on the building materials and whether it's custom-made or prefabricated. Adding a stable for horses, tack storage, and other features costs extra.
| Size (square feet) | Average total cost |
|---|---|
| 7,200 | $72,000 – $360,000 |
| 9,100 | $91,000 – $455,000 |
| 14,000 | $140,000 – $700,000 |
Riding arena cost by material
The cost to build an indoor riding arena mostly depends on the type of building materials you decide to use. Steel and wood are more expensive than fabric but more durable.
| Arena material | Average cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Wood | $30 – $50 |
| Steel | $20 – $40 |
| Fabric | $10 – $30 |
Wood
Building a riding arena primarily with wood costs $30 to $50 per square foot on average. This option is more expensive than other materials but is the most traditional choice. If your horse likes to chew on wood posts, you may want to pick a different material.
Steel
Using steel to build a riding arena costs $20 to $40 per square foot. Steel is sturdy and more weatherproof than wood. This allows you to build a larger structure without adding support beams in the middle.
Fabric
Modern fabric riding arenas cost $10 to $30 per square foot and are a popular, affordable option. Fabric arenas use fabric stretched over steel frames, which allows more light and air into the building while providing more soundproofing. This helps keep horses happy and calm.
Covered riding arena cost factors
The following factors also affect the total construction cost of a riding arena:
Arena type: You can build a simple covered arena for $5 to $25 per square foot, which has a roof and support beams but no walls. You would only be able to use it during mild weather, however. You can use a full indoor arena year-round.
Custom vs. prefab: You can buy prefabricated riding arena kits for $5 to $20 per square foot, while custom arenas cost $50 per square foot or more for premium materials and extra features.
Purpose: You may need different equipment depending on what you intend to use the arena for. Dressage riding requires letter signs, lots of space, and a solid footing material. If you'll be jumping, you'll need gates, jumps, and plenty of storage.
Land: Before you build the arena, you need to own the land you're building on. Land costs anywhere from $1,500 to $200,000 per acre, depending on your location. Any site prep like land leveling or excavation will increase costs.
You can save money by buying a prefab kit and hiring a professional to install it, as opposed to building a custom arena from scratch. A general contractor charges $50 to $150 per hour or 10% to 20% of the total project cost.
Footing materials
Once you build your arena, you'll need to cover the floor in a soft footing material to make sure the horses have a safe surface to run. Depending on the condition of the property, you may need to pay for a base made of gravel, soil, or other materials.
| Material | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Wood mulch | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Synthetic mats | $0.50 – $2.00 |
| Sand | $1.00 – $2.50 |
| Rubber mats / mulch | $2.00 – $9.00 |
Additional features
If you want to add features besides the structure and footing, you'll end up paying more. Some common additions include:
Attached stables
LED lighting or skylights
Extra ventilation
Viewing areas or seating
Vapor barriers
Gutters
Tack storage room
If you don't already have on-site stables, you can build a separate or attached structure. The cost to build a horse barn is $30 to $100 per square foot if you build it separately, or $72,000 to $240,000 for 6 stalls.
Riding arena FAQs
How big should an indoor riding arena be?
To build a riding arena, you'll need a space of at least 60' x 120', or 7,200 square feet. The ceiling should be at least 16 to 18 feet high. The exact size will vary depending on the activities you plan to do:
A dressage arena should be at least 70' x 130', 70' x 200', or 100' x 200'.
Driving arenas start at 130' x 260' and go up to 130' x 330'.
Competition arenas are even bigger at 660' x 660'.
How long does it take to build an indoor riding arena?
Building an indoor riding arena takes 2 to 4 weeks for the construction itself, or 6 to 12 months from start to finish. This includes the planning phase, any delays, and obtaining permits.
What footing material is best for a riding arena?
Many horse owners consider sand the best arena footing because it's affordable and provides good traction. Fiber footing is popular for horse riding arenas because it's stable and offers a soft landing in case of accidents or falls. However, it's a more expensive option.
Can installing an indoor riding arena increase property value?
Building an indoor riding arena can boost your property value if you live in an area with high interest in equestrian activities. The exact return on investment (ROI) varies greatly by location, but well-built indoor arenas can return 50% to 70% of your construction cost.
Getting estimates from construction companies
Before hiring a local barn builder or a construction company near you, follow these steps:
Look for companies with high reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask to see pictures of similar projects they've completed.
Compare 3+ estimates from different companies.
Choose a licensed, bonded, insured company with years of experience.
Get an estimate and contract in writing before making any payments.
Questions to ask riding arena builders
When hiring contractors to build an indoor riding arena, ask these important questions:
How long have you been building riding arenas?
How many similar projects have you completed?
Can you show me pictures from recent projects?
Will you need to hire subcontractors for this job?
Can I give you feedback during the process?
Will we be using enough materials to get a bulk discount?
How much will it cost to add lighting, ventilation, or other features?
Does this estimate include any necessary site prep?
What material do you recommend for this location?
Do you install footing as well? How much will that cost?
Will you give me a written estimate before we start?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.