ClearSpan started producing high-quality products for local farmers in 1979 and hasn’t looked back. Today ClearSpan is a multimillion-dollar turnkey company providing many temporary and permanent large-span buildings for all types of operation. But, one of the company’s popular products is the galvanized structural steel indoor riding arena. Metal has many advantages over wooden structures, such as its strength-to-weight ratio.
How much do they cost?
For a basic 100 x 200 ClearSpan riding arena (20,000 sq.ft.), you’ll pay an estimated $100,000-$580,000, or on average, $5-$29/sq.foot.
But why would you want one?
Many parts of the country experience winter weather that turns the ground into a frozen or muddy wasteland. Alternatively, you might experience blistering summers. None of these ground conditions are suitable for equestrian training or general riding, and your horses must stay in their stables during these periods. However, they could exercise under shelter. A good example is the enclosed equestrian arena. ClearSpan is associated with everything that’s best in this niche market.
The company holds many standard enclosures in stock or can provide custom designs unique to your situation. But possibly, and more importantly, ClearSpan arena costs won’t break the bank, and you’ll get your money back in just a few years of trading, as each frame has a 50-year warranty.
Contact Rex Metal Buildings for information on a ClearSpan equestrian arena.
How Much Does a ClearSpan Arena Cost?*
Let’s look at some popular-sized ClearSpan equestrian arenas.
| Width | Length | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60ft | 120ft | 7,200sq.ft. | $36,000-$208,800 |
| 80ft | 160ft | 12,800sq.ft. | $64,000-$371,200 |
| 100ft | 200ft | 20,000sq.ft. | $100,000-$580,000 |
| 180ft | 360ft | 64,800sq.ft. | $324,000-$1,879,200 |
| 220ft | 400ft | 88,000sq.ft. | $440,000-$2,552,000 |
| 300ft | 600ft | 180,000sq.ft. | $900,000-$5,220,000 |
*Note: Prices are subject to availability, accessory choice, and type of cover material.
We based the prices in the table on a unit price of $5-$29/sq.ft. Generally, the arenas are designed for standard weather conditions of a ground snow load of 20 lbs and wind speed of 90mph. If your region experiences weather conditions greater than these, let us know, and we can design a bespoke building.
You can choose between open-ended and enclosed metal structures depending on your requirements. And, using ClearSpan’s current TrussFrame technology, a structure can be any length but have a maximum width of 300ft, more than enough for any arena.
ClearSpan Arena Price Factors
Several factors affect the cost of a ClearSpan arena. And each must be considered in the overall budget.
Size
The cost of a ClearSpan arena depends mainly on its size. Generally, the minimum recommended dimensions of an indoor riding arena are:
- Height – 16ft.
- Length – 120ft.
- Width – 60ft.
But if you intend to have some jumps in your arena, add at least 2ft onto the height. Ideally, an equestrian arena is twice as long as its width. But, you can choose the dimensions to suit the available land. Also, your arena’s width will be limited to 300ft as this is the maximum currently available using ClearSpan TrussFrame technology.
Using a price of $5-$29/sq.ft., the lowest price would be $36,000, and the highest would be $5,220,000. However, these prices will vary depending on other factors.
Foundations
Any structure requires a foundation to secure the frame in place and prevent subsidence, buckling, and damage from wind. Typically, the foundation depends on the structure’s size and weight and the soil type present at the site. You must hire a professional civil or structural engineer to design suitable foundations. Alternatively, Rex Metal Buildings can supply the engineering calculations at an additional cost.
Floor material
A ClearSpan arena needs a suitable floor that is safe and durable for running horses. But, even more so if you expect them to jump. A typical arena floor costs $0.50-$7.50/sq.ft., but you might need more than one type of surface. Additionally, materials for the subfloor, such as gravel or road base, cost from $0.50-$2/sq.ft.
The choice of a top surface depends on the arena’s purpose and other factors. Typically, the following top surface materials are the most popular:
- Sand – $1-$2/sq.ft.
- Wood mulch – $0.50-$0.75/sq.ft.
- Rubber mats or mulch – $1.50-$4/sq.ft.
- Synthetic mats – $0.50-$2/sq.ft.
Groundwork
A ClearSpan equestrian arena needs the ground cleared and leveled before erecting the structure. Typically, the approximate costs for these groundworks are as follows:
- Tree removal – $400-$1,30/tree.
- Land clearance – $1.50-$2/sq.ft.
- Land excavation – $50-$250/cu.yd.
- Land leveling – $1-$2/sq.ft.
Additionally, you might have to install land drains that cost $2,000-$10,000. These drainage features reduce puddling and pooling, and prevent the inside arena from flooding.
Accessories
ClearSpan buildings have various accessories you might want to add to the design. Prices vary depending on the number, size, and type of accessories chosen. Furthermore, some are essential, while others are merely nice-to-have. The choice depends on your budget.
- Roof material – ClearSpan buildings have a selection of rigid metal or flexible fabric designs. Rigid metal covers are fully insulated to be warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
- Attached stables – Many customers choose stables attached to the arena and with direct access.
- Skylights – Natural lighting is essential for energy efficiency and reducing company overheads.
- End walls – ClearSpan structures can have open or enclosed end walls depending on your preference.
- Ventilation – An arena must have good airflow and a regulated temperature to prevent the horses from overheating.
- Spectators’ enclosure – Too many spectators walking around the arena scare the horses and is a safety hazard. Therefore, keeping viewers in one enclosed area is a good idea.
- Side lights – Unlike skylights on the roof, side lights are installed in the walls and are easier to fit.
- Lighting – Use LED lighting to provide safe illumination that’s bright enough to allow nighttime riding.
- Doors – Mounted riders need doors at least 16ft wide by 12ft high to enter the arena safely.
- Gutters – To maintain the building’s structural stability, install gutters to divert the rainfall away from the arena’s foundations.
- Tack room – It’s a good idea to have all the horses’ tack in one place. An attached tack room contains saddles, other tack and grooming tools, and other accessories.
Contact the sales team at Rex Metal Buildings to discuss what accessories you prefer.
Land size
The plot size determines the arena’s footprint. Generally, the minimum area necessary for the various types of equestrian activities is as follows:
- Riding arena – 60ft x 120ft. or 7,200sq.ft.
- Dressage – 70ft x 130ft. or 9,100sq.ft., 70ft x 200ft or 14,000sq.ft., 100ft x 200ft or 20,000sq.ft.
- Driving – 130ft x 260ft or 33,800sq.ft. minimum.
- Competitions – 660ft x 660ft or 435,600sq.ft.
For accurate prices for each arena size, speak to our sales team.
Benefits of ClearSpan Arenas
There are many benefits to choosing a ClearSpan arena. These include:
- Weather protection – The enclosed roof and optional walls allow you to ride all year round.
- Designs – There are a variety of stock designs available. Alternatively, you can give us your specifications, and we can produce a bespoke design to your unique requirements.
- Foundations – ClearSpan structures have a variety of different foundations. Depending on the arena’s size, weight, and local ground and weather conditions, we can use helical anchors, concrete, or more.
- Foundation options – You can choose temporary or permanent foundation options to build anywhere. And it’s just as easy to dismantle and relocate using the temporary option.
- Natural lighting – Using natural lighting as much as possible will significantly reduce your electricity costs.
- Natural ventilation – Keeping the interior of a ClearSpan arena cool and well-ventilated is essential if you want your horses to perform well. Natural ventilation does that and doesn’t depend on expensive to-run HVAC systems.
- Cladding options – Although all ClearSpan structures have a steel framework, you can choose between metal or fabric cladding.
- Construction times – ClearSpan structures are easy and fast to construct, allowing you to stay within budget.
- Warranties – ClearSpan structures have up to 50-year warranties on frames, and 20 years on coverings.
Why Opt For ClearSpan?
There are many reasons to choose a ClearSpan horse riding arena. Here are a few of them.
Practical benefits
ClearSpan equestrian arenas cover all the requirements for a good quality riding experience. The product provides a superior solution to all-weather horseriding and offers high-quality features and practical benefits at a fraction of the traditional riding arena’s costs.
Value for money
Either you’re purchasing an indoor riding arena to ride and exercise your personal horses all year round. Or, your equestrian business has customers that want to ride, no matter the weather. However, you must look after your horses in the best way possible. And this means providing a structure far superior to the traditional barns or indoor arenas. ClearSpan buildings remove the stress of excessive temperature riding while providing good quality air without exposure to the sun or rain. Furthermore, ClearSpan structures are quick to erect, have many money-saving features, and reduce energy costs, providing year-round value for money.
Natural ventilation
A ClearSpan riding arena provides a stress-free and comfortable environment for horses and riders of every skill level. Furthermore, natural ventilation reduces the amount of dust, mold spores, and airborne fungus, resulting in better air quality.
Skilled designers and specialists
ClearSpan has specialists that work with their customers on a one-to-one basis. This allows you to explain precisely what you want and ensures no misunderstanding occurs from multiple contacts. Thus, your experience designing the structure will either meet or exceed your expectations. The specialists have years of industry-specific knowledge and can answer any question you may have. Our specialists also work to keep your costs at a minimum while maintaining the project on schedule.
Truss Frame
The secret to ClearSpan’s ability to design the best structure for your operation is the use of triple galvanized steel Trussframes and I-Beams. The structure remains completely stable using these components and can be built to many different sizes.
Cladding
Your ClearSpan equestrian arena comes with a choice of rigid metal or flexible fabric cladding. The fabric cladding allows natural light into the arena, removing all frightening shadows that might spook your horses. Furthermore, natural light gives a safe and well-lit horseriding experience while reducing electricity costs. Moreover, the fabric helps keep the interior warm in winter and cool in summer. In comparison, we can fully insulate the rigid and durable metal cladding to protect against winter cold or summer heat.
Designed to last
ClearSpan structures are quick and easy to erect and provide cost-saving foundation options far surpassing those designed for wooden frames. The frames are made from triple galvanized structural steel with an industry-beating 50-year warranty. Furthermore, all structural parts are corrosion-resistant and very durable. While, the fabric cladding has a 20-year warranty.
Foundations
There are several different foundation options that our customers can choose from. For example, the ClearSpan Helical Anchoring System provides a cost-effective method of quickly erecting the structure without expensive foundation excavation or piledriving. But, if you prefer a more permanent foundation, you can just as easily use traditional concrete.
Meets or exceeds local building codes
We can design and build ClearSpan structures to meet any local and regional building code and to withstand snow loads of 20 lbs and wind speeds of 90mph.
Environmental benefits
Both the metal and fabric cladding covers reduce energy costs by lowering the heating and air conditioning requirements. Also, the fabric allows natural light to enter the arena, reducing the amount you have to spend on lighting and replacing those shadows that spook your horses with soft and gentle natural illumination. Finally, the fabric is also 100% recyclable, as is all the steel used in the construction.
Read more about ClearSpan’s Equestrian arenas.