Washington State Horse Park

HORSE PARK GAINS RESPECTED WESTERN TRAINER AS LATEST LEADER

Washington Parks and State Recreation Commission approved Mr. Witty to serve a three-year term Wash. —April 1, 2013— Kim Witty of High Country Training is a renowned Western horseman, world and national champion rider, and highly respected trainer based in Ellensburg, Washington was appointed to the Board of the Washington State Horse Park Authority effective immediately.

“We are extremely pleased to add Kim Witty to the leadership of the Horse Park,” said Board President, Todd Trewin. “The horse park is in its early years of development. Kim’s participation will help the Western horse community understand how they can take advantage of the park’s many opportunities, including an arena designed just for their needs.”

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What a Difference a Day Makes!

With 22 hard-working and cheerful volunteers led by some seasoned helpers and with some borrowed equipment and tools, the Park is now officially ready for business.  The stall tarps are back on, the hospitality tent is up, the place is raked up neat and tidy, and we've got a trench dug for electricity to the new visitors station. Thank you to everyone who came to contribute despite threats of rain that thankfully never materialized.  

Mighty Volunteers were: CWU Equestrian Club - you gals and guys rock!!!, Tom Crawford, Kimberly Drake, Cathie Farr, Barb Petersen, Terry Glaze, Penny Leggott, Michelle Cramer, John Lindral, Betsy McGrath, Lauren and Sue, Brad and Marta Wiechelman, Plus Boots, Allyn, Josh and Darwin!! Thanks to you all!

Volunteer Extraordinaire

Caroline Bombar-Kaplan

Caroline has generously shared her talents in PR to promote the Park since 2010.  All with valuable insights and good humor despite pressing deadlines and limited resources.  Thank you sincerely, Caroline for all that you do!

Derby Field Open for Schooling

Come try out the water, bank and ditches and other obstacles for Hopeful through Training levels.  Thank you to the US Pony Club Northwest Region for raising the funds needed to build the water complex!  Their story coming soon about how they did it, and what it means to them and the Park!  Find out about the requirements for schooling  Click Here  and plan to come to Equestrians Institute One Day Horse Trials and Schooling Show May 17-19.  click here for details 

Beardsley Family - Legacy Supporters

When the Park opened in 2010, Kim Beardsley-von Hopffgarten was one of its first major supporters. She personally saw to it that funds from the Beardsley Family Foundation were donated to purchase a dressage arena. When Kim passed away suddenly in early 2011, the Northwest horse community mourned the loss of a well-loved and respected dressage instructor and competitor. But Kim’s legacy is very much alive at the Park through the ongoing generous support of her family’s foundation.

Over the past three years the Beardsley Family Foundation has contributed a total of $60,000, thereby making it possible to finish the post and rail arena fence, purchase a water truck, construct the shower building and buy a stadium jump course and more – all of this is a loving tribute to Kim’s dedication to the Park. She would be thrilled to see how much her commitment, and that of the entire Beardsley family, has meant to fulfilling the vision of the Horse Park and providing enjoyment to so many horse people for decades to come.  We are sincerely grateful to the Beardsley Family.

Thank you to our Supporters!

A sincere” Thank You!” to both the City of Cle Elum and Kittitas County for approving our requests for 2013 promotions and marketing support from their Lodge Tax Grant funds.

And a big “Thank You!” to the event organizers and other Park users who provide the zip code information that demonstrates how much the Park is drawing people from outside the local area.  That’s the main reason we were awarded the City and County Grant funds!!!