Arena's with no post and rail

[lizziebell]

Part of our approval for planning means we aren't allowed a post and rail perimeter when we build our arena. We are allowed to create a small bank on which to plant a native hedge.

Just interested in anyone else who doesn't have their arena enclosed with post and rail, and any photo's of how this looks would be really appreciated.

I am guessing we are going to have to plant a double row to ensure the hedge eventually grows in to a stock proof hedge. In the meantime it'll have to be electric tape stoping anyone horses getting in/ out !

 

[H's mum]

Lots of dressage arenas don't have post and rail fencing so if you can browse some websites you could get a feel for what they look like - I personally don't mind not having rails - I think it gives the feel that the arena rides bigger than it is (If that makes sense?)
Kate x

 

[CBAnglo]

I prefer no post and rail as well - means that horses cannot lean on the fence and you really need to ride the horse. Very good for making sure you keep your outside rein.

Not so great if trying to teach a young horse to canter in the school i.e. no steering!

 

[milliepops]

We don't have post and rail round the edge and it's fine, the only thing I find irritating is that we can't do loose schooling/jumping etc. But agree that it makes the school seem bigger and makes you more aware of the outside of the horse!

Don't have a good picture but if you ignore the posing horse you can see a bit of it - built on the side of a hill so one side has a bit of a bank, and the other has a big drop

The only thing is, I wish we had some decent kick boards to keep the surface in better

 

[JustKickOn]

No pictures, but there is a yard near me that has a hedge instead of post and rail round their arena, and so long as the hedge is well maintained and kept tidy it looks much nicer than post and rails.

 

[monkeybum13]

I think it looks nicer without IMO
The arenas at burrows court have a small bank dividing them and they look fab.
No post and rail also makes you and your horse work harder on balance etc as it amazes me the number of horses that fall apart when they don't have a post and rail to support them.
Will try and find some pics from burrows court

 

[lizziebell]

I do need to plant a hedge to enclose it though, so eventually it won't be "open". I can't keep it open as I need a way of stopping the horses getting on it as its being built in part of a grazing paddock. I also won't to be able to use it for some turnout when the weather is really horrible and I want them to spread their legs for an hour or so.

 

[kerilli]

mine doesn't either, i have posts and elec set away from the banks on all sides though, pretty much invisible from a distance:

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

Sorry to hijack but milliepops, LUUURVE the stencilled bum! Is ned stolen from Buck Ho?

 

[Evadiva1514]

My arena didn't have post and rail up until last year when i put post and tape round so i could loose jump and work my babies in safety. Our arena is bordered by old railway sleepers and although it is a standard size feels really big to ride in without any boundaries.
Here is a pic before we fenced it off:

 

[monkeybum13]

Oooh sorry this is off topic but you have a lovely horse!!
And nice arena I must say

 

[GinaGem]

This is at my instructors yard:

 

[milliepops]

[ QUOTE ]
Sorry to hijack but milliepops, LUUURVE the stencilled bum! Is ned stolen from Buck Ho?

[/ QUOTE ]

She would like to think that is the case