Horse Arena Construction & Grading in North Carolina
As a third-generation contractor, JG Grading & Landscaping designs and builds professional horse arenas with proper grading, drainage, and compaction — backed by experience and a satisfaction guarantee.
Professional Horse Arena Design & Grading Done Right
Professional Horse Arena Construction & Grading
At JG Grading & Landscaping, we don’t just build arenas — we build them to last. With three generations of grading and excavation experience, our team delivers the kind of precision work horses and riders depend on. Every arena is carefully designed with the right grading, compaction, and drainage to stand the test of time.
And if your existing arena needs regrading, footing refresh, or drainage improvements, we can restore it with the same level of care and professionalism.
Your Vision, Built the Right Way
We know every rider’s needs are different. Whether you’re planning a private practice arena on your land or a full-sized training facility, we’ll work with you step by step to bring your vision to life. From layout and location to footing and drainage, we handle the heavy work so you get a professional finish you can be proud of. If you need fencing, we’ll connect you with trusted contractors we’ve worked with before.
Our Proven Arena-Building Process
Site Evaluation: We assess your property to find the best location and design for safety, drainage, and function.
Precision Grading: Using modern equipment, we create a level riding surface with proper slope and compaction.
Durable Footing Materials: We help source and spread materials that provide traction, drainage, and comfort for your horses.
Drainage Solutions: From swales to pipe systems, we make sure your arena sheds water properly so it’s usable year-round.
Customization Options: Need fencing, access roads, or special footing? We can package everything into a turnkey build.
Horse Arena Repair & Maintenance
Already have an arena that’s showing wear? We also handle arena regrading, footing refresh, and drainage corrections. Over time, surfaces can become uneven, compacted, or waterlogged — making it harder on both horses and riders.
With the right equipment, we can:
Regrade and level your existing arena
Improve drainage and runoff control
Add or refresh footing materials
Address erosion, ruts, or compaction issues
Whether it’s seasonal maintenance or a full rebuild, our team ensures your arena stays safe, reliable, and ready for riding.
Why Choose JG Grading & Landscaping?
When you hire us, you’re choosing a full-time grading contractor — not a “weekend warrior.” We are fully insured, equipped with modern machines, and committed to getting the job done right the first time. Our reputation has been built on trust, honesty, and results that last.
We guarantee your arena will be built with integrity and precision, creating a safe, reliable space for both horses and riders.
Our Satisfaction Guarantee
At JG Grading & Landscaping
We believe in doing business the old-school way — where a man’s word still means something, and a handshake seals the deal.
When we tell you we’ll do a job, we stand behind it with a satisfaction guarantee: if the work we’ve contracted to do isn’t done right, we’ll make it right. We can’t control weather, natural conditions, or factors outside our scope, but we can control how we work — with integrity, honesty, and no shortcuts.
Three generations of experience have taught us that the right way is the only way. That’s what we promise every customer who puts their trust in us.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23
Our Proven Horse Arena Building Process
Every arena we build follows a step-by-step process that combines experience, modern equipment, and attention to detail — so your horses train on a safe, long-lasting surface.
Site Evaluation & Planning
We start with a thorough evaluation of your property. This includes soil type, slope, natural drainage patterns, and accessibility for equipment. Choosing the right location ensures your arena doesn’t flood, rut, or settle over time. We’ll also discuss your layout preferences, arena size, and any add-ons like access roads; if you need fencing, we’ll connect you with trusted contractors
Clearing, Grading & Base Preparation
We clear and shape the arena site, then begin preparing the subgrade. This involves cutting and grading the surface to proper elevations and compacting it in layers for strength and stability. A well-prepared base prevents settling, ruts, and uneven footing. We also fine-grade the surface so water flows correctly and the arena is ready for the next phase.
Drainage & Footing Installation
Proper drainage is what makes an arena last. We design and install systems that move water away from the riding surface — whether that’s swales, culverts, or underdrains. Once the drainage is in place, we spread and compact footing materials in layers. This creates a surface that drains well, provides consistent traction, and reduces strain on your horses.
Final Touches & Customization
With the base and footing complete, we finish the arena to your specifications. That may include fencing, gates, access roads, or additional compaction passes for a polished surface. That may include access roads or additional compaction passes for a polished surface. If you need fencing, we’ll connect you with trusted contractors Every arena we build is delivered as a turnkey project, ready for immediate use.
Horse Arenas
Answers to the most common questions about our arena work.
- How much does it cost to build a horse arena?
Prices vary because every arena is different. Factors like site conditions, soil type, drainage needs, arena size, and customization all affect cost. As a general ballpark, smaller private arenas may start around $15,000–$25,000, while larger training or competition arenas can exceed $50,000+. These are only guidelines — every project is unique and we provide detailed estimates based on your property and goals.
- Can you repair or regrade an existing horse arena?
Yes. We offer arena repair and maintenance services, including regrading, footing refresh, and drainage corrections. This helps extend the life of your arena and improve safety.
- What size arena should I build?
Arena size depends on how you plan to use it. A small private riding arena may be 60x100 feet, while training or competition arenas often run 100x200 feet or larger. We’ll help you choose the best fit for your property and riding needs.
- How do you handle drainage for arenas?
Drainage is critical for a usable, long-lasting arena. We design slopes, swales, and install culverts or underdrains as needed to move water away from the surface. Every arena we build includes drainage planning.
- What materials do you use for the riding surface?
We typically use footing materials that balance traction, drainage, and shock absorption — such as stone screenings, sand, or a blended footing mix. The best choice depends on your horses, budget, and maintenance goals.
- How long does it take to build a horse arena?
Most arenas take 2–4 weeks depending on weather, site conditions, and size. Larger or more customized projects may take longer. We’ll give you a clear timeline before work begins.
- Do you offer turnkey arena builds?
Yes. From site clearing and grading to footing, drainage, and access roads — we handle every step of the arena construction. While we don’t install fencing ourselves, we can connect you with trusted fencing contractors to complete your project.
- How often does an arena need maintenance?
Most arenas benefit from regrading and footing refresh every few years, depending on use, weather, and soil conditions. Heavy-use or competition arenas may need attention more often to stay safe and level. We can assess your arena and recommend the right maintenance schedule.
- Are you insured for this type of work?
Yes. JG Grading & Landscaping is fully licensed and insured, with multi-million-dollar coverage. When we’re on your property, you can have complete peace of mind knowing you’re protected from start to finish.
- What makes your arenas different from others?
The difference is in the details. Many contractors will simply scrape and level dirt, but a quality arena takes more than that — it requires the right grading, layered compaction, and proper drainage. That’s where we stand apart. As a third-generation contractor, JG Grading & Landscaping delivers professional results backed by experience, insurance, and our satisfaction guarantee. We don’t cut corners, and we don’t disappear after the job. Your arena will be built to last.
See Why Riders & Landowners Trust Us for Horse Arenas
Our clients count on JG Grading & Landscaping for arenas that are built with precision, drainage, and durability — backed by our satisfaction guarantee.
Did a great job clearing several acres of our property that had become overgrown. It was a difficult job and they took extra care to not damage any trees. They also did a great job regrading the areas that were very uneven from past work others did on the land. Easy to work with, responsible and professional. I highly recommend them.
John is a true professional that knows his business. Stayed in contact before the job was done. Showed up on time and did a great job straightening out some erosion problems I had and gravelling our driveway. Highly recommend.
Had JG Grading and Landscaping out to my new construction home for a driveway and grading job. He did a fantastic and quick job at a reasonable price. His attention to detail was top notch concerning the design of my new driveway. Highly recommend!
Leave us a reviewOur clients count on JG Grading & Landscaping for arenas that are built with precision, drainage, and durability — backed by our satisfaction guarantee.