--- title: Proper Ventilation in Arena Design description: Ventilation is often overlooked in the design of horse facilities. Despite this, most horse facility managers will find plenty of resources on proper stable information, yet very little on the special ventilation needs of arenas. Most arenas suffer from problems with high humidity, not so much due to the presence of horses, but due to water used frequently to reduce dust. This blog would focus on why adequate ventilation is important not just for stables, but arenas as well. --- [![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 ## [Proper Ventilation in Arena Design](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/proper-ventilation-in-arena-design) Posted by [EastWest Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/author/eastwest-arena-construction) Nov 12, 2013 12:00:00 PM [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Because riding arena surfaces are frequently watered down to help control dust and provide a compact flooring surface, arena environments are typically humid. This humid environment brings with it a number of risks to both human and horse health. Increased humidity causes discomfort, but of even greater concern is that a humid arena environment can provide a breeding ground for pathogens. Horses, as well as people, are then at risk for breathing in microbes, molds and fungi present. **Air distribution goals** The goal of any air distribution system should be to remove moisture and excess heat while also minimizing air contaminants and avoiding drafts. Concern over moisture often serves as catalyst for improving overall riding arena ventilation. A natural ventilation system can play a key role, but to reduce humidity and keep horses—and people—comfortable and healthy year round, you will likely want to supplement your natural system with high-volume, low-speed (HVLS) fans. **HVLS fan benefits** There are a number of reasons HVLS fans are being used in increasing numbers for riding arenas and other horse facilities. HVLS fans are: 1. **Energy efficient.** While they are larger than box fans, the size and design actually allows them to move larger amounts of air much more efficiently.  2. **Improve air quality. **Dust, gases, too much moisture and other air quality problems have negative impacts on horse health and performance. However, HVLS fans move air slowly, continually mixing fresh and stale air for a higher quality environment. 3. **Reversible.** HVLS fans can be run in reverse during cold weather, moving and mixing the hot air near the ceiling with colder air closer to the ground. This evens out temperatures and reduces heating costs. 4. **Non-distracting.** Since HVLS fans feature slow air movement, they are typically very quiet. One HVLS ceiling fan covers about 20,000 square feet. While natural ventilation is ideal, the humid environment of riding arenas almost always call for supplemental ventilation. Although there are many fans on the market, HVLS fans have a number of features that make them particularly useful for horse facilities. 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) ## Industry Experts ### Want to contribute? We're always looking for guest contributors and industry experts.  Please contact us below if you're interested in submitting a blog on one of the below topics. Topics: - Horse shows or races - Horse footing - Equestrian Arenas   [![Contribute](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/310088/ceb64732-297a-42a2-a193-f54ab88f8b2c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/310088/ceb64732-297a-42a2-a193-f54ab88f8b2c)   ### 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/proper-ventilation-in-arena-design#) ## 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!) 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