Horse Arena Builder in Colorado
Arenas, Round Pens & Indoor Facilities Built for Altitude
The Colorado Challenge
Colorado's climate destroys poorly built arenas. Freeze-thaw cycles crack bases. Intense UV degrades materials. Temperature swings of 40°F in a single day stress every component. Wind on the Eastern Plains displaces footing. Mountain drainage demands precision engineering.
Standard construction methods fail here. Altitude-adapted approaches succeed.
Performance Footing is your expert consultant for Colorado arena construction. Whether you're building DIY, working with your own contractor, or need a turnkey solution—with additives or without—we're here to support you every step of the way.
Why Colorado Arenas Fail
Most arena problems trace back to the same issues:
Freeze-thaw damage: Improperly constructed bases crack and heave through winter cycles
Poor drainage: Spring snowmelt and summer storms create standing water
UV degradation: Colorado's intense high-altitude sun breaks down inferior materials
Wind displacement: Footing migrates, creating inconsistent surfaces
Temperature stress: Dramatic daily swings cause material expansion and contraction
A properly engineered Colorado arena handles all of this. An improperly built one becomes a
maintenance nightmare within two seasons.
The Performance Footing Approach
BaseCore HD Geocell Technology
Our BaseCore HD geocell system addresses Colorado's toughest construction challenges:
50% less aggregate material required compared to traditional methods
3 inches of BaseCore = 12 inches of gravel in load-bearing capacity
2,000+ lbs/sq ft tensile strength with double-weld seams
75+ year durability — UV, chemical, and weather resistant
Freeze-thaw stable — HDPE construction won't crack in Colorado winters
Perforated design manages snowmelt and storm drainage
BaseCore HD cells are almost 50% smaller than others on the market, providing superior stability across
Colorado's varied terrain—from plains to mountains.
Footing Additives for Colorado Conditions
Performance Footing offers proven additives that perform through Colorado's extreme temperature range. Choosing an additive is optional—we support arena builds with or without them based on your goals and budget.
Organic fiber blended with natural elastomers for enhanced stability. Excellent binding properties reduce wind displacement on exposed sites. Ideal for jumping arenas requiring consistent shock absorption.
Premium bio-based blend of polymerized rubber and fabrics. Maintains consistency through temperature extremes. Reduces watering needs—critical for water-conscious Colorado facilities.
100% USDA-certified bio-based materials. Neoprene-free, allergen-free. Superior impact absorption that doesn't harden in cold weather.
Organic fiber blended with natural elastomers for enhanced stability. Excellent binding properties reduce wind displacement on exposed sites. Ideal for jumping arenas requiring consistent shock absorption.
Not sure which option fits your discipline? Our team helps you evaluate your specific needs—or confirms that sand-only footing works for your situation.
Three Paths to Your Colorado Arena
For complete, professionally managed arena construction, Performance
Footing recommends Ground Shapers International (GSI).
Option 1
DIY with Expert Support
You manage construction. We provide the expertise.
Performance Footing consulting includes:
Sand gradation report review
Material estimates for your dimensions
Product selection guidance
Installation methodology support
Perfect for experienced equestrians comfortable managing their own timeline.
Option 2
Your Contractor, Our Specifications
You have a builder. We equip them for success.
Same consulting services ensure your excavator or contractor has precise specifications for drainage grades, base depths, and freeze-thaw resistant construction that meets equestrian standards.
Option 3
Turnkey Construction with Ground Shapers International
Led by Brenden with 15+ years exclusively building arenas, GSI delivers turnkey projects throughout Colorado:
Complete arena construction with or without BaseCore HD
Engineered for freeze-thaw resistance and proper drainage
Built to withstand Colorado's UV exposure and temperature extremes
Precision-leveled for consistent, long-term performance
Indoor arenas, covered facilities, outdoor arenas, round pens, and paddocks
Learn more at groundshapers.com
Serving All of Colorado
entire Centennial State:
Major Metro Areas:
Regional Coverage:
Premier Equestrian Communities:
Arena Types We Support
Indoor Arenas
Covered Arenas
Outdoor Arenas
Round Pens
Indoor Arenas
Year-round training capability for serious Colorado equestrians. Common dimensions range from 60x120 feet (private) to 80x200 feet or larger (commercial).
Outdoor Arenas
Proper drainage handles intense summer storms and spring snowmelt. Orientation minimizes sun glare. Wind mitigation strategies preserve footing consistency. Engineering accounts for freeze-thaw cycles that destroy improperly constructed bases.
Covered Arenas
Weather protection with natural airflow. Ideal for Colorado's sudden weather changes—shade in summer, snow protection in winter, while maintaining the outdoor connection horses prefer.
Round Pens
50-60 foot diameters recommended. Posts set 2-3 feet deep for stability. Footing addresses the reality that most native Colorado soils—whether clay-heavy Front Range or sandy Eastern Plains—need amendment for safe riding.
Construction Essentials
Site Prep:
Evaluate soil composition (clay vs. sand), drainage patterns, and topography. Remove vegetation and organic matter.
Grading:
1-2% slope for drainage. Laser-guided precision essential for Colorado's varied terrain.
Base Layers:
Geotextile fabric separation, BaseCore HD geocell, aggregate fill engineered for freeze-thaw stability.
Footing:
Quality sand with or without additives based on your discipline, wind exposure, and maintenance preferences.
Your Expert Partner
Performance Footing understands Colorado.
From the Eastern Plains where wind and temperature extremes test every component, to the mountains where drainage and freeze protection become critical—our team adapts proven methodologies to local conditions.
Whether you choose additives or not, we're here to support you.
Free consultations include:
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Sand gradation report analysis
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Custom material calculations
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Product recommendations (or confirmation that sand-only works for you)
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Connection to GSI for turnkey construction