Regan and Katherine Lyons, owners of Top Gun Horse Training in Ridgelands, required a substantial roof-only arena structure for their business operations. Specialising in cutting, cow horse, and campdrafting events, the Lyons bring over 30 years of experience to their training facility near Rockhampton. The project required a weatherproof, open-sided arena suitable for year-round horse training.
Top Gun Horse Training needed a large-scale equestrian structure that balanced open-air functionality with year-round weather protection. The arena had to support intensive training for cutting, cow horse, and campdrafting disciplines, meaning an open-sided design was essential for visibility, airflow, and manoeuvrability. At the same time, the structure needed to withstand Queensland’s harsh conditions — from scorching sun to heavy rain — without compromising on durability or safety.
With budget a key factor, the solution also had to deliver maximum coverage and long-term performance without the added expense of full wall enclosures. The challenge lay in designing a shed that was tough, cost-effective, and purpose-built for serious equestrian work.
ABC Sheds designed and delivered a 36m x 30m roof-only cutting arena featuring six spacious 6-metre bays, a 5.25m eave height, and a 7.5° gable roof for effective water runoff and cost efficiency. Built with hot-dip galvanised columns and open web joist trusses, the shed offers the durability and strength required for Queensland’s tough rural conditions and the demands of intensive horse training.
The structure features robust 410 UB hot-dipped galvanised columns with Duragal open web joist trusses for outstanding strength and corrosion resistance. Z 20015 purlins provide reliable roof support throughout the span.
High-quality Zincalume .47 TCT sheeting covers the roof, offering superior weather protection and longevity. The gable ends are fully sheeted down to gutter level, then follow the truss line down to the columns, providing weather protection while maintaining the open arena concept.
Future expansion possibilities were built into the design, with the structure ready to accommodate additional features as needs evolve.
✓Roof-only arena shed with 6 bays at 6 metres each
✓ Hot-dipped galvanised columns
✓ Duragal open-web joist trusses
✓ Z purlins throughout
✓ 100mm PVC downpipes
✓ 7.5° gable roof pitch
✓ Gable end sheeting for weather protection
"ABC Sheds was always our first choice to build our covered arena, from our first inquiry at Emerald Ag-gro to us finally having our dream come true, the team at ABC Sheds were informative and kept us up to date on current and future costs.
I really loved how ABC Sheds would send us photos of the structural parts that would become our shed. From start to finish, the communication from ABC Sheds was exemplary. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to purchase a new shed!
Our shed has brought our business to the next level, allowing us to work rain or shine. Having a covered arena gives our clients confidence that we can get the job done no matter the weather."
- Regan & Katherine Lyons, Owners of Top Gun Horse Training
View our entire range of structural steel equestrian buildings. Whether it’s a stable complex, exercise arena or covered dressage arena with yard facilities, our equine facilities are tailored to your specific requirements.
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