Indoor and Outdoor Horse Arena Lighting
A horse arena is an enclosed area typically used for indoor or outdoor equestrian training and shows, sporting events, rodeos, and entertainment purposes. Whether you are upgrading the lighting in an existing arena or building a new space, ensuring your arena has exceptional lighting is crucial. In order to achieve the best lumen output and performance—and to appropriately illuminate your arena—it is imperative to select the appropriate fixtures and fixture placement. The most important factors to consider when selecting indoor or outdoor arena lighting include light levels, energy efficiency, safety, and limited light trespass; however, there are many other elements to consider.
Key Takeaways
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- Ensure Safety with Precision Lighting: Eliminate shadows and glare with LED fixtures designed for optimal visibility, creating a safer environment for riders and horses.
- Save Costs with Durable, Efficient LEDs: LED lights offer high efficiency, low maintenance, and up to 200,000 hours of lifespan, making them a cost-effective, long-term solution.
- Customize Lighting with Expert Support: Access Fixtures’ photometric analyses and consultations ensure tailored solutions with perfect light levels and fixture placement.
What are LED Horse Arena Lights?
LED Horse Arena Lights are high-performance lighting solutions specifically designed to provide bright and balanced illumination for both indoor and outdoor horse arenas. These advanced lighting fixtures are engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for both horses and riders. With their high lumen output and long lifespan, LED Horse Arena Lights are an ideal choice for equine facilities. They offer significant energy savings and reduced maintenance costs, making them a smart investment for any horse arena. Whether you’re lighting a small training arena or a large competitive venue, LED Horse Arena Lights deliver reliable and efficient performance.
Benefits of LED Lights for Horse Arenas
LED lights offer numerous benefits for horse arenas, making them the preferred choice for many equine facilities. Here are some key advantages:
- Energy Efficiency: LED lights consume significantly less energy compared to traditional lighting sources, resulting in substantial cost savings on electricity bills.
- Long Lifespan: With a longer lifespan than traditional lights, LED lights reduce the need for frequent replacements and maintenance, saving time and money.
- Instant On: LED lights turn on instantly, eliminating the need for warm-up time and providing immediate illumination, which is crucial for safety and convenience.
- Durability: Designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, LED lights can operate in extreme temperatures and are resistant to shock and vibration.
- Safety: LED lights provide a safe and comfortable environment for horses and riders by reducing the risk of accidents and injuries through consistent and reliable lighting.
Recommended Footcandles
In most cases, 15–20 footcandles is acceptable for casual outdoor arenas, though this depends on the size of the arena. For hunter/jumper training, the recommended footcandle level is 40, while for both training and competitive dressage, a 50-footcandle minimum is recommended. If you are lighting a competitive show-jumping arena, 70 footcandles is appropriate. There is relatively limited information regarding the minimum amount of footcandles for many equestrian sports including bull riding, so much of your personal preference for your individual facility will come into play. Access Fixtures lighting specialists can help you determine exactly how many footcandles your horse arena or bull riding arena requires.
The Goals of Horse Arena Lighting
Access Fixtures has a range of equine-suitable lighting. Whether your fixtures are for an outdoor or indoor riding arena, stable, or barn, Access Fixtures has a solution for you. Choose between LED sports lighters, high bay, low bay, and vapor tight lighting to find a suitable way to safely illuminate your horse riding arena. The top two goals when lighting an indoor riding area are safety and appropriateness. Bright, energy-efficient LED fixtures designed for equine arenas are ideal for indoor riding arena lighting, offering ease of installation and a variety of mounting options. A lighting solution is unsuccessful if shadows, glare, or generally insufficient light renders parts of the arena unsafe. Proper lighting is crucial in creating an effective and safe riding environment, balancing light levels to avoid shadows and ensure optimal visibility. Just as important is the appropriateness of each fixture to the application; arena lighting fixtures must be able to stand up to the water, dust, debris, and dirt present in all arenas. Access Fixtures has a large selection of indoor equine-friendly fixtures. To ensure your arena is well-lit, evaluate the lumen output and performance of each fixture.
LED – Fixture Efficiency
Because of the size and purpose of riding arenas, properly lighting one often requires a number of fixtures. This means the need for low energy costs is as important as ever; this is why most customers now prefer long-lasting and powerful LED arena lighting for their horse arenas, including both covered and outdoor options. The advantages of using LED light fixtures for equine arenas include their energy efficiency, reliability, and low maintenance requirements. Each successive generation of LED technology is more energy efficient than the last. Today, LEDs last up to ten times longer than fluorescent fixtures. The durability and glass-free design of solid-state LED fixtures means no lamp breakage. This saves costs and is also safer when fixtures are located over horse stalls or riding arenas.
IP Ratings
Whether your fixtures are being placed indoors or outdoors, in stables or arenas, or in washrooms, it is important to select luminaires with appropriate IP ratings. IP ratings refer to ingress protection ratings and are used to qualify levels of dust- and water-sealing effectiveness. It is crucial to pay close attention to what IP rating your fixture has; always consider the environment in which the fixture will be installed. Is there dust or debris? Exposure to the elements? Moisture? If this is the case, (which it probably is, if you’re lighting an arena), select a fixture with a high IP rating.
A fixture rated with any of the following three ratings is equally protected against dust, dirt, sand, and debris (as indicated by the “6” digit). The liquid/water protection for each of these three ratings is unique. Here is a summary:
- IP65 – Water resistant
- IP66 – Water resistant against powerful jets
- IP67 – Completely sealed and submersible
For Outdoor Arenas – Choose APTA
Are you looking to extend riding time after dark? Search our selection of sports lighters for the perfect solution to your outdoor riding arena lighting needs. While every stadium has different needs and therefore should be lit with different fixtures, an Access Fixtures lighting specialist can point you in the right direction. APTA fixtures are usually slip-fitter mounted on wooden poles or metal poles with a variety of bullhorns and mounting equipment options.
APTA sports lighters are all L70 rated at over 200,000 hours, making them perfect for lighting outdoor horse arenas. They require little maintenance and are all IP67-rated, meaning they are completely sealed from dust, water, and corrosion. Each module of the APTA sports lighters is individually sealed and if in the rare event that one is broken, the others will continue to operate. APTA fixtures are even submersible. APTA sports lighters come in multiple Kelvin choices from 3000K to 5700K to suit any lighting ambiance. All color options provide 70+ standard CRI, but both 80+ and 90+ CRI are available as add-on options.
One of the most convenient features of these sports lighters is the sheer amount of optics choices that can be installed on your fixture to best suit your horse arena lighting needs. Optics determine the beam spread of light and whether the light falls in a particular pattern. Optic choices include 10, 25, 40, 60, 90, 120, or 150 degrees. A smaller optic degree such as 10 will create a narrower but more concentrated beam of light while a larger optic degree will create a wider but more dispersed beam of light. To achieve adequate illumination, it is essential to place multiple light poles along the arena’s sides for optimal distribution of lighting. To determine which optic type will be best for your lighting project, contact Access Fixtures and ask for a photometric analysis.
Other options include standard 0-10v dimming capability or an added motion sensor. This choice allows for these fixtures to go on and off outside the arena at night without continuously wasting power. Bird spikes, which are easy to install and effective, are available to prevent nesting and landing on the APTA fixtures. Additionally, we offer free shipping on APTA fixtures for orders over $99, ensuring quick delivery and availability across multiple locations.
For Indoor Arenas – Choose HIIO, APTA, or EPTA
Access Fixtures offers equine-friendly indoor fixtures, those that are vapor-tight, and those that are enclosed. There are different reasons to select a specific type of fixture, and we will break it all down for you. When selecting your fixtures, you can choose between vapor-tight lights, high bays, and linear fixtures.
The first choice for lighting an indoor riding arena is LED high bays such as the APTA and the HIIO. Providing appropriate lighting solutions for indoor riding arenas is crucial, highlighting the need for bright and balanced illumination to ensure optimal visibility and safety. The APTA high bay features a mounting bracket and is discussed more in-depth in the outdoor horse arena lighting section of this guide further up.
Two of the most defining features of the HIIO high bay light are the unique glare-free frosted lens and the IP66 rating. 120, 90, and 60-degree beam spread options are available to facilitate the correct beam spread that optimizes the light distribution for every size facility and ceiling height. The IP66 rating means that each fixture is completely dustproof and suited to wet or humid environments. Fixtures are sealed, keeping out bugs and dirt. The fixtures can be washed with water which may be necessary in an environment with animals. Sturdy heavy-gauge die-cast aluminum housings incorporate built-in heat sinks for long-lasting reliability. Long-lasting and efficient rated L70 at 50,000 hours of life, these high bays will perform for years to come with little maintenance. These features combine to make HIIO a versatile choice for indoor horse arenas. They also come with a 5-year warranty.
Access Fixtures’ linear EPTA LED fixture is another viable option. It is sleek, efficient, and perfectly designed for a variety of locations including some indoor horse arena layouts. These can also be fitted with diffusers to prevent glare.
LED Horse Arena Lighting Installation and Maintenance
Proper installation and maintenance are crucial to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of LED Horse Arena Lights. Here are some essential tips:
- Installation: It is recommended to have LED lights installed by a qualified electrician to ensure proper wiring and secure mounting. This helps prevent potential electrical issues and ensures the lights are positioned correctly for optimal coverage.
- Maintenance: Regular cleaning and inspection of LED lights can help prevent damage and ensure they continue to perform at their best. Dust and debris should be removed periodically to maintain light output and efficiency.
- Replacement: Access Fixtures horse arena LED lights have a long lifespan, some rated L70 @ 200,000 hours. These are virtually maintenance-free light fixtures and they do not require replacement in a hurry. Depending on usage and environmental conditions, these fixtures are designed and manufactured to withstand tough conditions and years of usage.
Safety and Compliance
Ensuring that LED Horse Arena Lights comply with safety standards and regulations is essential for creating a safe and healthy environment for horses and riders. Here are some key considerations:
- UL Listing: LED lights should be UL-listed to ensure they meet stringent safety standards and are suitable for use in equine facilities.
- NSF Certification: For environments where human and animal health is a concern, LED lights should be NSF certified to guarantee they are safe and non-toxic.
- IP-66 Rating: LED lights with an IP-66 rating provide the highest level of waterproof protection, making them ideal for outdoor arenas and areas exposed to moisture and dust.
LED Lighting Controls and Automation
Incorporating LED lighting controls and automation can significantly enhance the performance and efficiency of LED Horse Arena Lights. Here are some options to consider:
- Dimming: LED lights can be dimmed to adjust light output according to the needs of the arena, helping to reduce energy consumption and create the desired ambiance.
- Scheduling: Programmable LED lights can be set to turn on and off at specific times, optimizing energy usage and ensuring the arena is well-lit when needed.
- Motion Sensors: Equipping LED lights with motion sensors allows them to turn on and off automatically based on movement, reducing energy waste and providing light only when the arena is in use.
By integrating these advanced controls, equine facilities can achieve greater energy efficiency and convenience, ensuring that their LED Horse Arena Lights provide the best possible lighting solution.
Photometric Analysis
If your riding arena has a unique setup or if you have specific requirements or lighting goals, the Access Fixtures lighting specialists may recommend a photometric analysis. Are you concerned about light trespass? Max/min ratios? Average footcandles? Minimum footcandles? These calculations and others are part of our photometric analyses. Since the application and design of arenas vary so widely from location to location, photometric studies are prudent and often necessary. A photometric analysis is a simulated proposed lighting solution that allows our lighting specialists to evaluate the space that is being lit and make the appropriate judgement regarding fixtures, light levels, and footcandles.
These analyses offer the incredible opportunity to view the light output of your riding arena or a given area prior to purchasing any fixtures. They are easy to manipulate and inexpensive to design, which helps limit extra costs and the risk of insufficient light.
Benefits of an Improved Lighting System
Riding arenas can often be difficult to light effectively. The last thing you want is bright, flickering lights that affect a horse or rider from being able to perform the task at hand. Additionally, the arena needs to be well-lit year-round. This increases riding time for all involved. While natural light is welcomed, artificial light will prevent shadows and make sure the arenas light levels are appropriate for the activity. A well-lit arena will also decrease the amount of time horses have to spend in their stalls; this means more movement, more exercise, and increased psychological well-being for your horses. Another benefit to an improved lighting system is that horse riders can train in a bright and safe environment at any hour of day or night.
Conclusion
Outdoor arena lighting is essential for creating safe, functional, and visually balanced spaces for equestrian activities and other events. Choosing the right LED fixtures, such as APTA sports lighters, ensures high performance, energy efficiency, and long-term durability, even in challenging outdoor conditions. By considering factors like footcandle levels, IP ratings, and customized solutions through photometric analyses, you can optimize your arena’s lighting for both safety and performance. Whether upgrading existing lighting or designing a new system, Access Fixtures offers tailored solutions to meet your unique outdoor arena lighting needs. Reach out to our lighting specialists for expert advice and the ideal fixtures for your arena.
Indoor and Outdoor Horse Arena Lighting Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are you lighting a sports arena or equestrian center? How about a rodeo or racing arena? Access Fixtures is your factory-direct source for all of the light fixtures you need to suitably illuminate your arena. If you have a lighting question, we will be glad to get you an answer. We want to make sure you get the exact fixture for your needs, your budget, and your goals. We are passionate about lighting and love what we do. To speak with an Access Fixtures lighting specialist, call (800) 468-9925.
What is outdoor arena lighting, and why is it important?
Outdoor arena lighting refers to high-performance lighting systems designed to illuminate equestrian or sports arenas. It ensures safety, visibility, and optimal performance during evening activities and events.
What type of fixtures are best for outdoor arena lighting?
LED sports lighters, such as APTA fixtures, are ideal for outdoor arenas due to their high lumen output, durability, and customizable beam angles for even light distribution.
What footcandle levels are recommended for outdoor arena lighting?
The recommended footcandle levels vary based on activities: 15–20 fc for casual use, 40 fc for hunter/jumper training, and 70 fc for competitive show jumping.
How do I prevent shadows and glare in outdoor arena lighting?
Using fixtures with the right beam angles, proper placement along the arena’s perimeter, and photometric analysis helps minimize shadows and glare.
What IP rating is suitable for outdoor arena lighting?
An IP66 or IP67 rating is recommended for outdoor fixtures, ensuring protection against dust, water, and harsh weather conditions.
How can LED technology benefit outdoor arena lighting?
LED lights offer energy efficiency, a long lifespan, minimal maintenance, and instant-on capabilities, making them ideal for outdoor arenas.
Can outdoor arena lighting be customized for specific needs?
Yes, photometric analyses and a variety of optics options allow for tailored lighting solutions, ensuring the right light levels and coverage for any arena.
What mounting options are available for outdoor arena lighting?
Outdoor arena lights can be mounted on poles with slip-fitters, bullhorns, or other accessories, depending on the arena’s layout and requirements.
How does outdoor arena lighting improve safety?
Proper lighting reduces shadows and enhances visibility, preventing accidents and ensuring a safe environment for horses and riders.
Do outdoor arena lighting systems include dimming or automation features?
Yes, many systems include features like 0-10v dimming, motion sensors, and programmable scheduling to optimize energy usage and enhance convenience.