CHA CHA Facility Management & Arena Design

Question 1

What is the minimum recommended size for a standard outdoor riding arena used for basic instruction according to CHA guidelines?

Accepted Answer

60 × 120 feet

Answer

CHA recommends a minimum outdoor arena of 60 × 120 feet to allow adequate space for group lessons and safe horse movement.

Question 2

What type of footing is generally considered safest and most recommended for riding arenas?

Accepted Answer

Well-maintained, compacted sand or sand-and-fiber mix

Answer

Sand or sand-fiber blends provide cushioning and traction that reduce the risk of slipping and joint stress for horses while remaining manageable.

Question 3

According to CHA safety standards, what is the recommended minimum ceiling height for an indoor riding arena?

Accepted Answer

14–16 feet to accommodate riders and allow safe movement

Answer

CHA recommends at minimum 14–16 feet of ceiling clearance in an indoor arena to allow a mounted rider to move safely without striking overhead structures.

Question 4

What is the purpose of a kick board (also called a kick wall or kick rail) along the base of an indoor arena wall?

Accepted Answer

To protect the wall from horse kicks and to prevent a horse's leg from going under the wall

Answer

Kick boards protect arena walls from damage and prevent horses' legs from becoming trapped beneath the lower wall, which is a common entrapment injury.

Question 5

Where should the mounting block be positioned in a riding arena to maximize safety for students?

Accepted Answer

In a corner away from traffic flow, against the wall

Answer

Placing the mounting block in a corner against the wall limits the horse's movement to two directions and removes it from active traffic, reducing collision risk.

(CHA) Certified Horsemanship Association Practice Test

(CHA) Certified Horsemanship Association Practice Test

CHA CHA Facility Management & Arena Design