--- title: East-West Arena Construction Blog | Dressage description: Dressage | East-West provides throughout the United States with premium equestrian footing, complete arena design, start to finish arena construction, and existing arena refurbishments. We are staffed by individuals who not only know horses, but are experts in their field of excavation, fine grading, and drainage engineering. --- [![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 ## [Choosing The Right Saddle For Dressage](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/choosing-the-right-saddle-for-dressage) Posted by [East-West Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/author/east-west-arena-construction) on Jun 19, 2015 1:11:00 PM [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-527152535-jpg/2.14_Blog_image.jpg) ](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/choosing-the-right-saddle-for-dressage) Looking for a new saddle is tricky. Looking for a new dressage saddle is even harder. Dressage requires constant, intuitive contact between horse and rider. An ill-fitting saddle throws off this communication. How do you choose the saddle that is right for you? [Read More](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/choosing-the-right-saddle-for-dressage) Topics: [Dressage](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/dressage) ## [Maintain Your Dressage Arena Like A Pro](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/maintain-your-dressage-arena-like-a-pro) Posted by [East-West Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/author/east-west-arena-construction) on Jun 12, 2015 12:00:00 PM [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-527152535-jpg/2.14_Blog_image.jpg) ](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/maintain-your-dressage-arena-like-a-pro) Dressage is a discipline of subtle movements and beauty. A [dressage arena](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/) should reflect the standards stable owners hold for themselves and for their riders. Equine professionals strive to maintain an arena that looks as professional as the way they ride. Here is how they do it. [Read More](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/maintain-your-dressage-arena-like-a-pro) Topics: [Footing](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/footing), [Dressage](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/dressage) ## [What is the Smallest Useable Arena Size?](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/what-is-the-smallest-useable-arena-size) Posted by [East-West Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/author/east-west-arena-construction) on Apr 22, 2015 4:12:36 PM [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-478373935-jpg/Mirrors.jpg) ](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/what-is-the-smallest-useable-arena-size) Most horse-owners would love to have their very own riding arena at home. In fact, most horse-owners would love to have an indoor arena, an outdoor arena, and access to miles of trails from home without having to trailer out. Alas, reality rarely manages to provide all of these features at once.  [Read More](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/what-is-the-smallest-useable-arena-size) Topics: [Dressage](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/dressage) ## [Dressage Arena Size: Small Arena vs. Standard Arena](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/dressage-arena-size-small-arena-vs.-standard-arena) Posted by [East-West Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/author/east-west-arena-construction) on Jan 16, 2015 1:32:49 PM [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-1028410318-jpg/dressage_arena_footing.jpg) ](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/dressage-arena-size-small-arena-vs.-standard-arena) Whether you are a beginner rider, aspiring Olympian, pleasure rider, or experienced professional, flatwork or "dressage" can benefit both you and your equine partner. Dressage helps to foster clear communication between horse and rider, as well as rhythm, softness, suppleness, and balance. It can help to provide a basic foundation for many riding disciplines. [Read More](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/dressage-arena-size-small-arena-vs.-standard-arena) Topics: [Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/arena-construction), [Dressage](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/dressage) ## [Creating the Perfect Dressage Arena Footing](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/creating-the-perfect-dressage-arena-footing) Posted by [East-West Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/author/east-west-arena-construction) on Nov 7, 2014 1:40:34 PM [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-862727791.jpg) ](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/creating-the-perfect-dressage-arena-footing) Dressage riders invest a lot of time and money into their mounts. The last thing they want is for bad arena footing to create injuries that require their horses to be laid up for a period of time while it recovers. [GGT Dressage Blend](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/ggt-footing) is the highest quality and safest footing for Dressage [Read More](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/creating-the-perfect-dressage-arena-footing) Topics: [Footing](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/footing), [Dressage](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/dressage) ## [Choosing the Best Size for Your Dressage Arena](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/choosing-the-best-size-for-your-dressage-arena) Posted by [East-West Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/author/east-west-arena-construction) on Aug 12, 2014 12:00:00 PM [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-1415645631.jpg) ](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/choosing-the-best-size-for-your-dressage-arena) When designing an custom arena for training and for shows, proper [dressage arena size](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/) is of key importance. Dressage arenas, like the arenas built for other professional sports, must conform to specific size requirements. An incorrectly designed or configured arena will make it impossible for your arena to be used for these events. Even if you are not planning to use your arena for dressage events, it pays to be informed as dressage arena size could impact any current design plans you may have. [Read More](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/choosing-the-best-size-for-your-dressage-arena) Topics: [Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/arena-construction), [Dressage](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/dressage) ## [Siting and Building a Dressage Arena](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/siting-and-building-a-dressage-arena) Posted by [East-West Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/author/east-west-arena-construction) on Aug 1, 2014 12:00:00 PM [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-1364170062.jpg) ](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/siting-and-building-a-dressage-arena) According to the [United States Dressage Federation](http://www.usdf.org/about/about-dressage/), "Dressage is a French term meaning “training” and its purpose is to develop the horse’s natural athletic ability and willingness to work, making him calm, supple and attentive to his rider." [Read More](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/siting-and-building-a-dressage-arena) Topics: [Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/arena-construction), [Dressage](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/dressage) ## [What Aspects Make for a Good Dressage Arena Footing?](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/what-aspects-make-for-a-good-dressage-arena-footing) Posted by [East-West Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/author/east-west-arena-construction) on Jul 9, 2014 12:00:00 PM [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-1148526546.jpg) ](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/what-aspects-make-for-a-good-dressage-arena-footing)  There are many reasons to worry about the footings in an arena. Durability, drainage, safety and appearance are just a few important reasons for investing in the proper footings for an arena. With all of the different types of footings on the market today, it is important to determine exactly which type of footing is appropriate for each individual use. [Read More](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/what-aspects-make-for-a-good-dressage-arena-footing) Topics: [Footing](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/footing), [Dressage](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/dressage) ## [Some Points to Consider When Choosing A Dressage Arena Layout](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/some-points-to-consider-when-choosing-a-dressage-arena-layout) Posted by [East-West Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/author/east-west-arena-construction) on Jul 2, 2014 2:20:19 PM [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-1148526546.jpg) ](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/some-points-to-consider-when-choosing-a-dressage-arena-layout) If you already have a dressage arena you may be looking to refurbish it, add some updates, or otherwise alter the layout. Or may be looking forward to a new [dressage arena layout](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/) altogether. If you have never had a dressage arena, some uncertainty about layout is understandable. There's an amazing number of options to choose from in terms of [dressage arena layout.](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/) [Read More](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/some-points-to-consider-when-choosing-a-dressage-arena-layout) Topics: [Dressage](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/dressage) ## [Perfect dressage arena footing](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/perfect-dressage-arena-footing) Posted by [East-West Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/author/east-west-arena-construction) on Jun 17, 2014 12:00:00 PM [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-1028410318.jpg) ](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/perfect-dressage-arena-footing) High-quality sod has often been said to be the perfect horse footing. It provides a stable, cushioned landing for the foot, doesn't shift underfoot, provides good traction, and is not dusty. However, sod does not stand up to the demands of a busy riding arena, and therefore equestrians have been creating alternatives to sod. [Read More](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/perfect-dressage-arena-footing) Topics: [Footing](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/footing), [Dressage](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/dressage), [GGT Footing](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/ggt-footing) [All posts](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/all) [Next](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/dressage/page/2) [![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) ## [![Prevent Drainage Problems eBook](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-1740721836.jpg?width=533&name=file-1740721836.jpg "Prevent Drainage Problems eBook")](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/preventing-drainage-problems) ### 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/topic/dressage#) ## 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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