The post on mylar glass-less mirrors set me thinking and googling. There is a manufacturer near me that makes rigid backed mylar mirrors (for dance and exercise studios) at a very reasonable price. What would be the minimum useful size? These are 4’x6’. I had thought one on a short end and 2 beside each other on the long side, so 4’ x 6’ and 4’ x12’. They are thin so would need to be mounted on plywood but might still be worth it at about $400 for all 3.
Wow!! Where are you finding those prices? That is what I am finding for ONE mirror that size - either the mylar glassless, or the acrylic (i.e. plexiglass). is there something else I should google?
I have measured the mirrors in a few different arenas, and the ones that look like professional area mirrors are 5’ tall or higher. I think 4’ would be useful and you could get a good view of rider’s hand and legs, horse’s neck, and depending how far away you are, may get the horse’s legs/hooves. Would probably be cutting off the rider’s head much of the time.
6’ wide on the center line, or on the ends of the short side would work well for seeing straightness and alignment when heading straight toward it, or doing shoulder-in, haunches-in, etc. One of the arenas I ride in has 4’ wide (5’tall) mirrors for this, and they are quite useful, but I often wish they were wider when doing lateral work. One on the center line would work, but you will probably wind up wanting to add two more so that you can check your lateral work each direction on the rail as well.
The 12 foot long mirror will be good for getting a view of the horse’s outline/neck and the rider’s position from the side, but less than optimal to really see the leg action (esp extended trot) Our arena has 16’ long mirror in the middle of the long side. I find them generally quite good. Great for work on a circle, and for checking my position, but longer would be better for extensions on the diagonal.
(I think it is like so many other things. You start out with a reasonable plan and budget, but then just a little bigger would be better, and then even a little bigger would be better, then just one more would be better … … …)
Thanks- it is not my arena, and BO is not a dressage enthusiast so I will have to play my cards right…
We went with the mirrored closet door on a runner from Home Depot - think we have the short side of the area on either side of the big sliding door - 6 on one side and 4 on the other - hung at an angle. They were very affordable compared to other options and have held up great - tho we do not turn horses out in the indoor! I dont remember the size or price but worked out fantastic!
