"Portable" Arena

[DaveNay]

\"Portable\" Arena

Hi,

Just thought I would share some pictures of the riding arena we finished this weekend. We were looking for a efficient method to build the arena, yet not be permanent, because we want to have a larger one later on the same location. We looked at using the temporary tubular steel arena panels. but they are pretty pricey, at about $55 minimum each. Each panel on our arena is a single ACQ 4x4x8' cut in half, and then three 2x6x8' SPF cross boards. Finished panel size 4' x 8'. Two eye screws are screwed into both ends. The panels are connected with a re-bar "candycane". With the exception of the posts one either side of the gates, the entire structure is free standing, and not connected to the ground at all. Total cost per panel....about $15. Finished arena size 95' x 120'. All but one of the gates are recycled from around the farm.

We now have a usable riding arena, and we love it! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Dave

 

[DaveNay]

Re: \"Portable\" Arena

One more...

 

[DaveNay]

Re: \"Portable\" Arena

Last one.

 

[Henro]

Re: \"Portable\" Arena

Dave,

Excellent job! Looks really good...very creative solution... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Bird]

Re: \"Portable\" Arena

It certainly looks nice.

 

[DAP]

Re: \"Portable\" Arena

Dave, I'd like to see some closeups of your joinery and also the ground contact.

Would that be possible?

I'm exploring this method for purposes of a portable round pen idea.

Nice lookin job though!

 

[DaveNay]

Re: \"Portable\" Arena

Hi Doug,

You can see high-res pictures at my web server .

As far as the "ground contact", the panels are just sitting on the dirt with no anchors at all.

Dave

 

[BB_TX]

Re: \"Portable\" Arena

Dave - Just curious. How do you think it will do in a fairly high wind, such as a strong thunderstorm?

 

[DaveNay]

Re: \"Portable\" Arena

As far as I can tell, it should be fine. There are some posts along the straight sections that are set in the ground, so there is a firm anchor. Plus each section probably weighs at least 50 lbs. Even if it moves a little, the self supporting nature will prevent it from falling, and I can just move it back. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Considering how difficult it is to move when I actually try, I am going to say that it will never be an issue.

Dave

 

[BB_TX]

Re: \"Portable\" Arena

Thanks, Dave. That really is a nice looking project. Now for my ignorance. What is SPF?? I don't think I could buy a 4"x4"x8' and three 2"x6"x8' anything around here for $15.