manege

Manege, from the French word manège meaning riding school or riding arena, is a term used in several European languages to describe an enclosed space designed for horsemanship and, in some contexts, for circus performances. It originally referred to a riding academy or hall where horses are exercised and trained, and over time the term has come to denote similar spaces in various settings.

In equestrian contexts, a manege is typically a rectangular or circular arena, enclosed by a low barrier. The surface is usually soft, such as sand or a sand-rubber mix, to cushion the horses’ movements. The space is used for riding instruction, lunging, and dressage work. Indoor manege buildings may include features such as proper lighting, ventilation, and sometimes mirrors or mounting blocks. Dimensions and facilities vary widely depending on local tradition and purpose.

In circus and performance contexts, the manege refers to the ring or arena where acts take place. It is often surrounded by seating for spectators and may be part of a larger tent, pavilion, or permanent building. The size, footing, and safety measures depend on the venue and the performing acts, which may involve horses, ponies, or other trained animals, as well as human performers.

Variations in usage exist across languages: some use manege primarily for riding halls, others for the performance ring. In English, the term is relatively rare and is commonly replaced by riding arena or circus ring. See also: equestrian facility, dressage arena, circus ring.