“We have had horses and farms for over 40 years, so we have had endless experiences and dilemmas with pastures and arenas! Brian has created two dry lot areas for our horses to use because they cannot be on lush pastures all day. These lots are vital to maintaining good weight and health for our “easy keeper” geldings!

When we had our dream indoor riding arena built, Brian was responsible for the footing. It is amazing. Brian is very particular in the correct mixture and depth of the finished footing. Even though our mistakes of how the sprinkler system for the footing was installed, (not by Brian),  he never complained when he had to redo much of the footing.

Many equestrian friends and acquaintances have stopped by to check out the great footing of the arena and the dry lot paddocks Brian made. Brian takes great pride in his work and the finished job. His work ethic is exemplary. Obviously we highly recommend and respect Brian Topping, Top Grade LLC.”

-Tom & Cindy Love
Surenity Farm
College Grove, TN

“We brought in Top Grade LLC for our main stadium ring at our multi-discipline stabling and training center. After seeing some of their work at other show venues, we knew we would be happy with the results. Top Grade worked with our locally available materials and developed a footing blend that is a favorite in our arena, saving us a lot of money along the way. “

-David Misenhelter 

Owner/Rider 

North Grove Equestrian Park 

Oxford, MS

It is such a pleasure to write a review for Top Grade.  Brian and his team did an excellent job!  He worked within the timeframe and budget.  I could not be more pleased with our arena.

-Catherine Hawkins Garner

Benchmark Realty, LLC

Franklin, TN

Brian has done various projects at my farm for the past twenty years. He has built two outdoor rings, a 100' x 200' jumper ring and a 150' x 300' roping arena. He has also changed the footing in our indoor arena twice. All of our rings have excellent footing and are laser graded to perfection.

In addition to ring work, Brian has done fence and site work.

Brian pays strict attention to detail. He is very experienced and is extremely committed to the job. Once he shows up, he doesn't leave until it's finished. 

I would highly recommend Brian Topping. 

-Larry Schmid 

Two Crows 

Bridgehampton,  NY

My daughter, Amy Krebs, rides in high Junior and FEI-level Junior competitions nationwide, and in 2021, we decided to move her horses home to our farm in Franklin, TN. Top Grade was the only contractor we considered, given Brian’s extensive reputation. Top Grade built our 135’ x 250’ outdoor riding arena ahead of time and under budget. Brian offered options for amended (synthetic) footing additives, which we declined, but which we may add in future. Drainage has been excellent, even after a massive flood that had our creek overflow its banks and scour the arena with 3’ of fast-flowing water. I found it amazing that we just had to drag after the flood and go back to training. Brian is responsive and understands grading extensively.
I would hire Top Grade to handle any grading project I had on my farm. Every time I have referred Top Grade, they have exceeded the expectations of my friends and acquaintances. This gives me much comfort and confidence to recommend them in the future.

Sincerely,
Ames Krebs
President
Franklin Saddlery
Krebs Kubota, LLC
Krebs Rentals, LLC

Brian Topping owner/operator of Top Grade , LLC is considered the #1 Designer and builder of horse arenas in the Middle Tennessee area, and I’m sure the arenas he builds all over the state and out of state are just as perfect.

When Brian builds out your arena, you will know immediately that you have the best doing the job.  Brian’s skill to grade the arena, allowing for proper drainage, gives you the peace of mind that you will never have standing water on the footing anywhere in the arena. I’ve experienced this with the arena he built for me 10 years ago and it still remains puddle free.

The build he did on our outdoor arena (110’x200’) was immediately followed up with our indoor arena (150’x220’)  and I truly couldn’t be any more satisfied with the product Brian created. If you are serious about having the best arena for your horses with little to zero maintenance, then Top Grade LLC is the company you have been looking for. Brian’s ability to manage your arena project and get it done on time will have you and your horse in your new playground soon.

Highly Satisfied Client,
Tommy Barrett
Manager Flying Pistols Ranch

My family bought a former dairy farm east of Franklin in March, 2022. Our dream is to restore its natural beauty and create a warm equestrian centric environment. We sought referrals and the only name that kept popping up was Brian Topping. 2 arenas and a killer pond later, we understand why.

-Dean White

Brian came to our farm in Chapel Hill to assess an arena that needed a lot of re-work. We also had an issue with our gravel driveway washing out after every rain, and a dry lot for our ponies that needed some grading work.

When he assessed our arena he said it was one of the worst he’s seen. This was a lesson learned to hire the right people the first time. In a short amount of time,Top Grade, LLC has fixed all our issues! We re-hired Brian to level our new barn a few months later, and we plan to build another arena in 2024. The team at Top Grade, LLC are the only people we trust!

-Julie Anderson

Brian was fantastic to work with. His communication throughout the construction of our large outdoor arena was excellent. He always kept us updated on every aspect of the project. The arena itself is amazing, every haul-in and every boarder always complements the footing and especially how well the arena drains. While other outdoor arenas are too wet after a good rain, ours is always ready to be ridden at least 48hrs before any others in the area. I would hire Brian again in a heartbeat, and he's the only name I would ever recommend. 

- Lars Mauerman

We were absolutely impressed with the outstanding service and workmanship that Top Grade put into our arena. We have seen and heard of many arena disasters, DIY and contractor. This is highly specialized work that must be left to specialists. Brian and Cole explained every step, kept every promise and left no loose ends. From the meticulously graded and compacted base to the perfectly laid Mississippi sand, it was clear that these guys hold themselves to the highest standards. The fact that they are friendly, funny and easy to chat with made the project extra fun and enjoyable. We recommend them without ANY reservations. If you love your riding, your horses, and your property, leave the arena building to these equestrian experts.

-Anthony Bonfante

Bonfante Farms