HOMER -- If you've noticed a few Homer horses stepping a little more lively around town lately, they've finally got a good reason to celebrate.
As far back as eight years ago, horseback riders on the south Peninsula were longing for a few more trails to travel, fields for frolicking and arenas to train in. And though you may see a few steeds still stepping steadily down Baycrest Hill or splashing through the surf at Mariner Park, horse owners are starting to champ at the bit for the new arena under way north of Jack Gist Park.
"We are calling it a multiuse park and horse arena," said Roberta Highland of the Kachemak Bay Equestrian Association, referring to the nearby bike and ski trails available for use. For the horse end of things, Highland said, equine enthusiasts can look forward to informational clinics and workshops.
According to Highland, much of the site work on the arena has already been completed, and now eager equestrian associates are waiting for a fence to be installed.
The grounds, which originally started at 3.3 acres, grew to 5 acres with additional donated land from Dianna Conway and Judy Miller.
One of the biggest factors in selecting the parcel of land was its location on the Homer bench.
Shirley Schollenberg, who has trained horses for several years, said the wetter areas in Ninilchik often keep her from getting the horses she trains out and ready to ride by late spring. "When you only have five months to ride, it's nice to grab as much extra time as possible," Schollenberg said. "Homer is generally about a month ahead in terms of how soon they are able to ride."
According to Schollenberg, waiting for things to get warm and dry enough to ride is one of the biggest drawbacks to trying to ride in Ninilchik. Now, having an arena farther south should help to open up more riding time.
"Mostly, since this is on the Homer Bench, it lengthens the riding season," Highland said "That's good news for folks living in the steps above Homer where the winters are longer. It's also going to give Ninilchik riders more opportunities."
The Kachemak Bay Equestrian Association currently leases the property with the intent to buy it, once grants come in. Critical to that step was a resolution passed by the Homer City Council that granted the association the donated land.
"Resolutions are very important in the grant-writing process," Highland said. "They just show that we have strong local support."
Approving of the resolution means good news not only for the approximately 60 members of the Kachemak Bay Equestrian Association, but also for the High School Rodeo Association, 4-H, FFA and Pony Club members, of which some membership overlaps.
The association hopes to receive help from its members to raise money for the purchase and improvement of the lands.
"We need a total of $240,000," Highland said. "That will purchase the property and install bathrooms."
Highland estimated there are approximately 100 families in the south Peninsula area who raise, train and ride some 300 horses.
