How Much Does a Riding Indoor Arena Cost in 2025?
Indoor riding arenas cost an average of $325,000
Building an indoor riding arena costs an average of $325,000, with most homeowners spending between $180,000 to $450,000.
Indoor arena prices often range from $40 to $125 per square foot, depending on customization, materials, and features.
Cost considerations include choice of materials, type of activity, and footing costs.
Add site preparation, building permits, and general contractor labor costs to your budget.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Indoor riding arena cost averages $325,000, with most homeowners spending between $180,000 and $450,000, or $40 to $125 per square foot. Building a realistic budget and hiring an experienced pro helps you lock in the right size, materials, and features for a durable, all-season facility.
Indoor Riding Arena Cost Factors
Arena size and building material drive most of the price. Fabric structures sit at the low end, while large wood or steel builds push costs higher.
Size
Arena size is one of the biggest drivers of overall cost. Smaller arenas provide a functional training space at a lower investment, while larger builds offer more versatility for different disciplines. As square footage increases, expect both material and labor expenses to rise significantly.
| Square Feet | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 7,200 (60x120) | $150,000–$250,000 |
| 16,000 (80x200) | $300,000–$450,000 |
| 20,000 (100x200) | $400,000–$500,000+ |
| 15,000 | $75,000–$750,000 |
| 20,000 | $100,000–$1,000,000 |
Footing
Footing runs $2 to $8 per square foot, or roughly $15,000 to $50,000 in total. Many arenas blend several footing types to create a durable, safe surface. Quotes cover materials and installation, but challenging site conditions can push the price higher with added base material.
| Footing Material | Cost Range per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Sand | $1–$2 |
| Synthetic mats | $0.50–$2 |
| Wood mulch | $0.50–$0.75 |
| Rubber mats/mulch | $1.50–$4 |
Type of Activity
Your discipline matters; each riding style calls for different equipment and layout tweaks. For example, a dressage rider needs properly placed arena letters, an otherwise empty arena, and a solid footing. You'll also need enough space for both you and your horse to get the right fitness training.
Rodeo events such as reining, pole bending, and barrel racing need ample space and sturdy, high panels to keep livestock secure until their turn in the ring.
If jumping is your focus, plan for regulation-height standards, fillers, and dedicated storage so you can switch between flatwork and jump sessions quickly.
Features and Add-Ons
Beyond the shell and footing, many owners layer on extra features for comfort and convenience. Some, like lighting, are essential. Others, like the cost to build a barn, stables, skylights, and a viewing area, are nice to have. Barn door installation costs $600 to $3,000.
Attached stables: Offer direct access to the arena
Skylights: Let natural light into the arena
Extra ventilation: Placed strategically, ventilation allows improved airflow and temperature regulation
Viewing areas: These areas provide spectators with a safe place to watch activities
LED lights: Provide ample but safe illumination
Side lights: Let in natural light and are easier to install than skylights
Doors: Doors at least 12 feet high and 16 feet wide allow mounted riders to pass through safely
Vapor barriers: Prevent moisture damage
Gutters: Collect and direct rainwater away from the arena's foundation
Tack rooms: Store your horse's tack, gear, grooming essentials, and accessories
Other Indoor Riding Arena Cost Factors
When planning an indoor riding arena, there's more than just the external structure and the footing to think about. You'll also have to account for the cost of permits, land clearance, excavation, grading, and more.
Construction and Site Prep
Expect to pay land clearing and grading costs totaling $10,000 to $50,000, influenced by site conditions, location, and any necessary excavation. Environmental or permitting requirements can add to the final expense.
Labor
Labor can eat up to 50% of the budget, especially on a fully custom build. Gather multiple bids so you can weigh pricing against experience and scope.
Permits
Most jurisdictions require a building permit for an indoor arena, though exact rules vary by location. A building permit costs $1,000 to $10,000. Your general contractor or construction manager can usually manage the permit application process on your behalf.
Does Installing an Indoor Riding Arena Increase Home Value?
A well-built indoor arena often boosts property value, especially in regions with active equestrian communities. While the exact return on investment (ROI) can vary greatly by location and construction quality, well-built indoor arenas can recoup 50% to 70% of their construction costs in added property value.
Properties with indoor arenas appeal to serious equestrians, riding instructors, and boarding facility operators by transforming a residential property into a potential income-generating business opportunity. Homes with indoor arenas can sell more quickly than comparable properties without them. The arena's size, quality of footing, and additional amenities like viewing areas or attached stabling further influence the property's desirability and ultimate resale value.
Budgeting for an Indoor Riding Arena
Building an indoor riding arena is a significant investment, but several strategic decisions and careful planning can help reduce your overall costs:
Start with an accurate site assessment: Choosing level ground with good drainage can save thousands in site preparation costs and prevent expensive problems later.
Phase your construction: Focus on building the basic structure, adding features like viewing areas and wash stalls over time as your budget allows.
Compare quotes: Request at least three detailed bids from arena-experienced local barn builders.
Consider a prefab kit: Pre-engineered metal arenas cost less than custom builds and offer excellent durability and quick assembly.
Implement efficient drainage systems: Invest in proper drainage to prevent expensive repairs and maintenance issues over the long term.
Plan for easy access: Design wide doors and proper clearance for horses, riders, and maintenance equipment to avoid costly modifications.
Explore energy-efficient options: Install LED lighting and natural light panels to reduce long-term operating costs and potentially qualify for energy incentives.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Deciding whether to build your arena yourself or hire a professional depends on your budget, skills, and timeline.
DIY
Prefabricated kits make it possible to assemble an arena with the right tools and help, and handling site prep or footing installation yourself can trim costs. The trade-off is time and risk—mistakes in drainage, leveling, or structural work can be costly and compromise safety.
Hiring a Pro
Experienced builders manage permits, grading, framing, and subcontractors, ensuring the arena meets code and holds up long-term. Labor may raise costs, but pros often secure better material pricing and deliver a polished final result that adds property value.
Hybrid Approach
Many owners split the difference—doing simpler tasks like clearing land or hauling materials themselves, while leaving complex construction to licensed professionals.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
