Saddle Up For Optimal Lighting

At first, it may seem like the concepts used in setting up horse arena lights shouldn’t be that different from setting up the lighting for a parking lot.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Each setup has different priorities, so it’s a good idea to know how best to design individual lighting setups for various projects. Horse arena lights have their own unique set of priorities and requirements. Without a proper arrangement, light fixtures could be overly bright or dim, cast shadows, or risk a rider’s or animal’s safety.

Here are a few essential tips for managing horse arena lights.

Eliminating Shadows

As most riders know, shadows can startle or frighten an animal and create unpredictable and dangerous behavior. The answer is finding the best height from the ground to place the fittings. This will ensure that there isn’t a sharp division between light and dark by softening the edges of the illumination. It’s best to aim for a height of at least 30 feet for equestrian settings.

You can fill in dark areas and minimize shadows by positioning the poles so there are small areas of overlap between the fixtures.

Consider the Ground Conditions

Parking lot lights are often mounted to a thick concrete foundation that can tolerate a lot of weight. This isn’t usually available in horse arenas. In addition, heavy metal poles can sink into the soft ground and lean over time. In this case, wooden poles are a better alternative to compensate for this issue. They are lighter and also less expensive. In terms of aesthetics, they also fit the look of an equestrian setting better.

Efficient Lighting Solutions

The lighting needed for a horse arena can take up a lot of power—if using conventional lights. However, many sports arenas and amphitheaters have found a better solution in LED lights, and there’s no reason horse arenas cannot also take advantage of this technology.

AEON LED Luminaires are the most efficient on the market and last considerably longer than standard metal halides. Many can last up to 100,000 hours before needing replacement and are as effective as traditional lighting setups. They are safer as well. These factors can reduce operating costs and ensure the riding area is available for extended periods.

How Bright?

The arena’s size and purpose determine the lighting type and location. Commercial riding arenas are subject to different lighting standards and lumens than private riding arenas.

What are lumens? They are units of measurement for light output and give information on how bright a space truly seems. Equine specialists recommend an average of over 50 lumens per square foot in commercial equine stadiums and around 30 lumens per square foot for private arenas.

Designing the Right Lighting

Horse arena lighting is a unique task that requires special knowledge. To get the most out of their riding space day and night, arena owners must consult with lighting design experts whenever possible and use the best lights available.

AEON LED Luminaires feature one of the longest-rated lifespans in the industry, a high color rendering index, and excellent heat dissipation. So, they are always the best choice, whether for a horse arena or other exhibition space.

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