Odd sized arenas/ turnout/lunge areas

[Orchardbeck]

We have around 1.5 acres at our home, where I keep one 14hh. There are two paddocks - one, right next to the stables is 20mx30m, is well drained, and would make a decent turnout area/lunging area. It is at the side of the house so would contain all the facilities together, leaving the larger paddock free which the garden looks on to.

The other paddock is a good 60mx80m+. If you had to choose, would you put up a smaller arena in the small paddock, or put a full sized 20x40 one in the larger paddock, but lose the grass turnout? I think my hubby would be keener for me to use the smaller space so would be more likely to go for the first option (he doesn't want me to mash the bigger paddock up in the winter but I don't know if I would regret it in the long run.

I suppose I could always mark out a 20x40 on the grass when it is dry? What are your thoughts on odd sized arenas?

 

[RobinHood]

If you built a 20 x 60m arena in the bigger paddock it would leave you 60 x 60m for turnout plus the small paddock.

It's so expensive to build an arena that it's probably worth spending a bit more to have one a decent size.

 

[Orchardbeck]

Robinhood - I know, those were my thoughts exactly. My OH doesn't seem to agree, but then he doesn't do dressage! I can easily get a 20x60 on one side of the bigger paddock, there are already three boundaries in place (granted the bottom end angle is a bit odd and would need squaring off) but my hubby is worried about it spoiling the view from the house.

I myself can think of nothing better than being able to view one's facilities out of the kitchen window, but then i'm just selfish!!!