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29 October 2018

How a Fabric Riding Arena Can Help You Grow Your Equine Business Year-Round

Fabric Covered Five Fires Equestrian Centre

Reliable Riding Time in Rain, Snow, or Heat

Running an equine business isn’t for the faint of heart. Between riding lessons, training programs, boarders, and events, your schedule fills up fast. But none of it works without reliable conditions. One rough week of rain or snow can wipe out income, throw off training schedules, and leave clients frustrated. Even heat and humidity can lead to last-minute cancellations.

That’s where having a fabric-covered indoor arena makes a big difference. A protected, climate-resistant space gives your equestrian operation the consistency it needs. When lessons aren’t constantly rescheduled and horses stay in regular work, your business builds a solid reputation. And that kind of reliability keeps riders and owners coming back.

More Than Shelter: Smarter Operations with a Fabric Arena

More Than Shelter: Smarter Operations with a Fabric Arena

A roof over your horse riding arena doesn’t just keep out the rain. It opens up new ways to grow your services and make the most of your time and space.

With a fabric indoor arena, you can:

  • Offer winter training packages without gaps
  • Run clinics, camps, or workshops during slower seasons
  • Host fun shows or ride nights, even in unpredictable weather
  • Promote premium boarding with guaranteed riding time

These additions don’t require a full business overhaul. Just one or two seasonal offerings can turn into real income. You’re also no longer limited to a short “riding season,” which is a huge advantage over facilities that shut down half the year.

Natural Light and Calm Spaces for Training

Let’s be honest. No one enjoys tacking up in the cold or trying to ride through blowing dust. Muddy footing, frozen ground, bugs, and wind all get in the way. And when horses get out of their routine, progress stalls.

A fabric structure designed for equine use creates a stable, comfortable environment for both riders and horses. Good footing stays consistent. Rain, snow, and scorching heat stay outside. The result? Fewer cancellations, more productive sessions, and happier clients.

Fabric-covered riding arenas bring in soft, natural light. There’s no need to switch on overhead lighting during the day, and the space feels open and calm. Horses often stay more relaxed in these environments, and that helps everyone ride better.

Fast to Build, Engineered to Last

You might think building an indoor equine arena sounds like a massive project. But with today’s tensioned fabric building technology, it’s simpler than most expect.

These structures are pre-engineered, which means fewer delays and faster timelines. Once your site is prepared, construction moves quickly, often in weeks, not months. You don’t need an expensive concrete foundation either. Anchoring options like piers or blocks keep things flexible and help reduce upfront costs.

Even better, these buildings are engineered to meet local wind and snow load requirements. They aren’t temporary shelters. They are permanent, high-performance structures built to last for decades. The steel frames are hot-dip galvanized for corrosion protection, and the fabric membrane is weather-resistant, low maintenance, and covered by industry-leading warranties.

Modular Options for the Way You Operate

Modular Options for the Way You Operate

Your horse operation isn’t the same as your neighbor’s. That’s why fabric-covered arenas are designed with flexibility in mind.

You can choose your building size, door placement, ventilation setup, and interior layout. Need space for hay storage or a viewing lounge? Want to add a tack room or wash stall? No problem. Prefer something more compact with the option to expand later? That works too.

The adaptability of a modular fabric building is a big reason so many stable owners and riding schools are switching to this format. You’re not settling for a one-size-fits-all structure — you’re building a solution that fits your day-to-day operations.

Proof from Working Equine Facilities

Lucky Stables Horse Riding School

Designing a fabric riding arena that feels open, quiet, and horse-friendly isn’t easy, but Katie at Lucky Stables made it happen. Located in Wisconsin, her 100′ x 150′ Britespan Apex Series structure now serves as the heart of her riding school.

The goal was simple: create a space where daily lessons, weekend clinics, and rainy-day rides could all happen comfortably, year-round. But the building also needed to feel calm and welcoming. With natural light, wide open space, and steady airflow, this fabric-covered arena delivers exactly that.

Katie put it best:
“Love my building! Love working with Britespan Building Systems Inc.! We often host tours for those interested in building something similar. Don’t hesitate to ask me about my building!”

From better footing to a better riding experience, the results speak for themselves.

What Makes Fabric Arenas Stand Out?

There’s a reason fabric-covered equestrian arenas are gaining popularity. They combine the comfort and performance of an indoor facility with the practical perks that matter most to horse people.

  • No interior posts means clear, open space for training and riding
  • High ceilings help with airflow and keep things feeling spacious
  • Translucent fabric fills the space with natural daylight
  • Quieter interiors help reduce stress for horses during storms
  • Low-maintenance materials won’t rust or rot
  • Modular design makes it easier to expand if your needs grow

With this kind of structure, you don’t have to choose between functionality and affordability. You get both.

Two Great Options: Atlas and Triumph

At Britespan, different building profiles give you more control over what fits your operation.

The Atlas

The Atlas Series features a smooth, arched profile that sheds snow and rain with ease. It’s a popular choice for mid-sized arenas and farms that want open space without overbuilding.

The Triumph

 The Triumph Series offers a wide, gable-style design with high sidewalls and clear spans up to 110 feet. It’s ideal for larger operations that need ample interior space for riding, boarding, or events.

Both are engineered-to-order and customizable with features like ventilation, lighting, doors, and fabric options — so you can build what works for your riders, your horses, and your future plans.

Ready for Year-Round Riding?

Ready for Year-Round Riding?

If your business relies on horses, it also depends on consistent time in the saddle. A fabric indoor riding arena lets you stay open when others close and helps your riders, boarders, and horses stay on track.

Whether you’re expanding a private barn or launching a full-scale facility, Britespan can help you create a covered riding arena that performs through every season — and supports your bottom line.

Let’s talk about what your arena could look like. Your future clients (and your horses) will thank you.