Riding Above the Trees: A Hillside Oasis in Arkansas

How Lauren turned a steep, wooded hillside in Arkansas into an outdoor arena that rides like it's floating in the trees.

New Beginnings in Arkansas

Building an equestrian arena is more than just construction — it's creating a space where dreams take shape and horses thrive. Lauren's hillside property in Arkansas is a shining example of how vision, expertise, and collaboration can turn a challenging landscape into an extraordinary equestrian haven.

Lauren and her husband relocated from the bustle of Seattle to a serene lakeside property in Arkansas, excited to create the perfect space for their equestrian lifestyle. While the property included a small indoor arena, it lacked the outdoor arena Lauren needed to school her horses comfortably and safely over fences.

Navigating the Challenges of the Terrain

When she set out to make her vision a reality, Lauren quickly realized the many challenges ahead. Recommendations from local boarding facilities often leaned toward do-it-yourself solutions — a daunting prospect given the unique challenges of her property's sloped terrain. Her property called for something extraordinary. Enter Austin Wood and Diamond W Contracting, a TruTex-certified builder and trusted partner in bringing challenging arena projects to life.

From the start, Austin's approach resonated with Lauren. His extensive experience and genuine commitment to understanding her vision set the tone for the project. TruTex joined the collaboration, providing a top-quality surface to complement the exceptional construction.

Transforming the Landscape

The transformation was monumental. Over 50,000 yards of rock and dirt were moved to create a level surface — equivalent to more than 3,500 truckloads — with challenges like river rock and drainage tackled head-on. Throughout the process, transparency and detailed planning were invaluable. Lauren appreciated the constant communication and thoughtful approach to addressing every concern, from drainage to site placement.

The project began to take shape in August, and by September, Lauren's vision had become a stunning reality. The result? An arena that seamlessly blends into the surrounding foliage, offering a riding experience Lauren described in one memorable line:

The arena was built with precision, from its optimal placement on the hillside to the meticulous attention to drainage and functionality.

The Finishing Touch: TruTex Footing

The TruTex surface was the final touch, perfectly tailored for Lauren's needs. Even after heavy rains, the arena has exceeded her expectations, proving as functional as it is beautiful.

Lauren's once-distant dream is now a reality — an arena that fulfills her practical needs and inspires awe with its beauty and dependability. It's a testament to what can be achieved with the right team.

Turning a Vision Into Reality

A challenging site, the right builder, and a surface matched to the way Lauren rides — together they turned a steep, wooded hillside into a place where she and her horses can thrive. Projects like this are a reminder of why the details matter: get the site, the drainage, and the footing right, and you're left with an arena you can enjoy for many years to come.