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EnglishSTADÉLUM · EQUESTRIAN SPORTS LIGHTING
LED Lighting for Indoor Riding Arenas and Outdoor Equestrian Arenas
Lighting an equestrian area is not simply about achieving a certain number of lux. Layout, uniformity, glare, contrasts, mounting height and optics must be studied to ensure good visibility for the rider while creating a consistent lighting environment for the horse.
Understanding the requirements
Lighting designed for the riding area, the rider and the horse
A 20 × 40 m indoor arena, a 20 × 60 m indoor arena and a 40 × 80 m outdoor equestrian arena cannot be studied in the same way.
Dimensions, available height, roof structure or poles, the discipline practised and the required lighting level directly affect the number of luminaires, their power, optics and orientation.
STADÉLUM sizes the solution according to the site: required average lighting level, uniformity, layout, visual comfort, glare control and the power actually required.
Riding area dimensions
Indoor riding arena or outdoor arena: very different surface areas
The dimensions below are common formats or layout references. They do not replace the specific regulations applicable to the discipline and competition level concerned.
Indoor riding arenas
20 × 60 m is a standard indoor riding arena size. 20 × 40 m is also common for training and riding lessons.
Outdoor equestrian arenas
A dressage arena can be arranged over 20 × 60 m. A 40 × 80 m arena already represents 3,200 m² to illuminate and requires specific consideration of poles and optics.
NF EN 12193 reference values
What lighting levels should be targeted for equestrian facilities?
The level must be selected according to the actual use of the facility. The objective is to achieve the right illuminance level with consistent distribution, rather than systematically installing the maximum possible power.
| Target | Indoor riding arena | Uniformity | Outdoor arena | Uniformity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class IIITraining / leisure | 200 lux | ≥ 0.50 | 100 lux | ≥ 0.50 |
| Class IIIntensive use / regional level | 300 lux | ≥ 0.60 | 200 lux | ≥ 0.50 |
| Class INational / international level | 500 lux | ≥ 0.70 | 500 lux | ≥ 0.70 |
Values presented as design references. The specifications, discipline and competition level must be checked before defining the final photometric target.
Photometric study example · indoor
20 × 40 m indoor arena: 27 SUPRALED luminaires at 5.20 m
What the study shows
Distributing 27 light points across three rows makes it possible to focus on uniformity rather than concentrating all the power into just a few luminaires.
With an average of 440 lux and U0 = 0.63, this simulation exceeds the Class II horizontal criteria of 300 lux and 0.60.
Photometric study example · outdoor
40 × 80 m arena: 12 SMASH floodlights on four 13 m poles
Studied configuration
Eight 500 W SMASH and four 300 W SMASH floodlights are distributed across four poles. The simulated result of 100 lux average with U0 = 0.50 corresponds to a training / local-use target.
Layout
At what height should the luminaires be installed?
Indoor riding arena
5.20 min the example study presented
The height must be checked against the available clearance, roof structure, equipment and riders' lines of sight.
Outdoor equestrian arena
13 min the 40 × 80 m photometric study
This photometric height must then be made compatible with a pole, crossarm, windage and foundation actually sized for the site.
CONICA · CONIMAST
Outdoor installation structure
CONICA poles for outdoor equestrian arena lighting
For an outdoor arena, the study does not stop at selecting the floodlight. STADÉLUM can study the integration of CONICA tapered cylindrical poles from CONIMAST when they are compatible with the height, floodlights and mechanical constraints of the project.
Sizing must take into account the support height, number and weight of the floodlights, crossarm, surface area exposed to wind, the site's wind zone and the foundation block.
Important point for the 40 × 80 m example: the simulation uses a photometric height of 13 m. The documented CONICA 20000 range must be checked separately to confirm that a support solution is available and mechanically suitable for this height.
Calculation and verification
What calculation grid should be used for an equestrian photometric study?
It is not relevant to give a single number of points applicable to every installation: the grid depends on the discipline, reference area and the dimensions actually being studied.
17 × 11
187 points19 × 9
171 points21 × 11
231 points17 × 7
119 pointsThese dimensions are photometric references. For a 20 × 40 m indoor arena or a 40 × 80 m outdoor arena, the grid must be adapted to the dimensions actually being studied.
Visual comfort
Lighting for the rider… but also for the horse
A high-quality installation should avoid sudden changes in brightness, pronounced shadow areas and light sources that are too visible along movement paths.
STADÉLUM solutions
Which luminaires should be considered for an equestrian centre?
The product is selected after studying the height, layout, optics and required lighting level. Power alone is not enough to correctly size an equestrian facility.
SUPRALED
Suitable for a regular layout beneath the roof structure. Power adjustment can be used to fine-tune the installed power when the project configuration allows it.
- Indoor sports use
- 4000 K available
- High CRI depending on version
- DALI available depending on configuration
COURTLINE
An alternative to consider when the roof structure or mounting points are compatible with its light distribution.
- 240 W or 320 W
- 4000 K or 5000 K
- 110° × 60° optic
- ±15° tilt
SMASH
The solution studied in our 40 × 80 m example, combining 300 W and 500 W versions across four poles.
- 300 W or 500 W
- 4000 K or 5000 K
- 110° × 60° optic
- Pole mounting bracket available
ARENA
To be considered when the surface area, support height or required lighting level requires higher luminous flux.
- 600 to 1800 W
- Dedicated sports optics
- Integrated DALI
- Anti-glare visor available
Colour temperature
4000 K: a relevant choice for many projects
For many indoor and outdoor equestrian arenas, neutral white light around 4000 K provides a consistent starting point when the product range and environmental constraints allow it.
Design
Points to check before choosing the floodlights
Uniformity
Limit differences between bright and dark areas.
Glare
Control viewing directions for both rider and horse.
Optics
Direct light towards the riding area rather than oversizing the installation.
Poles
Combine photometric height with mechanical sizing.
Roof structure
Check positions, structure and accessibility indoors.
Dust / watering
Provide protection and maintenance suitable for the equestrian environment.
Power
Optimise installed power based on the calculated result.
Spill light
Control light directed towards neighbouring properties and the environment.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about equestrian lighting
How many lux are required in an indoor riding arena?
The reference values presented on this page are 200, 300 and 500 lux depending on the lighting class and intended use.
How many lux are required for an outdoor equestrian arena?
The reference values presented are 100, 200 and 500 lux. Uniformity and glare must also be controlled.
Can CONICA poles be used for an outdoor equestrian arena?
Yes, provided that the height, windage, floodlights, crossarm and foundation are checked. The pole reference should not be selected based solely on photometric height.
Why carry out a photometric study before ordering?
It makes it possible to check the average level, uniformity, aiming directions, optics, number of luminaires and required power before finalising the project.
Your equestrian project
Before choosing the floodlights, let's check what the site actually requires.
STADÉLUM can carry out a preliminary study based on the dimensions of the indoor or outdoor arena, available heights, poles or roof structure and the required lighting target.
Request a preliminary study