Equestrian Center Plan Moves Forward

Fairgrounds Committee-approved plan will be presented to city council on Sept. 20

WAITSBURG – After months of debate and planning, the Waitsburg Fairgrounds Committee has finalized and approved a plan they will present to the Waitsburg City Council at the council's regular meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 20. Anticipating approval of the plan, a work day has been planned for Saturday, Oct. 22, as part of "Make a Difference Day."

The three-phased equestrian center plan proposes a renovation of the existing horse facilities at the Waitsburg Fairgrounds as well as construction of new riding arenas and amenities. Local equestrian and Fairgrounds Committee member Suze Wood developed the plans based on feedback from horse owners who participated in a survey last March. (See survey results below.)

Wood said her original plans were altered to accommodate the conflicting needs and space requirements of active community groups, as well as consideration for the City of Waitsburg, who owns and maintains the fairgrounds property.

Wood says the equestrian center has three main goals. The fairgrounds committee hopes to provide a horse-friendly environment where dedication to the welfare of the animals is a priority; create a resource that the community can be proud of; and make Waitsburg a desirable destination for traveling horse people and equestrian tourism.

The proposed primary equestrian center activities will include:

A recreational facility for equestrians to ride, attend riding clinics and seminars, and compete at small local-level schooling shows and competitions.

Coordination with 4-H, FFA, and other organizations to ensure that kids have access to recreation, mentoring, and learning opportunities related to horses and livestock. Groups will also have the opportunity to raise funds during local equestrian events.

A horse hotel, or short-term layup facility, to serve equestrian travelers and horses with health needs who require stall rest and convalescence.

A Year-round boarding facility for locals.

"This is an ambitious project which will require hard work, extensive fundraising, and is expected to begin modestly, with incremental improvements and strategic phased implementation to achieve the end goal," Wood said.

If approved by the city council, Phase One will kick off on Oct. 22 with a work party that will focus on cleaning up the existing buildings, renovating Barn B (known as the Railroad building), and preparing the grounds for pasture, leveled stalls, improved footing, and arenas. (See story at below right for more information on the Make a Difference work day.)

Phase One will be considered complete when fencing, shelter areas, and clean-up is completed to a level where the grounds are safe and habitable, with at least one barn and some pasture turnout available. The co-op will be established in Phase One, with special recognition of founding members, donors, and sponsors.

Phase Two will focus on the renovation of existing property, completing the fenced paddocks and outdoor arena, promotion of the facility for short-term stays, and fundraising for the covered arena.

Phase Three will include construction of the covered arena, stables completion, hiring employees and marketing use of the facility and sponsored events to people outside the area.

The equestrian center will be founded as a solidarity cooperative, meaning it will be and democratically controlled by customers and workers who have purchased a share of the business. Anyone can join, and owners get one vote and, from amongst themselves, elect a board of trustees.

A financial agreement with the City of Waitsburg is still to be worked out. The proposal states a preference for a standard lease contract with the city, with monthly payments adjusted to offset the cost of investment in property improvements.

The timeline is dependent on resources and funding, but the Fairgrounds Committee hopes to have the first phase completed by spring of 2017. They hope to establish an outdoor riding area and have the facility open to travelers for the summer 2017 traveling season.