I think it’s a fall/winter tradition that I get frustrated with the weather and start to look into building an arena. I have a colt who was coming along so well and it just kills me that my saddle time is limited. We have a 40min haul to the closest indoor.
We live in southern Iowa. My current thought is actually just doing a covered arena without walls. I know they’re common in the south.
My thought is, I ride outside now, daylight and unsafe ground condition is what prevents it most of the time - not the temp (let’s face it if is 5* out it’s just as miserable in an unheated indoor).
I would also like for the space to be comfortable in the summer when indoor arenas can be stifling hot if not very well ventilated.
Anyone know of any just covered arenas in the north country? How do folks get along with them?
I could see doing a covered arena with sides but not just a car port style with a roof and opens sides. I'd think snow would blow in on those nasty days and the ground would have a better chance at freezing in certain spots. My big lean tos sandy ground freezes in spots. I'd image its be the same with a building with exposed sides.
Covered arenas farther north...
