Haley M. Johnson and Tango school at Golden Spike. Photo courtesy of Golden Spike H.T.
Since 1987, Wasatch Pony Club has run one of just two events in Utah each year at Golden Spike. Throughout its history, however, the event has had to fight off development plans that would see the facility used for eventing redeveloped as a multi-use recreational facility or paved over to make room for more parking.
As this conflict arises fresh, organizers are asking for the public’s help to show the viability of equestrian sport — and, more specifically, the cross country course, at Golden Spike Event Center/Weber County Fairgrounds. Area members are encouraged to fill out a survey indicating their interest in continuing eventing at the venue, and today (October 25) is the final day to submit responses. You can do so by clicking here.
The Golden Spike committee sent out the following statement to members this weekend:
Golden Spike Cross Country Course is one of two USEF recognized courses in Utah, and one of a handful left in the Intermountain West. It is unique in being free to the public to school, and all improvements and maintenance are completed solely by Wasatch Pony Club’s volunteering and fundraising efforts – for over 35 years.
During an Open House conducted on September 8th, Golden Spike Event Center and Weber County representatives introduced the team conducting the study – Victus Advisors. They are currently collecting public input about the facility and its future uses. A major issue that was brought up during this meeting was the fact that the Golden Spike Event Center is losing a large parking lot to the West that belongs to Ogden City for office/warehouse development, and parking for the County Fair will be inadequate.
The Weber County team tried to reassure the general horse community that they are not shutting down horse facilities, but when asked specifically about the racetrack and cross country course, they did not deny that those facilities are under assessment for repurposing. Because of its very nature as a “free to school” public XC course, the Cross Country Course generates the least revenue per square foot and is the most at risk to become a parking lot.
Supporters are also encouraged to send emails to help increase the representation of the eventers who would be affected by the loss of the event. “In your email please specifically mention the Cross Country Course,” the organizers’ email requested. “It is imperative that the study now being conducted by Weber County and Golden Spike Event Center reflect the use of the Cross Country Course. If we are not represented, the very real possibility exists that we may lose that facility.” You can send your email to [email protected].
To learn more about the history of Golden Spike, click here to read the USEA event profile.
