arena location, thoughts

I have a delima,

I have 2 different spots I can have a outdoor ring set up. One spot is near the barn, solid clay. Size would be roughly 50 x 75 feet, Pretty open area. I set up a ring years ago there, then moved it to spot mentioned below

The current spot is a little softer ground, ring is 60 x 110 feet, Problem is its right next door to our neighbors property and there is a hedge row about 10 feet from the side of my ring. The neighbors dogs constantly go through the hedgerow and spook my horses when we are trying to ride (hedge row is about 10 ft wide, consists of trees, long grass & brushey undergrowth). One of their dog houses is right on the other side of the hedgerow also, so the one dog can still raise heck without leaving their yard (one is tied, the other dog runs loose)

I would almost rather move it up toward the barn, but am concerned that the ring won't be large enough for two us to ride comfortably.

Thoughts?

I would be concerned about the dogs too. Not just the spooking...but are they going to be barking the whole time you are riding? If so...that would be so annoying

They usually stop after a bit, I've chased them back over the hedgerow a few times with the lunge whip. They are just a pain in the rear end.

Can you talk to your neighbors about moving their dogs farther from the hedge? Or put up a privacy fence on that side?

I would like a bigger arena personally, so you don't feel cramped or wont be able to really work your horse. (just like you can only do so much in a round pen.)

I would tell your neighbour that you are having issues with their dogs venturing onto your land, and ask them to either tie both dogs or put up a fence. It is your land after all.
As for the barking, if it is excessive is there someone to report it to?? Otherwise, if they stop after a while I don't see it as being a problem. Its just something the horse has to get used to.

Either call animal control when the dogs come onto your property, or put up a fence.

I would suggest going over and talking to your neighbors. Say that not only is it dangerous for you and the horses, but to the dog too.
If they don't seem to care, see if you can put up a fence in that location.

I would rather have more room to ride, then less, though I don't know if I would always want to deal with the dogs everytime I ride

Put up a fence and the next time the dogs come running through, boy are they and their little heads getting a surprise! Ir even one strand of electric will have the dogs thinking again about running through to your property. I also like the animal control idea. Be rude about it. I would not put up with neighbor's dogs on my property, regardless of where my horses and riding arena were.
I would opt for the larger space. And if possible I would actually put in a base, pack it and get some footing on there. It's a bunch better for the horses.

Our stupid little dog barks alot too, Its not the barking that spooks the horses and they do stop. Its the hedgerow wandering by the Jack Russell Terrier and occasional trip by the bigger dog. The horse think its a lion coming through there.

They are pretty good neighbors overall. They are just "old school" type people and are retired from the working world (a long time ago) Everyone just stays pretty much to themselves around here. They really don't have a lot of room where they are as far as their yard goes.(its just a small lot) Its just the way their house & lot are designed it means their main back yard is right next to my ring. I thought about talking to them but I can just see their dog darting out under their feet anyways. They are older folks and not as quick as they used to be

that's why I was kind of leaning towards moving the ring.

I think a fence would fix the problem, and they seem reasonable so maybe ask if they will split the cost with you.
They sound like they don't mean you no harm, just don't know any better. Im sure if you talked to them everything will work out the best for both of you.