Whether you ride in your backyard or at a boarding facility, providing safe and supportive ground for horseback riding is paramount for your horse’s health and ongoing performance.
But maintaining an appropriate riding space doesn’t just happen. It requires planning and precise execution. And after installation, a proper riding arena will need regular maintenance.
Routine maintenance includes keeping whatever surface type you choose level, graded and clean for athletic use. Think about how we care for horses day-to-day: from grooming to recovery to nutrition. Maintaining the surfaces we ask them to gallop, half-pass or jump on should be the same.
Heels Down spoke with David Long, a Service Training Instructor with Yanmar America, about the types of equipment farm owners can use to make that arena maintenance easier.
Consider your needs
Before making any kind of investment, a farm owner should consider what tools they’re using every day. How big is the riding arena? How many horses are working on it every day? Is it exposed to the elements? What kind of materials are in the footing? Owners should have these answers before considering any piece of equipment they may need to use on their arena, say a tractor or utility vehicle, to drag and level footing.
A good place to start would be to ask the company who provided your footing or arena for their recommendations. Most footing manufacturers have strict maintenance guidelines, which if not followed, may void warranties. That includes using grooming implements other than what it recommended. If you plan to or have irrigation installed around your arena, there are weight considerations to be made, too.
“It’s essential to pair the right equipment with a properly-sized tractor or UTV,” David explained. “While this may seem like a general recommendation, the reality is that tools such as chain or tooth harrows, groomers and arena drags vary significantly in size and horsepower requirements.”
David said most hydrostatically-driven tractors with 25-50 horsepower and a detachable front-end loader offer the “ideal balance of power and versatility.” They are also quite easy to drive and use these days, with controls similar to a golf cart. David’s picks from the Yanmar lineup would be models like the SA Series: YT235, SM240H and YT347.
Tractor vs. UTV
More often, smaller farms are using UTVs to drag arenas. These types of utility vehicles are handy around the property, capable of loading hay, dumping manure and more. Most can be equipped with a hitch to pull a small arena drag, appropriate for smaller riding rings. A tractor tends to offer more control, deeper drags through the footing and can complete the arena drag task much faster.
The answer for which is more appropriate truly depends on the needs of the specific farm and the area they are using.
“Our UTVs are a perfect fit for equestrian operations, offering the strength and versatility needed around barns, arenas and pastures. Each model is equipped with a 2-inch receiver hitch, making it easy to pull horse trailers, drag arenas or haul feed and fencing supplies,” David explained. “The manual dumping bed is especially useful for unloading hay, shavings or manure quickly and efficiently.”
David recommends Yanmar models The Bull, which handles a payload of 906 pounds and tows up to 1,500 pounds for equestrians. For larger jobs, Yanmar also has the Brahma, which offers a 1,389-pound payload and a 2,000-pound towing capacity.
A tractor can feel like a big investment. Or even a bit overwhelming to use day-to-day, for folks who haven’t operated one before. But technology has come a long way, even for tractors, David said.
“Over the years, tractors have evolved to meet increasingly specialized tasks, offering innovations that enhance both performance and versatility,” he said. “For example, tire designs have been refined to suit specific job requirements, while compact frame sizes now allow tractors to operate efficiently in tight spaces like stalls.”
Hydraulic systems, too, have been upgraded to fit into smaller-frame tractors that can still deliver impressive lift capacity with exacting leveling and depth control, which rival that of larger machines, David said.
“While some have turned to UTVs for certain tasks, it’s important to recognize the limitations,” he added. “UTVs are well-suited for lighter duties and quick transport, but they lack broad functionality and the power of a tractor.”
For UTVs, consider payload capacity, bed area, horsepower and the types of tires, David said.
Think about the future
Selecting a tractor or UTV for the farm can be a big decision. But it’s a piece of equipment you’ll use every day. So selecting the right one for the job, and something you can rely on for the long haul is most important.
Another question farm owners should be asking themselves goes beyond what their farm looks like today. David suggests thinking to the future – a UTV may be appropriate for the farm duties today, but if you have plans to grow or add moe horses to the property in the years to come, a tractor may be the better long-term investment.
And one day, there may come a time where you’ll need both the UTV and a tractor at the farm.
“Choosing equipment that’s too small can lead to longer work times and increased maintenance, while oversized equipment may be less versatile for tasks like stall cleaning,” David said. “Selecting appropriately sized, task-specific equipment not only improves efficiency but also helps protect your investment and deliver consistent results.”
Speaking of investment – another question farm owners should add to their check list when shopping for farm equipment is the type of service and warranty available.
“Farm owners must consider the warranty, service life and capability,” David said. “Yanmar equipment offers the best warranty in the industry and has a remarkable service life. The capabilities are meticulously crafted to pack incredible power without sacrificing durability. Consider features like frame size, dual brakes, and precise speed control to help you accomplish nearly any task using a tractor.”
This article is brought to you by our partner, Yanmar. From dragging arenas to hauling hay, maintaining pastures and more, Yanmar tractors are built for the demands of equestrian life. Whether you’re caring for a few horses at home or running a busy boarding barn, Yanmar delivers the power, comfort, and reliability you need. Trusted by riders, barn owners, and even a few friends of the podcast—discover why Yanmar is Built Better. Backed Longer.