The 70 Mile House Arena Committee crew is continuing its great work on rejuvenating the old riding arena next to the 70 Mile Community Club Hall.
In 2023, committee members and other volunteers rejuvenated the arena footing and added sand in 2024.
Volunteers also removed the old building and did a site cleanup in 2023. They also repaired the front fence and installed two new gates.
Arena committee lead Lori Spencer said 2024 was a big year for the arena committee and the local equestrian community.
She noted that with the help of Back Country Riders-South Cariboo Chapter, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) and the Clinton Community Forest Fund (CCFF), the arena committee had another amazing year for the riding arena in 2024.
“Thank you to the 70 Mile House Community Club Hall executive and all of the volunteers who came out and supported this wonderful project.
“In 2024, we received grants for $20,000 to really get things rocking! We were thrilled by the continued support of the CCFF, the TNRD and the South Cariboo branch of the Back Country Horsemen of B.C.”
The Riding Arena crew had paddocks built in 2024. This will give competitors and local riders a closed place to rest their equine partners.
Spencer noted many local riders made use of the arena in the 2014 season.
She added the highlight of 2024 for the 70 Mile Riding Arena crew was hosting the Obstacle Trial Training weekend event, with an opening practice day on Saturday and a Trail Obstacle Show on Sunday.
“We had 23 competitors, all of whom joined our 70 Mile Community Club Hall as members. Many of the members thanked our committee for our work renewing the arena and hosting this event.
“We look forward to welcoming these competitors to return as members in 2025.”
Spencer said the crew is looking forward to putting in water hydrants at the 70 Mile Riding Arena site in 2025 because water is needed for arena watering and water for equine and the campsites.
Future projects include a completed fence replacement, a manure pit, a cook area and a show management hut, bleachers for spectators, trail obstacles for shows and clinics and outhouse refurbishing.
Spencer said the committee has an event already booked for the arena.
Clinician Trevor Mertes is putting on an Extreme Cowboy Challenge Clinic on May 23-25.
She adds there are additional plans for local shows and other clinics. The dates will be announced in early January.
“We are hoping to include a variety of disciplines for all of our local equine enthusiasts – trail obstacles, mountain trail clinics, ranch riding clinics, horsemanship and Dressage trials. Please check the 70 Mile Community Club Hall Facebook page for all riding arena event announcements.”
Spencer said the committee is working to keep the costs for using the arena to a minimum, while being mindful of the required maintenance.
At this time, the cost of renting and riding in the arena is unchanged:
$5 drop-in free or $25 Community Club membership for an annual fee;
$125/day for a private rental.
Arena communications are via email at 70mileridingarena@gmail.com for required waivers, questions, and to register for any upcoming events.
“We are very excited about the future of our riding arena community, working together to further develop our venue for more events, which we hope includes rentals for the Community Hall as well,” Spencer said.
