Ideal height of top rail of arena?

[myhorsefred]

Um, sorry for the thick question, but what height do you think is ok for the top rail of an arena.

We are putting in an arena at the moment, still at the stage of digging with the JCB (I'm very excited!!!) and the contractor is asking me what height I'd like the top rail.

I said 1m40, but was wondering is this high enough?

My tallest horse is 17hh.

thankies

 

[Rowreach]

We've just raised us to 7' close board fence, and it is brilliant. Horses cannot see over, and I just about can when I am on board. It really helps concentration, is very safe for the kids, and is a bit like having an indoor school without the roof

 

[Eventer96]

Mine is 1m40 and my biggest horse is 17.2hh, although both of us can see over it hasn't YET caused any problems.

aren't you the lucky one with a new arena being built

 

[myhorsefred]

Thanks both.

My school is being dug/cut into the slope in my field, so that the top of the school is 8ft below the grass level, with a bank of about 3ft on top of the grass level. So, it will be like riding in a pit! No distractions though I s'pose. The bottom edge of the school will be level with the grass so I will be able to see out from there!

Thanks, I think I will keep to 1m40 then.

 

[MrsMozart]

[ QUOTE ]
We've just raised us to 7' close board fence, and it is brilliant. Horses cannot see over, and I just about can when I am on board. It really helps concentration, is very safe for the kids, and is a bit like having an indoor school without the roof

[/ QUOTE ]

Excellent