FAQS

Arenas vary in cost dramatically.

While we do work with fencing contractors, build arenas in fully enclosed indoor facilities with stables and lights, our core focus is on the arena it’s self. From the base to the surface.

Costs depend heavily on size, footing, surface requirements, location, access & material availability a just a few items we have to factor in.

Cost Factors Explained:

Size: Larger arenas demand more materials for base, footing, and structure.

Type: Outdoor or indoor and primary discipline affect arena costs too.

Footing: The mix from base to final surface employees most of our cost differentiation, which comes down to your discipline/intended use and multiple site and environmental factors.

Site Prep: Excavation, cutting into hills, levelling, filling and drainage can also affect costs.

Infrastructure: While we don’t provide fencing or lighting systems, they are options to consider.

Arena Access: If your arena is in a paddock, or close to a main road heavy vehicle access will also be a factor. We can build temporary access paths in certain scenarios.

Depending on material availability and access in terms of the project scope, we may suggest we build permanent or a more heavy duty/low maintenance access system.

Key Takeaway: A high-quality arena is a significant investment; expect a base cost for site prep plus budget for a good footing system.

We aim to give you the most accurate quote and rarely exceed that unless major changes are requested during the project (for example increasing the size of the arena).

We supply and install mostly Riversand Surfaces, Riversand + Woodchip Mixes and have access to premium surface products worldwide.

Depending on your location, discipline and usage, surface selection is discussed during the quoting process to ensure the best long-term performance.

Drainage requirements are entirely dependent on your site’s specific conditions. Some locations with ideal soil profiles and natural fall require very little intervention.

At KAMCO, we assess your soil profile and site levels to determine if a drainage solution is necessary to support the longevity and year-round usability of your arena.

Timeframes vary based on weather, site conditions, and arena size. The active construction phase can range from a matter of days to several weeks, depending on factors such as material availability and site complexity. We aim for an efficient build process and will provide a realistic timeframe for your project once we are on-site.

While not strictly essential for the function of your arena, edging provides a clean, finished aesthetic and can help contain the surface material within the perimeter.

Many clients find it makes maintenance and mowing around the arena easier – we can assess your site’s suitability for edging during our inspection and provide a quote for this optional feature if it aligns with your goals.

We specialise in the design and installation of high-performance surfaces for both covered and fully enclosed indoor arenas.

While we do not construct the building structure, we often work alongside builders to ensure the base and surface are engineered to the highest standards.

Whether you are installing a surface in a brand-new facility or upgrading an existing one, we provide the specialist groundworks required for a premium indoor riding experience.

We provide custom-designed round yards and lunging rings as part of our larger arena construction projects.

To maintain the efficiency of our on-site equipment and team, we typically offer these installations only when they are paired with a full arena build.

This allows us to ensure that the base and surface quality of your lunging area match the high standards of your main arena.

Yes, absolutely. KAMCO is a family-run business led by Stewart Kammann, who has spent a lifetime in the saddle. Stewart’s competitive career includes winning the BOND Australian Derby in 1982 and decades of experience in the show jumping circuit. This "rider’s perspective" is at the heart of every project; we don’t just move dirt—we understand exactly how a surface needs to feel for the safety and performance of both horse and rider.

Our focus is specialised. At KAMCO, we invest in purpose-built equipment designed specifically for arena construction rather than general earthmoving – However, our aim is to ensure that the entire riding environment is integrated and built to our precision standards.

At KAMCO, we understand that different disciplines require specific surface characteristics—from the stability needed for a 20m dressage circle to the impact absorption required for a show jumping landing. We specialise in:

• Dressage Arenas: Precision-leveled surfaces designed for consistency and support.

• Show Jumping Arenas: Engineered for superior traction and "flick" to support performance and joint health.

• Campdraft & Reining Arenas: Durable builds designed to handle the high-intensity lateral work and speed of Western disciplines.

• Indoor & Covered Arenas: Specialist surface installations for enclosed facilities, focusing on moisture retention and dust management.

• Round Yards & Lunging Rings: Purpose-built as part of a complete arena project to ensure your training areas match your main arena’s quality.

Regardless of the discipline, we factor in your specific usage—whether for private daily training or high-traffic competition use—to determine the best base and top-coat configuration for your property.

The requirement for planning or development approval varies significantly between local shires and councils across Western Australia.

Factors such as land zoning (Rural, Rural Living, or Rural Residential), the volume of earthworks, and proximity to wetlands or property boundaries can all trigger different permit requirements.

It is the sole responsibility of the client to contact their local council and ensure all necessary approvals, permits, and Equine Management Plans are in place before construction begins.

While KAMCO provides the specialist construction and surface expertise, we do not provide planning or legal advice.

There is no single "standard" size, as the ideal dimensions depend entirely on your discipline and available space. Common reference sizes include 20m x 40m (small dressage/training) and 20m x 60m (standard/Olympic dressage). Show Jumping typically requires much larger areas, such as 50m x 80m or 60m x 100m, to allow for safe lines and combinations. Western disciplines have their own specific requirements, such as 100ft x 200ft for reining.

For general riding or multi-purpose use, we can design custom sizes to suit your property. At KAMCO, we work with you to determine the most functional dimensions for your specific needs while factoring in the natural constraints of your site.

We aim to build arenas that remain usable through as many days of the year as possible.

By assessing your site's natural fall and soil type etc, we design a base and can advise on a drainage profile intended to manage Western Australia’s seasonal extremes—from heavy winter rains to the heat of summer.

While no outdoor arena is entirely immune to extreme weather events, our focus is on rapid recovery and structural integrity.

Dust levels are generally influenced by environmental factors, surface age, and moisture content. In the Western Australian climate, sand-based surfaces may require regular moisture management to help stabilise the material.

Results depend on many variables and while we aim to mitigate these often they are beyond our control.

Not all sand is equal, or available.

We often use River sand, however the specific sand choice depends on your discipline, location, budget and the arena environment.

Yes. While flat land is often ideal, we specialise in cut-and-fill excavation to transform sloping blocks into perfectly level riding pads. This process involves excavating soil from the high side ("cut") and compacting sand or fill on the low side ("fill") to create a solid base.

Stewart Kammann, our founder, is an ex-competitive showjumper. We don't just move dirt; we understand biomechanics. A general earthmover might build a flat pad, but they rarely understand the nuances of shear strength, energy return, and surface safety required for equine performance.

We build arenas for riders, by riders.