INDOOR ARENAS.
GOING under COVER AFTER ANOTHER HARSH WINTER, THOUGHTS TURN TO THE COMFORTS OF AN INDOOR ARENA. HELEN TRIGGS EXPLORES SOME OF THE OPTIONS TO PROTECT YOU FROM THE ELEMENTS WHILE STILL RETAINING THE BEST OF OUTDOOR RIDING.
T PHOTO: WCG
here’s no denying that building an indoor arena from scratch, or even converting an existing outdoor, doesn’t come cheap – even if you don’t want chandeliers, air conditioning and a luxury gallery. For a basic structure and roof to cover a 20x60 indoor school, you should budget at least £100,000 but there could be additional costs depending on groundwork, fi nish, type of surface, quality of kick boards, lighting etc. As with any structure, planning permission
30 // Issue 3 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
is the fi rst consideration, particularly if your yard is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or in a location where the neighbours may ob ect to what is, in effect, a large shed appearing in their sightlines. esley hu ebottom of steel frame construction company, hu ebottom td advises bringing in an expert. “When I built my own indoor arena I already had a small building on the site which made obtaining planning easier. Planning fees cost around £4000 and I paid another £2000 to an architect and planning specialist. Of course,
if planning is refused you don’t get these costs back,” he explains. The planning process can be torturous and involve compromise on siting, materials, location, access and landscaping. Even the colour of the fi nal building can be sub ect to regulations to match the surrounding area. However long you think it might take, it’s wise to double the time! Make a clear case for why you need it. The argument for keeping horses fit during winter months and pro iding year-round amenities for say, RDA or Pony Club activities may sway the decision. You
