Indoor Horse Arena Lighting Design: How Do You Light It?
Regardless of your passion, equestrian training, equitation, jumping, roping, and/or dressage, your indoor riding arena needs an effective indoor horse arena lighting design. To achieve the best riding experience, it is imperative to select the correct horse arena light fixtures, such as LED light fixtures, and then the light fixtures must be located in the right places. Horse arena lighting design factors include the footcandles delivered to the riding area; how even the lighting is; is there glare; energy efficiency; and how impervious the luminaire is to water, dirt, and bugs.
What are indoor riding arena lighting standards?
Most indoor horse arenas are illuminated between 20 and 30 footcandles (fc). As a reference, the interior of a Wal-Mart is 30fc. While your personal preference and budget need to be taken into consideration, these are the most common indoor riding arena lighting standards.
- Recreational Riding 20 – 30fc
- Equitation Training 30fc
- Hunter/Jumper Training 30 – 40fc
- Bull Riding 30 – 40fc
- Roping and Barrel Racing 40fc
- Dressage 50fc
Indoor Riding Arena Max/Min Ratios – The Measure of Even Illumination
For all sports facilities including indoor riding arenas, the lighting must be even, or your eyes will continuously need to adjust to the variance of light levels. If any speed is involved such as with jumping or roping, significant variance in light levels can compromise safety. The measure of how even the lighting is called the max/min ratio. It is calculated by dividing the maximum light in the riding arena by the minimum light. For an indoor riding arena, the Max/Min ratio should be 3.0 or below. Even lighting is achieved by having more points of light, suitable optics, and appropriate beam spread. This lowers the Max/Min to acceptable levels and reduces shadows too. Selecting the right horse arena lighting fixtures, with features like shatter-proof lens covers and sturdy constructions, is crucial to achieving this even lighting and ensuring safety.
Arena Lights Can be a Glaring Issue for Indoor Equestrians
The most common height inside indoor riding arenas is 16’. That means that the lighting hangs from a 16’ mounting height, while the light source is closer to 15’ 6” high. A 16’ mounting height might not matter much on a shop floor, but this is an indoor riding arena. Assuming the horse is 15 hands, the rider starts at 5’ off the floor. His or her body height adds another 3’ and that is before any activity that takes the rider out of the saddle. Consequently, the luminaires are only 7’ or so above the rider’s head. If the luminaire is too bright or lacking effective optics, there will be glare and your riding experience will be sub par. If riding in your indoor arena isn’t a great experience, why bother riding. The solutions are low glare optics, LED luminaires that are not too bright, and LED luminaires that are evenly distributed throughout the arena. Choosing the right horse arena lights is crucial to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable riding experience.
Why You Really Care About Arena Light IP Ratings
IP ratings refer to ingress protection ratings and are used to qualify levels of dust- and water-sealing effectiveness. When considering LED horse arena lighting, it is essential to understand these ratings to ensure energy-efficient solutions with appropriate protection. Face it, your indoor riding arena will not be bone dry. It will be somewhat dusty and there will be bugs. Do you want to be carefully cleaning the light fixtures and getting the bugs out of the light fixture, or riding your horse? It is crucial to pay close to attention to what IP rating your fixture has. This is what each IP rating means. A fixture rated with any of the following three ratings are equally protected against dust, dirt, sand, and bugs (as indicated by the “6” digit). The liquid/water protection for each of these three ratings is unique. Here is a summary:
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IP65 Water resistant
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IP66 Water resistant against powerful jets
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IP67 Completely sealed and submersible
Why Horse Arena Lighting Efficiency Matters
Even if you don’t care about saving energy or reducing your operating expenses, energy use matters. Many homesteads lack the power, the amperage, to power lights in a riding arena. An example is a recent indoor riding arena lighting project. The house and barn had already used most of the amperage available at the property. While developing the horse arena light plan, the lighting specialist had to limit the quantity and wattage of the LED fixtures to remain under the limited available amps. If your location has power limitations, LED light fixtures with higher lumens per watt will enable you to reach the light levels you desire without installing a new electric service or installing a new panel. Super efficient LED luminaires will also reduce your peak demand charges which can be a significant part of your energy bill.
Which Indoor Riding Arena Fixture Should You Select?
Access Fixtures offers many different equine-friendly indoor fixtures that can properly illuminate an indoor riding arena. It is important to note that the lighting needs for an outdoor horse arena differ significantly, requiring balanced illumination for larger spaces typically used for competitions. Here are a few examples.
HIIO – LED High Bay Light Fixture
HIIO is a fantastic high-bay LED fixture for indoor riding arenas.
- High Lumen Output: 125 lumens per watt, and provides 31,567 lumens make this one of the most efficient luminaries in its class
- Superb Durability: With an IP rating of IP65 and a die-cast aluminum housing with heat sinking, this fixture keeps out all dust and water.
- Glare Reduction: Polycarbonate lens and 80+ CRI LEDs combine for superior visibility
APTA – Marine-Grade, EXTREME-LIFE Sports Light
APTA checks all the indoor riding arena “must have” boxes.
- EXTREME-LIFE: Exceptional heat sink design and L70 Rating of 200,000 Hours
- Lasting Durability: Anti-corrosive, marine-grade finish. IP66 and IK10 impact resistant to withstand extreme weather conditions
- Maximum Wattage and LPW: Lumens per watt of up to 160, and provides over 150,000 lumens from a single light fixture
VAEL – LED Vapor Proof Linear Light
VAEL performance exceeds every specification when providing premium indoor riding arena lighting.
- Prismatic Diffuser Lens: Maximized light distribution and reduces glare
- Selectable Kelvin and Wattage: Get the exact Kelvin and the amount of light that you want with the flick of a smart controller switch
- Durable and Waterproof: IP65-rated and UL, CuL, DLC, and RoHS listed for wet locations.
While these three LED light fixtures are excellent choices for indoor arena lighting, there are other riding arena lights that serve special applications such as open sided riding arenas where the lights must be firmly attached so they don’t swing in the wind. Some facilities want 90+ CRI, 70fc or better and 5700 Kelvin LEDs so events can be filmed or televised. Be sure to discuss your requirements with an Access Fixtures lighting specialist to determine your riding arena high performance lighting solution, whether for indoor or outdoor horse arenas.
Types of Lights for Indoor Riding Arenas
When it comes to illuminating indoor riding arenas, selecting the right type of light is crucial for both visibility and safety. Here are some of the most common types of lights used in indoor riding arenas:
- LED High Bay Lights: These lights are highly energy-efficient and provide excellent illumination, making them ideal for indoor riding arenas. Their high lumen output ensures that the entire arena is well-lit, enhancing visibility for both riders and horses.
- Linear High Bay Lights: Similar to LED high bay lights, these fixtures have a more linear shape, which makes them perfect for larger indoor riding arenas. They offer uniform light distribution, ensuring that there are no dark spots in the arena.
- UFO High Bay Lights: Named for their round, UFO-like shape, these lights provide a wide beam of light, making them suitable for smaller indoor riding arenas. Their compact design and high efficiency make them a popular choice.
- Vapor-Tight Lights: Designed to withstand harsh environments, vapor-tight lights are ideal for indoor riding arenas that are prone to moisture and dust. These lights are sealed to prevent the ingress of water and dust, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Choosing the right type of light for your indoor riding arena can significantly enhance the riding experience while ensuring safety and energy efficiency.
Color Temperature and Color Rendering
When selecting lighting for an indoor riding arena, two critical factors to consider are color temperature and color rendering.
Color Temperature: This refers to the color of the light emitted by the fixture. Warmer colors (2700K-3000K) create a relaxing atmosphere, while cooler colors (5000K-6500K) are more energizing. For indoor riding arenas, a color temperature of 4100K-5000K is recommended. This range provides a bright, natural light that is easy on the eyes and helps riders and horses see clearly.
Color Rendering Index (CRI): This measures the ability of a light source to accurately render the colors of objects. A high CRI is essential in indoor riding arenas to ensure that the colors of horses, riders, and arena equipment are accurately represented. A CRI of 80 or higher is ideal for these settings.
By choosing lights with the appropriate color temperature and high CRI, you can create a well-lit environment that enhances visibility and reduces eye strain for both riders and horses.
Safety Considerations
Safety is paramount in indoor riding arenas, and proper lighting plays a crucial role in maintaining a safe environment. Here are some key safety considerations to keep in mind:
- Mounting Height: Lights should be mounted high enough to prevent horses from coming into direct contact with them. A minimum height of 12 feet above the arena floor is recommended to ensure safety.
- Shatter-Proof and Durable Fixtures: Using shatter-proof and durable lighting fixtures is essential to prevent injuries from broken bulbs. Look for fixtures made from materials like polycarbonate or aluminum and those with shatter-proof lens covers or metal cages.
- Glare-Free Lenses: Glare can cause eye strain and discomfort for both riders and horses. Opt for lights with glare-free lenses to ensure a comfortable riding experience.
- Emergency Lighting: In case of a power outage, having emergency lighting in place is crucial. Ensure that your indoor riding arena is equipped with reliable emergency lighting to maintain visibility and safety during unexpected situations.
By addressing these safety considerations, you can create a secure and comfortable environment for both horses and riders in your indoor riding arena.
Shatter-proof and Durable Fixtures
In an indoor riding arena, the durability and safety of lighting fixtures are of utmost importance. Shatter-proof and durable fixtures help prevent injuries and reduce the risk of accidents. Here are some features to look for:
- Shatter-Proof Lens Covers or Metal Cages: These features protect the light source from impact and prevent broken glass from causing injuries.
- Durable Materials: Fixtures made from robust materials like polycarbonate or aluminum are more resistant to damage and wear, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- High IP Rating: An IP67 or higher rating indicates that the fixture is well-protected against dust and water ingress, making it suitable for the challenging environment of an indoor riding arena.
Choosing shatter-proof and durable fixtures ensures that your indoor riding arena remains safe and well-lit, even in the face of potential hazards.
Proper Mounting Height
Proper mounting height is critical for the safety and effectiveness of lighting in indoor riding arenas. Here are some guidelines to ensure the lights are mounted correctly:
- Minimum Height: Mount lights at least 12 feet above the arena floor to prevent horses from coming into direct contact with them. This height also helps distribute light more evenly across the arena.
- Consider Horse and Rider Height: Take into account the height of both horses and riders when determining the mounting height. Ensure that the lights are positioned high enough to avoid any interference during riding activities.
- Adjustable Mounting Brackets: Using adjustable mounting brackets allows you to fine-tune the height and angle of the lights, ensuring optimal illumination and safety.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that the lighting in your indoor riding arena is both safe and effective, providing a well-lit environment for all riding activities.
Using Photometric Analysis for Indoor Horse Arena Lighting Design
A photometric analysis is a computer simulated model of how a potential lighting layout will render the light. Inputs include your arena dimensions, mounting height, reflectivity, the quantity of LED light fixtures, and the specifications of the LED arena light being proposed. Results include maximum footcandles (fc), minimum fc, average fc, the max/min ratio and more. The results enable our lighting specialists to evaluate the proposed layout and to make multiple adjustments to determine the best lighting solution for your riding arena.
Access Fixtures lighting specialists and lighting engineers have developed indoor riding arena lighting plans for many different size arenas. Each plan was designed to meet the required footcandles for different purposes such as jumping, roping or dressage. In many instances a lighting specialist already has a photometric study that uses the LED fixture that you prefer and meets the average fc that you require for your indoor riding arena. If you have a unique setup or specific requirements, the Access Fixtures lighting specialist can run a photometric analysis for your facility.
Speak to a Lighting Specialist about Choosing the Right Fixture
If you have a lighting question, we will be glad to get you answer. We want to make sure you get the indoor arena lights that meet your budget and your goals. To speak with an Access Fixtures lighting specialist, call (800) 468-9925