A new Wordley Martin arena has taken shape in one of the most beautiful corners of New Zealand. Set against rolling green hills and views that stretch all the way to the mountains, this outdoor project was created for a private client who wanted a training space that could perform at the highest level while blending naturally into the landscape.
The centerpiece of the build is a full sub-irrigated arena designed to deliver consistency in every stride. New Zealand’s climate can shift quickly, and the goal was to create a riding surface that stays balanced, reliable, and ready for work throughout the year.
Sub irrigation manages moisture from beneath the footing, allowing the surface to remain even and predictable without the need for daily manual watering. Riders experience the same feel whether they are schooling early in the morning or jumping in the afternoon, even when weather changes throughout the day.
This project was completed in partnership with Rodney Martin of Earthworks Taranaki, whose site development and grading expertise played a key role in shaping the arena. The space sits naturally within the property, framed by mature trees and sculpted with clean grading that supports both drainage and the overall aesthetic.
Every detail was planned so the arena complements its surroundings rather than standing apart from them. The result feels intentional, polished, and seamlessly woven into the landscape.
At the center of the riding experience is the Wordley Martin footing blend. Horses benefit from a surface that provides clarity underfoot, holding the right balance of firmness and cushion through every phase of work.
This supports soundness, confidence, and quality movement, giving riders the ability to train productively day after day. The footing allows horses to feel secure while maintaining the responsiveness needed for higher-level work.
The completed arena is both beautiful and dependable. It offers a quiet, focused training environment and remains consistent no matter the weather. For the rider who calls this property home, it provides the stability and reliability required to continue progressing without interruption.
This New Zealand project highlights Wordley Martin’s continued international growth and the company’s dedication to building arenas that combine performance, longevity, and thoughtful design.
Surrounded by some of the most striking natural scenery in the world, the finished arena feels as if it has always belonged there while providing the engineering and footing that riders expect from Wordley Martin.
