standard size of show jumping arena

Question
hello, what can be the standard size or the dimensions of a show jumping arena? our indian federation of equestrian show jumping arena underfoot surface is sand. would you suggest my friend to build a show jumping arena with underfoot surface as sand. actually, he has got 10acres of land where he wants to start a show jumping stable. hes allocating 3 to 4 acres of land for show jumping arena, other training facilities, stables, vet. clinic. is sand good for training show jumping horses? how many obstacles should it contain? please dont mind of answering my questions. i told you no ma'am, many of indian equine professionals ignored me. i believe that you would patiently answer my questions. please!!!

Answer
Hello,

It took a bit for me to answer..I was away certifying and testing instructors.

I will give you the dimensions in feet instead of meters.

300 feet by 200 feet would be a nice large area. A rectangular size is best.

If it has to be smaller that is fine also.

If it is just for schooling and not for professional shows it can, of course, be smaller.

Anything smaller than 100 feet wide would limit the turns into fences that you can accomplish.

Footing is a science unto itself. Sand can be fine as long as it is not too deep. There are different grades of sand, as you know.

Anything too deep will cause strain in a horse's ligaments, especially during jumping. You do, of course, need enough give to absorb some of the tremendous shock to the horse's legs in jumping.

I think it would be a good idea to examine the footing of other stables and see what you like. Also to talk to riders.