Indoor arenas should not have the roof supported by unnecessary intermediate pillars as it can create collision danger for both horses and riders. So be sure to consider clear span designs when planning.
Doors should be placed in the right direction, away from prevailing winds. Big doors can become safety hazards when left open or unsecured during windy conditions.
If you are planning to hire out or use your future indoor arena for public events or commercial use, make sure you have exit doors and a clear indication of exit points in numerous places.
There should be proper management of fire safety in the arena at all times.
Knee protection of riders and shoulder protection of horses is one of the big concerns in the indoor riding arena. An angled sidewall to the rider height on the inside walls of the arena can help protect the rider's knee and horse’s shoulder. Everything around the arena along the rail should be kept smooth and free from areas where riders can knock a knee if the horses were to lean onto the wall or lean onto the railing.
Lighting and airflow should be adequate inside the arena.