The Selkirk Saddle Club has received approval from council for a 15-year lease of their property near the Illecillewaet River. The change from rolling 5-year leases of the Hydro land will help the club towards their current goal of building a covered riding area.
Club secretary Tanya Secord says the club has raised over $50,000 so far and hopes grants from the funding agencies such as the CBT, Revelstoke Rotary, the Revelstoke Credit Union and other organizations will help them towards their goal of about $216,00. If all goes well, they could start building this year, although Secord said it could take longer.
“We’re just going to keep going until we can get it up,” explained Secord, who noted ongoing fundraising efforts like pony rides and manure sales.
The club is also hoping to partner with a provincial job creation program.
Secord explained that snow and slippery roads are a big issue for horse owners.
It’s unsafe to ride horses on slick and icy roads.
Secord said the proposed 60-foot by 120-foot riding area will allow for stable programs.
For example, some club members are currently completing a certification that will allow them to provide therapuetic riding lessons for children and adults with mental or physical disabilities.
Because riding in the winter (and most of the year) is weather-dependent, these lessons can’t be offered on a scheduled basis.
“It gets so mucky you can’t even walk in it.” A riding area would allow that,” Secord said of the current riding area.
Currently, a club member offers riding lessons for youth. A riding area would also allow for more consistent scheduling and safer conditions.
The proposed riding area would be a semi-enclosed building.
Secord said you don’t have to own a horse to be part of the club and its programs. Find info about the club at selkirksaddleclub.ca