Dressage is an elegant performance discipline that has gained popularity in recent years. It is practiced primarily on horseback and involves precise, measured movements. In order to perform in a dressage arena, you will need to create a safe and suitable environment for your horse and rider. This means that the lighting in the arena must be of sufficient quality and brightness to provide enough illumination for the rider to perform at their best. The type of lighting used in a dressage arena will depend on the specific needs of the venue. Here is a breakdown of the different types of lighting used in a dressage arena and how they can help you create the perfect space for competition.

Horse-side lighting

The horse-side lighting is designed to provide the rider with the best view of the horse and the arena. The light fixtures should be placed on the wall of the arena at a height from the ground that allows the rider to see the horse and the arena from a standing position. The fixtures should be placed at the center of the arena and on the opposite side of the rider. This will allow the rider to see the horse and the rider’s position from every angle. The fixtures should be placed in a location that is not directly in the rider’s line of sight, as this can create glare. The horse-side lighting fixtures should be equipped with a dimmer switch to allow the rider to adjust the brightness at their discretion.

Rider-side lighting

Rider-side lighting is used to light the rider and the rider’s immediate surroundings. The fixtures should be placed on the wall of the arena at a height from the ground that allows the rider to see the horse and the arena from a standing position. The fixtures should be placed in a location that is not directly in the rider’s line of sight, as this can create glare. The fixtures should be placed on both sides of the rider and should be placed at an equal distance from the rider. The fixtures should be equipped with a dimmer switch to allow the rider to adjust the brightness at their discretion.

General lighting

General lighting is used to light the entire arena. The fixtures should be placed on the wall of the arena at a height from the ground that allows the rider to see the horse and the arena from a standing position. The fixtures should be placed in a location that is not directly in the rider’s line of sight, as this can create glare. The fixtures should be placed on both sides of the rider and should be placed at an equal distance from the rider. The fixtures should be equipped with a dimmer switch to allow the rider to adjust the brightness at their discretion.

Conclusion

The rider-side lighting and the general lighting should be placed on the wall of the arena at a height from the ground that allows the rider to see the horse and the arena from a standing position. The fixtures should be placed in a location that is not directly in the rider’s line of sight, as this can create glare. The fixtures should be placed on both sides of the rider and should be placed at an equal distance from the rider. The fixtures should be equipped with a dimmer switch to allow the rider to adjust the brightness at their discretion.

Frequently Asked Question

The standard length of a dressage arena is 20 x 40 metres or 20 x 60 metres
The size of dressage arena used in competition is normally 20 x 60 metres
Dressage Arenas vary greatly in price. A basic arena can cost up to £40,000, with large indoor arenas costing up to £1 Million.
A dressage arena is a rectangle area (20 metres by 60 metres) normally constructed with a surface of silica sand mixed with a polyester blend which is enclosed by a wooden or plastic fence. Training arenas normally allow letters to be placed around the arena to assist a rider with learning the correct places to turn.