There are different ways to build team roping arenas based on information from experts.
Cover the Boxes
Covering the boxes will allow for shade, but it can also help moisture control in the boxes. In the rain, the arena can be great for roping purposes, but moisture will be puddled in the dugout boxes. Covered boxes will prevent this and give the rider and horse an area to sit between runs.
Elevated stripping chute
By using an elevated stripping chute, which is located behind the roping box, you can keep your horse nearby without having to tie them to the fence. Just load the horse in the stall like a trailer. They can see the action and they are there when you need them.
Safety
It seems obvious, but it’s important to consider safety because it should be one of the main priorities. From the selection of the arena site to any finishing touches, every step should be done with safety in mind. The building site should be level and should have good soil. If you have the right type of soil, you don’t have to bring in your own. There shouldn’t be any debris in the arena either. The area should be horse safe, with no sharp edges or foot traps.
Arena Floor
When selecting the flooring consider the type of dirt, deepness of any loose dirt, and the grade.
Use Portable Panels
Portable panels are tough, affordable, attractive, safe, and versatile. When you have portable panels, you can take the arena with you and move it anywhere. You can build the arena size to something that suits you, and then adjust the size and layout in just a short timeframe.
Gates
The gates of the arena need to be located in appropriate places and should be able to be opened while on horseback. If you use portable panels, you can remove or add gates in just a few minutes.
Utilities
The arena should have access to electricity and water. It’s not always a necessity, but occasionally water will be necessary for the arena or to water livestock, and power could be important for lights.
Durability
It’s not usually the steers that are hard on the arenas. Oftentimes it’s people and horses since people will tie horses to anything. Put up tie racks in the arenas so people can tie horses instead of just tying them to anything.
Use Quality Equipment
Roping arena equipment needs to be quality, so you don’t have to replace equipment as often and can have reduced maintenance needs. If you don’t have to replace parts, you can avoid dangerous jobs like climbing on light poles. With quality equipment comes technology that can improve energy efficiency as well.
Roping arenas will have different elements that need to be considered. The size will matter. A roping arena ideally should be wider and longer than an arena that would just be used for cutting. The standard height should be 62 inches for normal use and taller for younger horses. A stripping chute is important, so you can utilize the space of the arena and remove holding pens and ropes at both ends.
