Photo: Summerland Rodeo Grounds

Summerland could become a hub of equestrian events with the purchase of training and event equipment according to a proposal before council.

The Summerland Rodeo Grounds committee is asking the town to purchase equipment for horse trials events with plans to offer training and equipment at the public facility.  

Melissa Reimche, acting president of the Summerland Rodeo Grounds Committee and owner of Golden Pony Equestrian, said the Summerland Rodeo Grounds could become a centrepiece for the hundreds of riders in the area stretching from Kelowna down the Okanagan Valley.

“It’s something we have talked on and off with the rodeo grounds group, but it’s a big task to take on, building the jumps and everything,” Reimche said. “So when their course became available, that would expedite that process quite a bit.”

The owners of Topline, a premier horse trials location for decades in Salmon Arm, have decided they are no longer hosting events and the equipment is for sale.

The committee is looking to model the proposal around the facility in Campbell Valley, Reimche said, which has access limited to certain times.

“We like that model because there’s more control over the fences and less risk,” Reimche said.  

Reimche, a coach herself, said the equipment would be a boon for pony clubs in the area who now drive long distances for access, and could make a bid for the BC Summer Games to host the sport a possibility in Summerland.

The public facility could open the door to hosting many events related to the recent addition to the Summer Games, with limited facilities in the area, and the province, able to host the sport, Reimche said.

“The core of the pony club curriculum is three-day eventing (dressage, stadium jumping and cross country jumping). So, for everybody to have a place to school now is really tricky,” Reimche said.  

Events at Topline in Salmon Arm could host 80 riders with hundreds more accessing the facility, Reimche said.

The initial proposal asked for $21,000 in funding as a park enhancement from the district, however, Reimche said some of the equipment has been purchased by another buyer since the initial proposal. A lower number will be brought before council tonight.

“We’re still keen on building the course but the opportunity to get the entire collection, which is what we were going for, has passed,” Reimche said. “They haven’t sold everything so we are modifying what we are actually after.”

The proposal is before the District of Summerland’s regular council meeting tonight.