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Riding Arena Equipment: Manege Letters, Step Ups, Softbalks & Whip Holders | Emmers Equestrian
A good schooling session starts with a well-set-up arena. Our arena range brings together the practical essentials: mange letters (arena letters) to mark out the correct dressage geometry, step-ups to make mounting easier on you and your horse, softbalks for varied schooling work, and a whip holder to keep your whip close but out of the way. Simple tools that make everyday training feel more organized, more precise, and more professional.
Small details add up in training. Riding your figures against properly placed letters lets you practice on the real geometry you will meet in a test, and mounting from a step instead of from the ground is kinder to your horse's back. Whether you school at home, in the yard, or at your riding school, these are the extras that make every session run smoother.
Tips for Choosing
- Set up your manege letters to match a real competition arena. A 20×40 m arena uses eight letters (A, K, E, H, C, M, B, F) with 14 m between letters on the long sides, while a 20×60 m arena uses twelve (A, K, V, E, S, H, C, M, R, B, P, F) with 12 m between them. Corner letters sit 6 m from the corner, and your schooling then transfers directly to test riding.
- Choose a step up that is stable and wide enough to stand on securely, at a height that lets you mount without stretching. Mount calmly and land softly in the saddle, since the same study found that softer landings created much less force than sitting down hard.
- Use softbalks to add variety to your schooling, for example, for pole work or ground exercises. Start with simple layouts and build up gradually, and check the product details for the exact size and material.
- Keep a whip holder at the arena entrance or on the fence, so your whip is always within reach without having to leave it on the ground or in the sand.
- Anything left outside should be able to cope with weather, sun, and sand. Check the material and fixings, and store or secure loose equipment so it can't blow into the arena.
Frequently asked questions
What size manege letters do I need?
That depends on your arena. A 20×40 m arena uses eight letters, and a 20×60 m arena uses twelve. Place them as in an official arena so that you practice the correct distances.
Do step-ups really make a difference for the horse?
They may. In a small study of 10 riders, mounting from a 14-inch block put significantly less peak force on the horse's back than mounting from the ground. A steady, soft landing in the saddle helps too, and a step is also easier on your own joints.
What are softbalks used for?
They are used for schooling variety, such as pole work and ground exercises, and can add some challenge to flatwork. Start simple, and ask your trainer for exercises that suit your horse's level.
Why do I need a whip holder?
It keeps your whip tidy and within reach, and means it is not left lying in the sand. It is a small convenience that helps keep your arena organised.
How do I remember the order of the arena letters?
In the standard 20×40 m arena, the letters run A-K-E-H-C-M-B-F around the track. Many riders learn them with a memory phrase, and practicing your figures against the letters is the quickest way to make them stick.
Is arena equipment only useful for competition riders?
No. Letters, step-ups, and a whip holder are just as useful for everyday schooling and lessons as they are for competition preparation.
Find manege letters, step-ups, softbalks, and whip holders for your arena at Emmers Equestrian.