Lighting requirements for riding halls: training and competition
DIN EN 12193 specifies for riding halls 200 lx at a uniformity of 0.5 for training and leisure riding (Class III), 300 lx at 0.6 for mid-level competitions (Class II) and 500 lx at 0.7 for top-level sport (Class I). For the outdoor riding arena, 100, 200 and 500 lx apply.
From Leon Weber, Key Account Manager Sport · As of:
Overview by level
The standard assigns lighting classes by level of competition: international Class I, regional Class I or II, local Class I, II or III, training Class II or III, school and recreational sport Class III.
| League / level | Lighting class / requirement | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Training, school and leisure riding | III | 200 lx, U 0.5 |
| Mid-level competitions | II | 300 lx, U 0.6 |
| High-performance sport | I | 500 lx, U 0.7 |
| Outdoor riding arena | III to I | 100 lx, U 0.5, GR ≤ 55 (III); 200 lx, U 0.5, GR ≤ 55 (II); 500 lx, U 0.7, GR ≤ 50 (I) |
lx = average horizontal illuminance (except Ecam), U = uniformity (Emin/Em), GR = glare rating. Minimum values per DIN EN 12193 unless stated otherwise.
What do the values mean?
Lux tells you how much light reaches the pitch. Uniformity shows how evenly it is distributed, and the glare rating how strongly the floodlights cause glare.
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Illuminance (lx): How much light falls on a surface. 1 lx equals 1 lumen per square metre. For sports facilities, the average horizontal illuminance on the playing area is usually given.
Uniformity (U): Lowest divided by average illuminance. The closer the value is to 1, the more even the light.
Glare rating (GR): Assesses how strongly floodlights cause glare at outdoor facilities, on a scale from 10 (no glare) to 90 (unbearable glare).
Light for training and leisure riding
For general training, school and leisure riding, Class III applies: 200 lx at a uniformity of 0.5. For training, the standard also permits Class II, which makes sense for performance training.
Horses see very well in twilight. You should therefore avoid large differences in luminance so that the animals stay calm.
For riding halls there are the 07v5 ECO and the 07v6. Both have IP65 protection and are dimmable via 0–10 V.
Light for competitions
For mid-level competitions, Class II applies: 300 lx at a uniformity of 0.6. For regional competitions the standard permits Class I or II, and for local ones also Class III. Before planning, clarify whether the organiser or association requires more.
So that horse and rider can see obstacles well, higher vertical illuminance is needed. Spectators benefit too. A system for competitions can be dimmed for training.
Light for top-level sport
For top-level competitions and training, Class I applies: 500 lx at a uniformity of 0.7. The class is also designed for spectators at long viewing distances.
Outdoor riding arena
For outdoor riding arenas, show jumping and dressage, the values are lower: 100 lx in Class III and 200 lx in Class II, each at 0.5 and GR 55, and 500 lx at 0.7 and GR 50 in Class I.
So that judges, trainers and spectators can see horse and rider well, sufficient vertical illuminance is also important outdoors.
In a power failure: emergency lighting
If the mains fails, an event must be able to end in an orderly way. According to licht.wissen, emergency lighting must start immediately for this. For riding, that is 5% of the usual illuminance, indoors and outdoors, for at least 120 seconds.
Frequently asked questions
How many lux does a riding hall need for training?
Under DIN EN 12193, at least 200 lx at a uniformity of 0.5 in Class III. For performance training, Class II with 300 lx at 0.6 is an option.
How many lux does a riding hall need for competitions?
For mid-level competitions 300 lx at a uniformity of 0.6, for top-level sport 500 lx at 0.7. Clarify beforehand whether the organiser or association requires more.
Do the same values apply to a riding hall and an outdoor arena?
Only in Class I. For Class III the standard gives 200 lx in the hall instead of 100 lx, and for Class II 300 lx instead of 200 lx. In Class I it is 500 lx both indoors and outdoors, outdoors with the additional glare rating GR 50.
Can a riding hall be planned for both training and competitions?
Yes. The system is designed for the higher requirement and dimmed for training. The 07v5 ECO and the 07v6 are dimmable via 0–10 V.
Send an enquiry for riding hall lighting at your level
Tell us about the hall and its use. We will clarify the requirements and get back to you with an initial assessment.
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