Events
We are the world-wide frontrunner in event arenas. Discover why!
Events: Our Specialty
The Asian Games, the FEI World Cup finals and even the Olympics – Poels arenas can be found in the largest events in the world. And that is something we take pride in. As pioneers in the field of horse arenas for events, we have developed a unique workflow and specialised materials that differentiate us from our competitors. This is clearly appreciated in the market. Our European quality and approach style are what brought us this far, literally and figuratively. Together with the equestrian sports world, we are constantly pushing our boundaries and discovering new possibilities.
Trusted Worldwide
We deliver safe and durable horse arenas that offer the perfect riding experience for events and for both professional and recreational riders all across the world.
Discover some of our realisations below.
Our Unique Approach
Poels was one of the very first companies that aimed specifically for equestrian sports arenas. We quickly developed a couple of innovative concepts, such as our mobile sand surface and we never stopped innovating. After 30 years, our range of services and materials for events has become boundless, which is only surpassed by our expertise.
Our approach starts with a thorough analysis of every event’s needs, taking into account factors such as location, subsoil, climate and the competition’s specific requirements. We then employ advanced technology and innovative materials that not only warrant durability and safety but also optimise the performances of horse and rider.
Advice and Analysis
We’ve accumulated a tremendous amount of expertise over more than 30 years of building horse arenas all over the world for the most renowned stables, events and organisations.
We happily share our acquired knowledge with our customers so that everyone can enjoy high-quality and safe riding accommodations. We do this in a number of ways. If you are looking to build a new horse arena or rather to analyse and improve an existing footing, we are ready to support you with our profound knowledge and expert advice.
We will design the perfect footing for your (temporary or permanent) horse arena, in accordance with your specific needs and requirements.
We will offer extensive support and advice for the construction and maintenance of your arena. Our experts make sure you know exactly which steps to follow in order to achieve a top performance. From project management to optimising maintenance routines – we happily support you with our expert advice.
We will provide complete documentation of the composition and properties of the footing. This information will help you optimise the maintenance and performance of your arena.
We will perform several extensive tests to determine the quality and suitability of the sand for your arena. With thorough analyses we are then able to align the sand to the specific needs and requirements of our customers and their horses.
We will happily advise you in selecting the most suitable type of sand and ideal mixtures for your specific situation. Our knowledge of the various sand types and mixtures is endless.
Certified FEI Footing Specialist
Did you know that our very own Bart Poels is a certified FEI Footing Specialist? In this context, he’s been known to give advice at some of the world’s largest equestrian events, including the Olympic Games and the FEI World Cup Finals.
Pioneers in Equestrian Sports Arenas
What is now an established value in the market, once started off at the kitchen table. We started off small-scale by building arenas in our close neighbourhood and for local events. Later, by thinking in an ambitious, innovative and grand way, we evolved to a name that is trusted worldwide in the equine industry.
The 80s: Arena construction nearby
In the 80s, we started leaving a Poels impression on the local equestrian sports community by building a couple of permanent arenas in our neighbourhood. Our first large event project was one that we still carry deep in our hearts: Jumping Mechelen. The trust we got from the Flanders Christmas Jumping signified the beginning of our business-to-business services. We are tremendously proud that to this day, we are the ones who get to provide the arenas for the magnificent Jumping Mechelen. 
2002: A leap to international recognition
After having built several temporary and permanent arenas for a variety of European competitions, we were commissioned to build the arena for the World Cup Finals in Leipzig in 2002. This large international assignment signified a paramount moment for our company and opened doors to other large projects all over the world.
2008: Poels at the Olympics
In 2008, our expertise was acknowledged once again when Poels was selected to construct the arena for the Olympic Games in Beijing. We are immensely proud of this impressive performance.
2012: A New Milestone at the London Olympics
After numerous international projects, 2012 marked a major milestone: the Olympic Games in London. The arenas were built and maintained under the watchful eye of Bart Poels, as FEI Footing Specialist. With his extensive expertise and experience, Bart was the perfect fit for this challenging assignment. FEI Footing Specialist. With his extensive expertise and experience, Bart was the perfect fit for this challenging assignment.
2018: World Equestrian Games in Tryon
In 2018, Bart Poels once again took on a major international competition: the World Equestrian Games in Tryon. As an FEI Footing Specialist, he ensured that all footing related activities ran smoothly and he closely monitored every aspect of the process—from construction to maintenance—to guarantee top-quality footing from start to finish
2024: Olympic Games in Paris
For the 2024 Olympic Games, Bart Poels had the unique opportunity to work as an FEI Footing Specialist at the stunning grounds of the Château de Versailles. From the initial setup to the final event, he worked alongside local teams, sharing his expertise and guiding them. Thanks to his keen eye and years of experience, the equestrian arenas were maintained to perfection.
