Work with Your Horse, Rain or Shine, in an Indoor Riding Arena
Wouldn’t it be nice to ride your horse anytime you like, regardless of the weather? With Morton Buildings’ clear-span equestrian arenas you can work with your horse throughout the year, rain or shine. The open-framed design offers structural rigidity and a sense of openness. You also have several choices when it comes to style and size. Fully-enclosed steel riding arenas allow you to control the climate in your building while open-walled arenas allow for maximum ventilation.
Morton Buildings is the industry leader in post-frame construction, with decades of experience serving the equine community. Whether for commercial or hobby use, dressage training, jumping, roping, or riding therapy, we understand the importance of providing a safe environment for horses and a stylish and comfortable facility for their owners. The building’s layout, ventilation and overall functionality are also carefully planned into the design. That’s why equine enthusiasts of the Arabian, Thoroughbred, American Saddle, Appaloosa, Quarter Horse and Morgan choose us to construct their buildings. Our durable building components have been proven to stand up to the abuse that horses can inflict on their surroundings.
From the modest to the extravagant, your Morton Buildings sales consultant can help you plan for the indoor riding arena you want and the features and options that will ensure both you and your horses get the most out of your new building.
Probably the most important decision you will have to make when planning for your equestrian arena is the layout. Will the arena be attached or detached from your stall barn? Do you plan on having bleacher seating or a viewing lounge? The minimum width of your steel riding arena should be 42 ft with an average of 60 ft for most training and exercise programs, but widths of 66’, 72’, and 81’ are not uncommon. Riding arenas should be a minimum height of 14' for horse and rider. This height is sufficient for most training activities and pleasure riding. When extensive training in jumping techniques is required, the arena should be 16' or higher. The arena length should be a minimum of twice its width. Certain types of riding and training activity may require other minimum sizes, and it is best to work with local riding clubs or organizations to obtain these guidelines. For example, if Dressage training is included, the regulation size arena is 66 ft x 132 ft. Arena stall barn lean-to’s are available in standard widths of 12-, 24-, 30-, and 36-ft.
Our hybrid technology allows for clear-span arenas up to 150'. These buildings feature pre-engineered steel trusses, which allow for a wider arena while wood framing provides superior building strength. By combining the best of wood and steel construction, Morton’s hybrid riding arenas provide the ultimate in size and design flexibility:
Standard sizes 90', 100', 110', 125'
Steel trusses set on wood framing
3/12 standard roof pitch
Additional interior clearance versus wood trusses
Pre-engineered steel, open-webbed truss design
Ability to construct buildings that provide greater door clearance, giving you the ability to use bigger doors with shorter walls, allowing for a lower profile building
Another key component of your horse riding arena design is ventilation and insulation. Arenas, like stall barns, require roof insulation and ventilation to help control summer heat gain and to reduce condensation during cool seasons. Vented walls are also great for ventilation and allow you more control over your building’s environment. To further control condensation, the arena should have vented overhangs, power cupolas and large endwall or sidewall sliding doors, which also aid in summer ventilation. Skylights and doors add light and increase ventilation in your arena natural lighting preferences. A fiberglass sky belt high on the wall will diffuse light rather than windows, which could spook horses with shadows.
Other customizable options for your indoor riding arena include:
My second time building with Morton and I couldn’t be more satisfied. The experience and quality of the work can’t be beaten. The finished product looks great!
Benefits of a Morton Equestrian Arena
The main benefit of a Morton arena is the ability to safely train, exercise, and work with your horses at any time of the year, regardless of the weather outside. If the building use is for professional operations, it also provides a comfortable and beautiful facility for your guests.
Our post-frame riding arenas are highly engineered wood-framed structures that can be covered with any exterior. This type of framing system outperforms other building types in any climate or soil condition. Post-frame construction is as flexible as it is strong. Your choices for size, roof style, materials, ceiling systems, flooring, thermal insulation systems and interior wall configurations are virtually unlimited.
Second and third generation Morton owners will tell you their buildings look like new after decades of use. From foundations to fasteners, every detail is designed for minimal maintenance. In fact, the reason we offer the industry-leading warranty is because Morton buildings:
• Use FLUOROFLEX® paints because they resist moisture and UV light
• Won’t corrode or rot because of treated wood, true stainless-steel screws and rust-resistant ring shank fasteners
• Stand strong against high wind and snow loads
• Eliminate leaking and condensation build-up through roof pitches and ventilation systems
• Control condensation and thereby protect insulation from moisture and sagging
Working with Morton
When you work with a riding arena builder like Morton, you’ll receive a world-class experience from the first meeting with your sales consultant through the construction of your building. We operate within a culture of accountability. Before, during and after completion of your building, we’re your one point of contact and are committed to constructing a building you are proud to call your own. It’s no wonder the vast majority of our projects stem from referrals.
No matter how simple or complex, we pay careful attention to each detail of your equestrian building to ensure that it is safe and comfortable. Our quality components and experienced employees ensure your building will be designed and constructed to meet your needs and exceed your expectations for years to come.
