Building an arena isn’t just about dirt — it’s about designing the foundation for safety, performance, and long-term success. That’s why Kiser Arenas has teamed up with industry leader Danny Austin to bring you a brand-new video series.
From footing management to property planning, these episodes highlight the top mistakes to avoid and the key decisions that make the difference between a good arena and a great one.
Experts in the Dirt™ — Building Arenas from the Ground Up
Real insight. Real construction knowledge. Real arena results.
Welcome to Experts in the Dirt™
Get to know the foundation of Kiser Arenas’ approach to arena construction and development. This introduction sets the stage for the series — explaining how proper planning, communication, and expertise make the difference between an average arena and one built to perform for decades.
Start With the Right Ground
Every great arena begins beneath the surface. In this episode, learn how soil composition, grading, and drainage design impact the longevity and safety of your arena — and why your groundwork determines everything that follows.
It’s Not About the Sand —
It’s What’s Under It
Footing performance depends on the layers you can’t see. This video breaks down the science of base construction, moisture management, and material selection to help you build a foundation that protects both your investment and your horses.
From Dirt to Done Right:
Choosing the Right Contractor
The final step in arena development is selecting the team that can bring your plan to life. Discover what to look for in an arena contractor, the questions to ask, and how professional project management ensures quality from start to finish.
Ask the Right Questions:
Choosing the Right Contractor
Hiring the wrong contractor can undo even the best arena plan. In this episode, Jim Kiser and Danny Austin break down the key questions to ask before you start — from materials and methods to testing and preparation — so your arena is built correctly from the ground up.
Build It Right — From Cuts & Fills to a Stable Base
Every great arena begins with the foundation beneath the footing. In Episode 6, Jim Kiser and Danny Austin break down how to build a stable base that resists settling, cracking, shifting, and long-term failure—covering cuts and fills, benching, stable pad preparation, slipping pads, and proper setbacks. This is the groundwork that determines your arena’s long-term success.
Smart Site Planning:
Design Your Property, Not Just Your Arena
Your arena is just one part of the bigger picture. In Episode 7, Jim and Danny explain smart site planning—an overlooked step that helps you evaluate your land, map drainage and access, understand utilities and slope, plan for future growth, and avoid costly development mistakes. This is the blueprint for a functional property layout that works now and adapts for the future.
Google Earth Isn't Optional
Smart arena planning starts long before dirt is moved. In this episode, Jim Kiser and Danny Austin explain why digital tools like Google Earth are essential for evaluating slope, drainage, access, and overall site layout. Using these tools early helps prevent costly mistakes and ensures your arena is built for long-term performance.
Smart Site Planning: Research First or Pay Later
Before you build, you need to understand what already exists. In this episode, Jim Kiser breaks down why researching existing arenas, soil conditions, and past construction decisions is critical to avoiding hidden costs down the road. Skipping this step often leads to unexpected repairs, rework, and budget overruns that could have been prevented with the right upfront evaluation.
Smart Site Planning: Drainage, Budget & the True Cost of New vs. Old
Every site needs a plan — especially when it comes to perimeter drainage and budget decisions. Jim Kiser walks through how drainage design impacts long-term arena performance and why understanding what you’re willing to invest matters from day one. This episode also compares new construction versus working with existing sites, highlighting how budget clarity drives smarter choices and better outcomes.
Smart Site Planning: Why Compromise Never Builds a Quality Arena
Cutting corners may save money upfront, but it rarely delivers lasting results. In this episode, Jim Kiser explains why compromising on site planning, materials, or layout almost always leads to performance issues and higher costs later. Quality arenas are built on intentional decisions — not shortcuts — and this episode shows where compromises hurt the most.
Site Selection Matters: The Key to Keeping Your Arena Budget on Track
Choosing the right site is one of the most important decisions in arena development. Jim Kiser discusses how proper site selection helps control costs, simplifies construction, and prevents expensive corrections later. From access and layout to soil and drainage, this episode explains why the right location keeps your project efficient, functional, and within budget.
Ready to apply what you learned?
Schedule a detailed arena development consultation with Kiser’s experts and get a custom plan tailored to your site.
TRUSTED BY FACILITY OWNERS & INDUSTRY EXPERTS
As an equine veterinarian, I know firsthand how vital the ground is to keeping a horse sound and free from injury. In an industry where its success comes largely from the strength behind a horse’s feet and its ability to move them, the surface on which these equestrian athletes perform must be precise and well-groomed. I consider Kiser Arena Development to be the “go-to” experts in arena footing. As equestrians we must be able to feel that we are putting our horses, and our investments, into a safe environment, and the footing in said environment is paramount to the training and showing of the equine athlete. Stepping into a Kiser arena, you can be confident that immaculate detail went into selecting the dirt below you. Not only does Kiser Arena Development know how to design, build, and outfit an arena, but they are the leading creators of the equipment needed to maintain these arenas. They understand that the job is not done when the arena is finished. Keeping an arena in the best condition requires vigilant maintenance and personalized care. With their creations of arena drags, watering systems, and dust control, the average consumer, along with the experienced horseman, can be confident that their arena is kept at Kiser quality. All too often people underestimate the importance of the arena and its footing, but it is far more intricate than just laying down dirt. Thankfully, the Kiser family understands the importance of arena surfaces, and the value of keeping your horse, and its rider, safe and able to perform to the best of its abilities.
— Glenn Blodgett, DVM
6666 Ranch, Horse Division Manager
AQHA Past President