Horses return for winter

The town of Osoyoos has struck a new five year deal with the Desert Park Exhibition Society, opening the door for horse events to return this spring and summer.

But perhaps more significantly, it means nearly one hundred horses will fill the stables come January for winter training. Desert Park offers one of the only winter training spaces in B.C.

“Economically for Osoyoos, you are looking at motels, restaurants and grocery stores. The pubs do very well too,” said Paddy Head, Desert Park vice-president.

Last year a weekend of jousting attracted 1,200 people, the largest of the season. Other horse events and shows will also return, however actual racing is still up in the air.

Head said that horse racing has been dying right across North America, which makes it hard for them to fill the starting gates.

“We are always scrambling to find horses to fill our card, we have five races and we want five or six horses per race. So I’m hopeful that we will get in together this year, but we just need to get the word out and see who wants to come and race.”

Head added that securing purse money will be a bit more work this year, as Hastings Racetrack will not be contributing this time. She hopes local business will be able to step up and sponsor individual races.

Town councillors initially balked at renewing the contract after a complaint from a neighbour came in, the first in 15 years, about the clubs noisy old water truck. That issue has since been settled with the club now holding off on using the truck until 8 a.m.

“But if anyone wants to help buy us a new water truck that’s quieter, we would really appreciate that.” Head said with a laugh.