Samson Park Equestrian Centre indoor dressage arena
Project overview
Katharine Davies, a skilled showjumping and dressage rider, operates the Samson Park Equestrian Centre, her lifestyle equestrian property on the outskirts of Kyneton, VIC. During the winter months, Katharine often faced significant disruptions to her training schedule due to inclement weather, leading her to consider building an indoor dressage arena. Looking for a reliable partner, she reached out to Central Steel Build for an initial quotation.
Katharine was immediately impressed by the helpful, knowledgeable, and professional approach of our team. After reviewing an array of design ideas, she was particularly drawn to the aesthetic appeal of and functionality of our curved truss design. She chose to proceed with a roof-only arena cover, meeting her budget and allowing for optimized airflow through the arena during warmer months.
To ensure a smooth construction process, our equestrian specialist visited the site to assess any potential challenges, offering tailored solutions based on the unique conditions of Katharine’s property. We also liaised with Katharine’s surface provider, ensuring the arena’s foundation and surface installation would integrate seamlessly with our installation process.
Every aspect of the project was meticulously coordinated, from the initial consultation to final execution, ensuring the arena met Katharine’s exacting standards and provided the ideal space for year-round training.
- $108K*
- 62m x 22m x 5.25m
- 1.5 weeks
Project collaborators:
- Third party installer
- Structural engineer
- Riding Surface provider
- 3D structural model
- Fabricated hot dipped galvanised steel package
- Purlins and girts
- Roof cladding
- Guttering and downpipe system
- Overhanging eaves on each end of the arena
- Skylights
- Kyneton, Victoria
*All prices are an indication only and are subject to change at any time due to steel prices. Prices also do not include site preparation or installation costs.
Project success and impact:
To improve weather protection and enhance functionality of the arena, Central Steel Build incorporated thoughtful design elements that addressed Katharine’s specific needs. Eave overhangs were added at both ends of the cover to offer additional shelter, ensuring year-round use regardless of the weather.
A standout feature of our design were the inclusion of Wonderglas Opal skylights, which were included to provide diffused natural light throughout the arena. These skylights offer even illumination without creating harsh light strips on the riding surface, preventing the risk of horses becoming distracted and skittish due to uneven lighting. These skylights were strategically placed to provide diffused natural light throughout the arena, creating an evenly lit environment. The benefit of this design is twofold: not only does it reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day, but it also eliminates harsh light strips on the riding surface, something crucial for horses’ comfort and focus. By ensuring a consistent, soft light, the risk of horses becoming distracted or skittish due to uneven lighting was significantly minimised, allowing for a smoother, more productive training experience.
Through these design choices, Central Steel Build was able to deliver a high-quality, functional indoor arena that perfectly met Katharine’s needs while also enhancing the training environment for both horse and rider.
“Building an indoor dressage arena has always been a lifelong dream of mine, and I’m thrilled that I chose Central Steel Build to bring it to life. The arena has truly transformed my training experience—it’s not only been a game-changer during winter but has also proven invaluable in the summer, keeping both me and the horses out of the sun. The horses work so well inside the arena. For some reason they really love the curved roof over the arena! Central Steel Build has been absolutely amazing to work with, I cannot recommend them highly enough. From wo to go they’ve been absolutely wonderful. I changed my mind a couple of times and it was no problem to their team, they just simply provided what I was asking for. I’m so happy with the result that I’m now working with Central Steel Build on another shed. I couldn’t be more satisfied with their service and the end product!”
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