Why a Portable Light Tower is Essential for a Horse Arena
Portable Light Towers for Arenas Without Permanent Light Poles
In a roping arena without permanent light poles, a portable light tower provides an ideal temporary lighting solution. This is especially useful for new arenas that are still under construction. While waiting for the permanent lighting to be installed, portable light towers allow the arena to be used immediately, ensuring that both horses and riders are safe from potential injuries. The portability of these towers allows for strategic placement, such as near pipe fencing to prevent collisions or near covered boxes to keep other horses calm.
Temporary Lighting for Equestrian Activities
Portable light towers are versatile and can be used for various equestrian activities, whether in a dressage or rodeo arena. These temporary light sources enhance safety for both riders and horses, making it easier for them to navigate through irregular surfaces or see beyond the rails. Horses, known for their curiosity and sensitivity, benefit from the additional lighting, which reduces the chances of them being spooked by deep shadows or unfamiliar shapes. Additionally, light towers can be placed inside horse barns to illuminate new box stalls, ensuring a well-lit environment for the horses.
Lighting for Occasional Arena Use
For horse arenas that are used infrequently, such as a small schooling ring or an additional arena, portable light towers offer a cost-effective solution. There is no need for the installation of permanent light poles, which can be expensive and unnecessary for occasional use. By placing portable light towers at strategic points around the arena, you can quickly set up the necessary lighting. This flexibility allows for efficient training sessions without the ongoing costs associated with permanent lighting installations. Lightweight models make setup easy and convenient, enabling you to illuminate the arena within minutes.
Targeted Lighting for Specific Areas of the Arena
Portable light towers provide the flexibility to light up specific areas of a horse arena as needed. This targeted approach is energy-efficient and allows for focused practice sessions. For instance, if you need to practice cross-country jumping or prepare your horse for dressage movements like piaffe or pirouette, a portable light tower can create a well-lit area tailored to your training needs. This adaptability encourages more frequent and effective training sessions for both young and experienced horses.
Constituents of a Temporary, Mobile Riding Arena Light Tower
Floodlights or Spotlights
Modern mobile light towers for horse arenas often feature LED reflectors ranging from 100 to 1,000 watts. These LED lights are not only energy-efficient, consuming 50-80% less electricity than traditional halogen bulbs, but they also avoid the overheating issues common with other types of lighting. Additionally, LED lights allow control over the color temperature, typically recommended at a neutral white of more than 5,000 Kelvin. This color temperature helps enhance concentration and reduces eye strain for both horses and riders. Depending on your needs, you can choose between floodlights, which offer a broad beam angle, and spotlights, which have a narrow beam angle ideal for illuminating distant areas of the arena.
Adjustable Light Pole
A key component of a mobile light tower is the telescopic light pole, which typically ranges from 4 to 15 meters in height. The taller the pole, the better the light uniformity across the arena, which is essential to avoid dimly lit areas. Modern light towers often feature adjustable poles that can be raised or lowered using a smartphone app or physical switches, making it easy to achieve the desired height for optimal lighting.
Generator
The generator powers both the floodlights and the light pole system. It consists of a heat engine and an electric alternator, which work together to generate electricity. You can choose between alternating current (AC) generators, which are more common, or direct current (DC) generators that require additional circuitry. Many mobile light towers are available with either option, and custom models can be ordered for specific equestrian needs.
Solar Panel
For those interested in sustainable energy options, solar light towers are available for rent or purchase. These towers come equipped with photovoltaic panels that convert daylight into electricity, which is stored in a lithium battery. However, it’s important to note that the panels require up to eight hours of direct sunlight to fully charge the battery. Alternatively, you can install solar panels on the roof of a horse barn or facility, which can be used to power indoor lights and recharge the portable light tower batteries through a specially designed socket.
Movable Trailer or Frame
Mobile light towers generally fall into two categories. The first type includes professional models with a trailer that houses the generator and other accessories. These models typically come with wheels and a truck hook for easy transportation. They are designed to be easily maneuvered or towed by a truck or SUV. The second type includes lightweight models that are easy to position and are often used for temporary or emergency lighting. However, caution is advised with these models as they can be easily knocked over by a horse.
Lightning Protection
At the top of the telescopic light pole, a lightning conductor is installed to ensure safety, particularly in open areas near horse arenas where there are no tall buildings. This feature is especially critical when stallions are kept in outdoor arenas during stormy weather. The presence of a lightning rod on the portable light tower can be a lifesaver, protecting both horses and their handlers from potential lightning strikes.
Points to Note When Buying a Portable Horse Arena Mobile Light Tower
Lumens and Wattage
When considering portable light towers, it’s essential to focus on the efficiency of the LED lights. For example, a 100W LED floodlight can replace a 500W halogen bulb, making it a more energy-efficient choice. Standard voltage for these lights is typically 230V, but low voltage options of 12-24V are also available. To achieve the desired lux level in your arena, it’s crucial to note the lumen output of each light. For those training for top-level competitions, understanding the relationship between lumen output and the area of the arena will help you determine the current lux level. Using a lux meter can provide more accurate readings.
Lifespan
The lifespan of LED light towers varies, with higher-end models offering up to 50,000 hours or more. Some movable towers allow for bulb replacement, but it’s important to consider the lifespan of the bulbs. Even the most affordable LED models typically have a lifespan of over 30,000 hours, equating to about 22 years of continuous use. This longevity makes them ideal for advanced features such as automatic on/off functions using motion and light sensors, enhanced heat dissipation to maintain optimal operating temperatures, and high IP protection ratings that guard against dust and rainwater.
Lighting Control System
It’s important to evaluate the available lighting control systems for portable light towers. Remote control capabilities can be particularly beneficial, allowing riders to adjust the lighting without dismounting. For specific equestrian activities, adjusting the height of the telescopic light pole or altering the luminous intensity may be necessary. Understanding the control options available is crucial before making a purchase. If you’re unsure, it’s always wise to consult the seller to clarify any doubts.
Generator Capacity
The generator’s capacity is a key consideration, as it should be able to provide electricity for extended periods, ideally between 8 and 24 hours. Many portable power supplies are manually operated with a pull-off system, while others include a starter motor and battery for easier operation, albeit at the cost of increased weight and dimensions. Some traditional models also offer automatic starting through an electronic control system that interfaces with the electrical network of the horse barn, arena, or facility, ensuring light availability during power failures.
Buying or Renting Portable Riding Arena Lighting
Deciding whether to buy or rent portable light towers depends on your specific needs. If you require temporary or occasional lighting, renting may be the best option, as it alleviates concerns about the light source type and lifespan. However, if you own a ranch or multiple riding arenas and require consistent lighting throughout the year, purchasing portable light towers is a better investment. Consider whether a standard model or a solar light tower would best suit your needs based on your specific requirements.
Conclusion
A mobile light tower can be invaluable for arenas requiring spotlights or broader illumination with multiple floodlights. When planning for temporary horse arena lighting, it’s essential to prioritize the needs of both the horse and rider. If you purchase a movable tower, you’ll need to plan for storage. On the other hand, renting involves the logistics of transporting the light towers. Ultimately, evaluating the quality of the light tower’s components is crucial. Seeking professional advice from experts can help you find a customized solution that best fits your needs.