Planning an Indoor Riding Arena

An indoor riding arena makes a great addition to a custom-built horse barn.  In typically cold areas, barn and arena combinations are actually quite the norm.  Many horse riders and trainers find it convenient to build indoor arenas on their property, particularly if they have several horses for sale at any given time or have to travel to locations for training.  Many horse trainers will find that they have to lease a block of stalls in their steel building just to care for the animals.  An indoor arena may very well be a profitable and convenient move.

Should You Build Your Own Indoor Riding Arena?

Most experts agree that it’s best to talk to someone who has experience in managing an indoor riding arena.  One thing to consider is that most people who own an indoor riding arena spend a great deal of time and money on facility management.  This means that they personally will take on the role of manager or they will hire someone to do so.  An indoor riding arena is not a part time project but will require consistent care.

Taking on the project of an indoor riding arena yourself might mean that you have to limit your time as a horse trainer or riding instructor.  You will also have to arrange for the animals’ care throughout the season, including all necessary additions to the indoor riding arena such as lighting, heaters, insecticides and water systems.  If it snows frequently in your location then snow removal will be another important task.

Financial Considerations

Of course, the major consideration is if you have the capital necessary to create your own indoor riding arena.  You will either have to gather a large sum upfront or take out a capital improvement loan, which will be additional debt.  In order to do this successfully, you will need to spend significant time budgeting your finances, which may include having to pay additional laborers to help care for the indoor riding arena and its equine inhabitants.  You could plan for additional income by taking in boarders or increasing the number of horses or riders in your indoor horse arenas.

Another factor to consider in creating your own indoor horse riding arenas is that of marketing.  When you devote yourself to such a major purchase, you are essentially starting your own small company.  This is particularly true if you plan on producing additional income with your indoor riding arena.  This means that you must invest in marketing plans.  Perhaps associating with other trainers will prove to be a good business venture.  You will also have to look into liability insurance for your property, as well as for any category of animals that will be kept on your property.

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Making a Plan

In deciding whether building an indoor riding arena is profitable, try and write a small business plan, as to how you would care for the regular upkeep of the covered riding arena, as well as any financial data you find for a possible income-producing business.  If you lack the time or resources to do this you can always contact a financial consultant who specializes in small businesses.  Covered riding arenas may be the right move at this point in your life—but make sure you do the math first!