Need some insight

[volcamp]

I have been informed by the "Boss" that we need to build an indoor, or at least covered, riding rink for horse lessons. How would this be possible by a family of typically normal means without taking up bank robbing? Any thoughts at all would be much appreciated. I do have the cleared land but I'm a thinkin' that would probably be the least of my concerns anyway.

 

[EddieWalker]

You're gonna have to give more information.

Most important is what size does it need to be?

Second is what skills do you have? Can you build it yourself?

There is a point when either wood or metal has a benifit over the other. Longer open spans are cheaper and easier with metal. For smaller spans you can put poles in the ground and cover it with a truss system.

Either way, it's gonna cost you at least $5 a sqare foot and could easily be twice that amount or more.

How badly does your wife need this, and how much are you earning by these lessons to justify the expense?

Eddie

 

[CurlyDave]

One thing to add to Eddie's questions.

How good does it have to look?

I suspect the perception of people paying for riding lessons is that lessons in a nice, spiffy facility are worth more than lessons under a salvaged roof.

 

[randy41]

this sounds like a business....do you have a business plan...even an informal one? can you figure out how much business this will generate where you live? competition? liability? etc etc etc

 

[rambler]

More info, as mentioned.

Fabric buildings can offer a large unrestricted area for the lowest cost per square foot. Depends if you like the idea of a fabric roof. I'm concerned with trees & wind around, but a lot have gone up for cheap buildings of size.

--->Paul

 

[Soundguy]

I'll relate my riding areena story.

A few years back the wife informed me that we needed a lit riding areena so she could ride at night. I built a 60x120 areena out of 3 board black. i put up (6) 20' poles with 1000w lamps atop each pole. Had to run 220 out to the side of the pasture to do this. 2 switches control the lamps.. that way half the areena can be used.. or the entire area. This was a considerable cost and labor... it has been used exactly -0- times now in the last 5ys.... Actually.. i have cows in the pen now...

Soundguy

I have been informed by the "Boss" that we need to build an indoor, or at least covered, riding rink for horse lessons. How would this be possible by a family of typically normal means without taking up bank robbing? Any thoughts at all would be much appreciated. I do have the cleared land but I'm a thinkin' that would probably be the least of my concerns anyway.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I have been informed by the "Boss" that we need to build an indoor, or at least covered, riding rink for horse lessons. How would this be possible by a family of typically normal means without taking up bank robbing? Any thoughts at all would be much appreciated. I do have the cleared land but I'm a thinkin' that would probably be the least of my concerns anyway.

Get an estimate or 2 for the size building you need. Then work up a finance plan. Include projected operating expenses. Let the "boss" know how much she would need to "contribute" on an hourly/daily/monthly basis to PAY FOR her arena. Remind her of how many years it will take to pay for it. I'd bet a buck the entire idea goes away then. My wife and her mother are wanting to open a quilting store. (Sell finished quilts, supplies, give classes, ect) I worked out a budget for renting a building and daily operating cost. After I told them how much they'd need to bring in EVERY DAY just to break even, there was no more mention of the idea.

 

[Soundguy]

Get an estimate or 2 for the size building you need. Then work up a finance plan. Include projected operating expenses. Let the "boss" know how much she would need to "contribute" on an hourly/daily/monthly basis to PAY FOR her arena. Remind her of how many years it will take to pay for it. I'd bet a buck the entire idea goes away then. My wife and her mother are wanting to open a quilting store. (Sell finished quilts, supplies, give classes, ect) I worked out a budget for renting a building and daily operating cost. After I told them how much they'd need to bring in EVERY DAY just to break even, there was no more mention of the idea.

Yep.. one of them things that you have to 'pay to stay in business'.. we call them 'hobbies' down here.
(grin)

Soundguy

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Yep.. one of them things that you have to 'pay to stay in business'.. we call them 'hobbies' down here.
(grin)

Soundguy

I can't account for actual numbers of horses, but the "Bluegrass State" of Kentucky has it's share of horse farms, horse parks, "horse communitee's" training facilities, stables, race tracks, polo fields, and state parks with thousands of miles of trails. The places that made Kentucky's horse industry famous are pure exersize in excess. Extravagent doesn't do them justice.

Back when I was still out in the field sawing boards and pounding nails, we finished an Arabian horse show arena that was part owned by Tony Dorsett (ex Dallas Cowboy) The place was nicer than any home I'd been in up to that point in my life. If I could afford something like that, I doubt my upbringing would allow me to sign the check. I like having what I want, just that I don't want what I don't need.

 

[rox]

I'll relate my riding areena story.

A few years back the wife informed me that we needed a lit riding areena so she could ride at night. I built a 60x120 areena out of 3 board black. i put up (6) 20' poles with 1000w lamps atop each pole. Had to run 220 out to the side of the pasture to do this. 2 switches control the lamps.. that way half the areena can be used.. or the entire area. This was a considerable cost and labor... it has been used exactly -0- times now in the last 5ys.... Actually.. i have cows in the pen now...

Soundguy

Soundguy you always crack me up. Looking at it from your wife's perspective, of course she doesn't use it, there are cows in it with their attendent cow poop. Kidding soundguy kidding...

 

[Soundguy]

The cows just went in their the beginning of 06, as i was tired of seeing that 60x120 space just set their and grow weeds... I was kinda silently perterbed that I built that lit areena that never.. ever.. got used...

Soundguy

 

[Renze]

My brother built a 21x45 meter riding arena last year, with 4000 watt of lighting. He is a blacksmith so he knows quite a few people that would love to make use of the opportunity to ride under a roof, out of the wind and weather, with light on the arena. he takes 2.50 euro per evening, assuming that they dont stay for more than 2 hours.
My mother brought up a good subject in this matter: If these people forget to put the lights off and 4000 Watt is burning over night untill the next morning, this is going to be an expensive hobby and 2.50 euro isnt enough...
just a thought... Just look at the total cost, a riding hall aint cheap, not in purchase, neither in everyday cost for lighting etcetera.

I bet when you clean out that cow barn, your wife will try her best to prove that she needs it because she knows you'll put cows back in when it isnt used for more than 3 weeks...

 

[hockeyhead]

All I've seen are 60' x 120' x 16' pole barns, I'd say $40k for a kit, $75K put up. 60' by 80' is a decent size arena, 40' for storage in the back.
when my daughter and wife tried their hand at english and western pleasure show riding their lessons were in pole barns of this size.

 

[Soundguy]

I doubt it.. she didn't use it for .. oh.. 3 ys after I built it at least..

Soundguy

 

[burnetma]

My suggestion is to look at CoverAll type buildings. They truly the best indoor riding experience in MHO. They are bright and inviting for both the rider and the ridden. Roll up the sides in the summer and you have a greenhouse effect in the winter. You will need little additional lighting if any for daytime riding. Seriously they are a nicer set-up than a pole barn.

If the wife doesn't use it (I feel your pain Soundguy I have the same issues) they are great for equipment and hay storage. You could also easily resell it and move it off site.

Just some thoughts...

 

[burnetma]

Soundguy,

I have been caring for 4 horses full-time for the last 3 years. My wife has gone riding 4 times in that same time period. Good thing I love her and like the critters...

I understand.

Mark