East-West Arena Construction Blog

Choosing The Right Saddle For Dressage

Posted by East-West Arena Construction on Jun 19, 2015 1:11:00 PM

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?



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Topics: Dressage

Maintain Your Dressage Arena Like A Pro

Posted by East-West Arena Construction on Jun 12, 2015 12:00:00 PM

Dressage is a discipline of subtle movements and beauty. A dressage arena 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.



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Topics: Footing, Dressage

What is the Smallest Useable Arena Size?

Posted by East-West Arena Construction on Apr 22, 2015 4:12:36 PM

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. 



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Topics: Dressage

Dressage Arena Size: Small Arena vs. Standard Arena

Posted by East-West Arena Construction on Jan 16, 2015 1:32:49 PM

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.



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Topics: Arena Construction, Dressage

Creating the Perfect Dressage Arena Footing

Posted by East-West Arena Construction on Nov 7, 2014 1:40:34 PM

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 is the highest quality and safest footing for Dressage



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Topics: Footing, Dressage

Choosing the Best Size for Your Dressage Arena

Posted by East-West Arena Construction on Aug 12, 2014 12:00:00 PM

When designing an custom arena for training and for shows, proper dressage arena size 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.



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Topics: Arena Construction, Dressage

Siting and Building a Dressage Arena

Posted by East-West Arena Construction on Aug 1, 2014 12:00:00 PM

According to the United States Dressage Federation, "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."



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Topics: Arena Construction, Dressage

What Aspects Make for a Good Dressage Arena Footing?

Posted by East-West Arena Construction on Jul 9, 2014 12:00:00 PM

 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.



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Topics: Footing, Dressage

Some Points to Consider When Choosing A Dressage Arena Layout

Posted by East-West Arena Construction on Jul 2, 2014 2:20:19 PM

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 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.



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Topics: Dressage

Perfect dressage arena footing

Posted by East-West Arena Construction on Jun 17, 2014 12:00:00 PM

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.



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Topics: Footing, Dressage, GGT Footing