--- title: Grass Arenas...The pros and cons description: Grass arenas offer a number of benefits to both horse and rider. In many ways, a grass arena is a must-have for a barn with sufficient space. image: https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-483092900.jpg --- [![East-West Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-480211715.png?width=225&height=139&name=file-480211715.png "East-West Arena Construction")](https://www.eastwest-construction.com) # East-West Arena Construction Blog ## [Grass Arenas...The pros and cons](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/is-a-grass-arena-right-for-your-barn) Posted by [EastWest Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/author/eastwest-arena-construction) Jan 28, 2014 12:00:00 PM [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) The beauty of a perfictly manicured grass arena or derby field can set the stage for a great ride.  Here, we explore the pros and cons of an outdoor grass riding arena.   ![dressage_arena_01](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-483092900.jpg?width=370&name=file-483092900.jpg)   **Pros** - Grass arenas can boost a farm's aesthetics.  - Grass arenas can cover a large area - Horse and riders love the thrill of riding in large outdoor arenas **Cons** - Grass arenas are dependent on the weather. If they become too dry, then they are too hard. Conversely, if they are too wet, they dont drain quickly and then become slippery. - You may have to tap the hind shoes of horses and ponies. When jumping on grass, horses and ponies should wear studs behind. If you are jumping particularly large obstacles, it is recommended that you place studs in front and hind shoes to keep your horse from slipping at take off. Constantly putting on and taking out studs can be a nuisance and tapping shoes can be increase your farrier bill. - The latest veterinary studies are beginning to suggest that GGT footing is better for everyday riding. The latter finding is due to the fact that a grass arena does not provide a supportive surface  for the horses like GGT footing.  This increases the risk for injury to the horse. - Grass arenas typically require less maintenance than sand arenas. However, it is important to note that you must mow, water and check the ground often for holes and divits. - A grass arena needs leveling and a good base, just like a sand arena.   - A grass arena does not hold up to heavy horse traffic well.  The turff beomes rutty and creates an uneven surface.    As you can see, the cons out weigh the pros.  However, sometime a grass surface is the only choice for some barns.  It is important to make sure that the grass arena is properly maintained and leveled or rolled often. Topics: [Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/arena-construction) [![GGT Stall-EZ](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-2010909782-png/GGT_STALL_EZ_CTA.png?width=1024&name=GGT_STALL_EZ_CTA.png "GGT Stall-EZ")](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/ggt-stall-ez) ## Free Consultation ### Discuss your options with an arena expert! Whether you're ready to start a project or are still gathering information, we'll help guide you along. No stress, no commitment needed! What you'll get: - Cost estimate - Footing recommendations - Custom design recommendations - Arena dimension options   [![Register Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/310088/86941235-cf6d-458b-ae37-fd533e89da29.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/310088/86941235-cf6d-458b-ae37-fd533e89da29) ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Footing (34)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/footing) - [Arena Construction (29)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/arena-construction) - [GGT Footing (20)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/ggt-footing) - [College Equestrian (13)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/college-equestrian) - [Dressage (12)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/dressage) - [jumpers (6)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/jumpers) - [Lameness (5)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/lameness) - [Reducing Dust (5)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/reducing-dust) - [Drainage (4)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/drainage) - [GGT Stall-EZ (4)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/ggt-stall-ez) - [Health (4)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/health) - [Arena Lighting (3)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/arena-lighting) - [Horse Stalls (3)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/horse-stalls) - [Safety (3)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/safety) - [Travel (3)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/travel) - [indoor Riding Arena (3)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/indoor-riding-arena) - [Blanketing (2)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/blanketing) - [Budget (2)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/budget) - [Dragging (2)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/dragging) - [Fieldstone Show Park (2)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/fieldstone-show-park) - [Horses (2)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/horses) - [Hydration (2)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/hydration) - [Maintenance (2)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/maintenance) - [Nutrition (2)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/nutrition) - [Sand Selection (2)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/sand-selection) - [Arena Design (1)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/arena-design) - [Hunt Seat (1)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/hunt-seat) - [Prep Schools (1)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/prep-schools) - [Round-Pen Arena (1)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/round-pen-arena) - [Rubber Pavers (1)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/rubber-pavers) - [Technology (1)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/technology) - [hygiene (1)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/hygiene) - [laser grading (1)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/laser-grading) - [saddle (1)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/saddle) [see all](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/is-a-grass-arena-right-for-your-barn#) ## About [Our Story](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/about-us) [FAQs](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/frequently-asked-questions) [Our Work](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/our-work) ## Free Resources [East-West Blog](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog) [eBook: Intro to Arena Footing](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/arena-footing) eBook: Buyer's Guide to Arena Footing (new!) [eBook: Preventing Drainage Problems](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/preventing-drainage-problems) [eBook: Top 5 Collegiate Equestrian Programs](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/top_5_collegiate) [Checklist: Top 10 Things to Consider Before Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/top-10-things-to-consider)   ## Contact Sales **[♦ Request a consultation ♦](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/free-consultation)** 413-522-9369 info@eastwest-construction.com ## Location East-West Arena Construction, Inc. 135 East Mineral Road Millers Falls, MA 01349 ### Follow us! [Google+](https://plus.google.com/115469825936961405264) Copyright © 2015 East-West Arena Construction, Inc.