Here at Access Fixtures, we love a challenge. So when a customer called us from Virginia looking for a unique LED lighting solution for his horse riding arena, we were excited to rise to the occasion and provide a unique LED lighting solution using a single light pole for his horse riding arena.
The Challenge
Horse-riding arenas do not have standard dimensions. They are mostly custom-built fenced-in areas with the purpose of showing or riding horses and dimensions vary widely. Ground conditions also vary as well as outdoor climates. When lighting an outdoor riding arena, the two main requirements of safety and appropriateness must be met. If a lighting solution creates harsh shadows, areas of darkness, or blinding glare, the area becomes unsafe for horses and riders. Lighting fixtures must also be appropriately sealed and durable to be able to face harsh outdoor locations over time. The general minimum footcandle recommendation for casual outdoor riding arenas is between 15-25fc. However, more footcandles is usually better and provides a better viewing experience for spectators and a safer riding experience. Lumen output, shadow prevention, and fixture durability must always be evaluated and determined by a specialist before installation. Just like a football field, a riding arena requires a well-planned lighting system to ensure optimal visibility and safety. That’s where we come in.
Our customer’s riding arena is a 150′ by 75′ rectangle with two rounded edges surrounded by a wooden fence. He wanted to replace the lighting on his old 30′ wooden pole without adding more poles. This was the first challenge, as it is no simple task to light an entire arena this large with just one pole. However, the pole is slightly off-center of the perimeter of the riding arena, presenting another unique challenge for us to provide even lighting over the area of the riding arena. In some cases, high-intensity stadium lights may be used to achieve the necessary illumination levels for larger arenas. Below is a diagram that illustrates the customer’s riding arena and the location of the current wooden pole.
Design and Installation Considerations
When designing an outdoor riding arena lighting system, several factors must be taken into account to ensure optimal performance and safety. The size of the arena and the type of activities that will take place are crucial in determining the appropriate level of illumination. For instance, a larger arena used for competitive events may require more intense lighting compared to a smaller, casual riding space.
The height and placement of light poles play a significant role in the quality of arena lighting. Properly positioned poles can help achieve even coverage, reducing shadows and ensuring a safe and enjoyable riding experience. It’s essential to choose lighting fixtures that are not only bright but also durable and weather-resistant. This ensures that the lighting system can withstand various weather conditions, including wind, rain, and extreme temperatures.
Proper mounting and arrangement of LED lighting fixtures are critical for effective equestrian lighting. Using anchor bolts to secure the light poles to the ground is necessary to prevent them from toppling over. Consulting a professional lighting designer or engineer can help ensure that the lighting system meets the specific needs of the arena, providing both safety and performance.
A Two-Fixture Solution
In order to see what would potentially work for our customer and also fulfill all of the aforementioned requirements, we ran two photometric analyses, using two setups with almost identical total wattages and price points. We used our APTA LED sports lighters in our analysis because these fixtures offer high wattage, extreme durability, and custom optics. These are also our highest-wattage fixtures used for high-powered outdoor sports lighting.
While this solution is designed for an outdoor riding arena, similar approaches can be applied to indoor arenas to ensure even lighting and safety.
Our first analysis involved using two APTA 900 fixtures mounted on the 30′ wooden pole with a two-pronged mounting device known as a bullhorn. We have included both the image of the mounting device and the image excerpts from the photometric analysis below. As you can see, the light is extremely concentrated near the actual fixtures. The highest amount of footcandles in the two-fixture analysis was a whopping 650, with the lowest footcandle amount being 23 in one of the corners. The max/min ratio was over 28, which is not acceptable for sports lighting. Obviously, this was a huge discrepancy, which could result in unwanted glare and shadows. Unimpressed with this result, we continued to try running an analysis with three lower-wattage fixtures.
A Three-Fixture Solution
We ran the second photometric analysis using three APTA 600 LED fixtures mounted on a three-pronged bullhorn. By strategically placing the light pole and using a three-pronged bullhorn, we were able to achieve more even lighting across the arena. Both the image excerpts from the photometric analysis and the image of the bullhorn device can be seen below. We compared this analysis with the APTA 900 version to compare any dark spots, shadowy areas, and extreme areas of light contrast. Using three lower-wattage fixtures, we were able to accomplish more of what we thought would benefit the customer. Using these fixtures, the light was less concentrated in one area and more spread out. Indeed, the highest amount of footcandles using this model was 309, less than half of the brightest area in the previous model. The lowest number of footcandles was 34 instead of 23, and the max/min ratio was a little over 9, making this setup a more acceptable choice. There were visibly fewer dark zones in this analysis and less harsh light concentrated in one small area near the fixtures.
Safety and Performance Considerations
Safety and performance are paramount when it comes to outdoor riding arena lighting. A well-designed lighting system can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, providing a safe environment for both horses and riders. Glare control and high-intensity illumination are essential components of a safe and optimal riding environment, allowing riders to see clearly without being blinded by harsh lights.
Energy-efficient lighting options, such as LED fixtures, not only reduce operational costs but also have a longer lifespan, making them a cost-effective choice for arena lighting. Durability is another key factor, as outdoor lighting fixtures need to withstand various weather conditions to maintain their performance over time.
A well-designed lighting system enhances the overall riding experience and can even improve performance by providing consistent and reliable illumination. Ensuring even coverage and reducing shadows are crucial for a safe and enjoyable riding experience. Regular maintenance and inspections should be performed to ensure that the lighting system is functioning properly and continues to meet safety standards.
Energy Efficient Lighting Options
LED lighting is an excellent energy-efficient option for outdoor riding arenas, offering a long lifespan and low maintenance costs. LED fixtures are designed to provide high-quality light output, creating a well-lit environment that enhances visibility and safety. By reducing operational costs and minimizing environmental impact, energy-efficient lighting options are both economically and ecologically beneficial.
LED lighting can create a variety of lighting effects, including high-intensity illumination and effective glare control, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor arenas. These fixtures can be used in conjunction with other lighting systems to provide even coverage, ensuring that every corner of the arena is well-lit.
Energy-efficient lighting options help reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills, making them a smart choice for any arena lighting project. A well-designed energy-efficient lighting system not only provides a safe and enjoyable riding experience but also contributes to long-term cost savings and environmental sustainability.
The Better Solution
In the end, we decided that the three-fixture solution was the most conducive to even lighting that still met the footcandle requirements of a riding arena. Our solution was carefully considered and researched by our lighting specialists. Using advanced photometric technology, we were able to solve our customers’s lighting dilemma without the addition of more poles. In some cases, incorporating stadium lights can provide the high-intensity illumination needed for larger arenas. Ultimately, lighting a riding arena comes down to personal choice, budget, and the size of the arena. Each situation is different and the Access Fixtures team takes all of these factors into account before offering a lighting solution to a customer.
It is important to note that despite the 3 APTA 600s being a better choice than the 2 APTA 900s, we had to work within the customer’s constraints. There are better options for lighting an outdoor riding arena that usually involve more poles and fixtures to get a truly perfect even lighting across the arena. Much of our job involves working within customer constraints and satisfying the light requirements therein. Please contact an Access Fixtures lighting specialist if you have questions about your project or special requests as we are always striving to accommodate customer needs.
