5 Tips For Unrivalled Equestrian Arena Lighting (RedStamp Lighting Designs)

1. Optimise Arena Lighting Column Heights

As the size of an Outdoor Riding Arena increases, the height of the lighting columns used must also be increased. Installing columns that are too short will restrict the light distribution, resulting in poor coverage and dark spots within the core of the arena.

• Taller Lighting Columns increase the distance between the rider's eye level and the illumination surface, thus reducing glare while riding.

• As a recommendation, lighting columns with a minimum height of 6m should be installed, however, larger arenas (60m x 30m/90m x 45m) will benefit from 8m/10m lighting columns - where permitted.

2. Locate Arena Lighting Columns Effectively

Lighting Columns should be erected in positions such that the light is distributed uniformly and shadowing is reduced.  Most commonly, shadows are prevalent along the arena boundaries, due to perimeter fences causing the light output to cut-off sharply. This can cause horses to become spooked when approaching turns.

Effective column placement can mitigate these issues:

• Lighting columns should be recessed 1.5m back from the arena to pull more light intensity towards the perimeter.

• Increasing the lateral spacing between the lighting columns by 1-2m is also beneficial in reducing shadowing along the width of the arena.

3. Choose the Most Effective Arena Lights

The type of lighting used to illuminate an arena can have significant impact over both the comfort and safety of riders. Providing an enjoyable riding environment to practice or compete in is paramount - this can be achieved by installing LED lights with sufficient (not overpowering) outputs and appropriate optic lenses for the area.

• Typically, smaller arenas will get the best illumination from 460W-600W LED Floodlights.

• Larger arenas, where taller lighting columns can be used, will benefit from using 800W-1200W LED lights to increase the illumination distance.

In both cases, LED Floodlights should utilise IESNA Type 4 optics to provide much needed forward throw and push light into the centre of the arena.

4. Mount Lights in an Appropriate Arrangement

The manner in which the lights are arranged is the most significant factor in successful equine arena lighting. While certain mounting arrangements may reduce upfront project costs and bypass planning limitations, these rarely offer the illumination necessary for optimal riding.

• Lighting Arrangements must be symmetrical to provide uniform illumination with minimal shadows. Accordingly the column positions and luminaire rotations should be perfectly mirrored along both lengths of the arena.

• Glare, which may effect the rider and horse's vision, should be controlled at the design stage by limiting luminaire tilt angles to a maximum of 35 Degrees (or an appropriate angle which does not produce unreasonable upward light).

5. Employ all Beneficial Lighting Accessories

As part of any planning submission, your equestrian arena will have to demonstrate environmental sensitivity, with consideration given to natural wildlife habitats and neighbouring properties. The arena must not introduce excessive lateral lux spill or upward light into the surroundings - this can be achieved and further complimented through the use of accessories:

• Backspill Guards will restrict backward light emission from the lights, forcing light towards the centre of the arena.

• Adjustable Glare Shields provide a flexible method to manually restrict the cutoff point of forward illumination, ensuring only limited light extends beyond the arena boundaries.

Further Guidance

Equestrian Riding Arenas have specialist lighting requirements. To ensure that your arena meets your needs regarding intended use, lux levels and planning permissions:

Learn how to achieve Planning Permission for Outdoor Riding Arenas.

View our tips for Indoor Horse Arena Lighting.

Contact RedStamp Lighting Designs

admin@redstampdesigns.co.uk