Horsefeathers: Equestrian Facilities Improvement Update

Our Equestrian Team has been working with many others, including management, SDCEA staff, contractors, and equestrian members and boarders, to continue work on improving the equestrian facilities and experience. The recent rains have been a continual challenge, and we look forward to Spring weather.

Our project updates:

Equestrian Rules: Revised Equestrian Rules were presented at the Board meeting and approved last week. View the Equestrian Rules by clicking this link.

IEC Corral Storage Sheds: The hay storage sheds project at the IEC was presented and approved by the Board last week with a budget of $38,047. A proviso is in place for owners with existing sheds in top condition to apply to keep their sheds. Updates to the project will be published.

IEC Mare Motel: A renovation to the footing to seven of the fourteen stalls located in the IEC Mare Motel starts on Monday, March 11. The plan has seven of the stalls completed next week and the other half to be scheduled for later this month.

IEC Compost: Compost has been put out on the hillside to the infield to control and assist with erosion. The new compost sign for the entrance has been purchased and will be installed next week. There will be compost available at the front within the next two weeks for members to pick up again.

Casey Tibbs Catch Basin: Work has been completed on the catch basin by the “C” corrals in an effort to improve the system for catching rain runoff from the facility, except for the corrals, and filtering it before it reaches the creek in the back.

Casey Tibbs Tree Removal: Two chinaberry trees have been removed from Casey Tibbs due to the berries being poisonous to horses. In addition, multiple oak trees will be trimmed for safety and maintenance.

Barn Safety: Cross tie rings and quick releases have been installed in barn crossties for a cleaner look and safer experience for the horses. Sharps containers have also been installed; please be sure to dispose of your needles only in appropriate containers.

Facility Manure: We have started to provide mucking tools at the IEC corral manure boxes to assist boarders with the tools needed for the care of their horses. We have the tools purchased and will be present at a Casey Tibbs corral manure box next week as well.

Recently, management met for a walk-through of the IEC with multiple county departments, and no concerns were raised, or follow-up was necessary. County participants included representatives from the Code Compliance Division, a Land Use/Environmental Planner from the Watershed Protection Program, and Water Course Enforcement.