Riding arena size and arena diagrams

There are two standard riding arena sizes. These are 20 meters by 40 metres (known as a short arena) and 20 metres by 60 metres (known as a long arena). These dimensions allow enough space for novice riders and horses to compete at dressage, as the circles performed are usually 20 metres diameter. The higher up the dressage levels, the more difficult the tests become, requiring smaller circles to be ridden along with many more complex movements.

Most riding clubs run unaffiliated dressage competitions using the short arena size, although some do run competitions using the long arena dimensions.

There are dressage tests from Preliminary up to Advanced Medium that can be ridden in the long and short arenas. Advanced tests however, are all written for the long arena. All British Dressage tests can be bought from British Dressage

Indoor riding arenas can vary in size because they are not usually used purely for dressage. For example they may be used to teach group lessons or for show jumping. Most indoor arenas are often around 30 metres by 60 metres which allows them to be big enough for jumping in but also, by placing white boards in from the track, they can be used for dressage competitions.

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