A horse show at the Nicole Hornstein Equestrian Park in The Acreage sponsored by Broke Pony Productions was approved for Sunday, Dec. 16 by the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors at its Nov. 14 meeting.
However, show organizer Jodi Jansen told the board that her organization may not be able to afford the fees that the district would charge to a for-profit show.
Parks & Recreation Director Tim Wojnar said an application for the event was filled out in October.
“The permit is for a for-profit venture,” Wojnar said. “In the past, the district has done equestrian activities through a not-for-profit organization and our sports provider, or through our athletic leagues, which are also not-for-profit organizations.”
He explained that ITID does not currently have a policy that addresses a for-profit venture.
“Based on discussions with the district [manager and legal staff], there would be many criteria that would need to be met if the district wishes to move forward with this, and the fiscal impact is going to be the biggest one,” Wojnar said.
He said the permit is for a full day, and there is a cost for staff and equipment, and after discussions with legal staff, there were some concerns about dust control along the unpaved roads north and south of the park, and that ITID would need to provide a water truck, as well as insurance requirements.
ITID President Betty Argue said the board could approve the permit subject to receiving proof of insurance.
Wojnar said the permittee also wanted to have food vendors, who would also need a permit through the district, health insurance forms and proof of insurance separate from the permittee.
Supervisor Ralph Bair said that the Acreage Jam event has hosted food vendors, but Wojnar noted that the Acreage Jam event is run through the nonprofit Acreage Landowners’ Association.
Argue said that ITID cannot have tax dollars going to for-profit events, but Bair said he felt food vendors should be able to come in through the permittee.
Supervisor Tim Sayre, who is a member of the Acreage Landowners’ Association, said that the ALA had to get separate proof of insurance from food vendors, even though the ALA is a nonprofit.
Argue added that it is policy that riders under 18 must wear a helmet while at the Nicole Hornstein Equestrian Park. She asked that all fees be paid up front, adding that the impact fee rates have not been updated for many years and that this was a one-time permit.
Wojnar said he wanted to sit down and discuss other matters of the contract, so they understand ITID’s expectations. He added that the district will supply a tractor and operator to drag the rings, as well as a water truck for the roads at overtime rates.
Jansen agreed to talk with Wojnar about prices and asked if the rings would be dragged by 9 a.m. when they get there that Sunday.
“Usually, with our barrel racing, we have exhibitions where people come in and the ring has to be right for that,” Jansen said. “We don’t want somebody falling, so you have to have the ring ready by 9 a.m.”
Jansen said she would need to talk to Wojnar about the total cost.
“It might not be cost effective,” she said.
Argue said she appreciated that Jansen wanted to bring a horse show to The Acreage, but the district is not accustomed to dealing with for-profit organizations.
“When we deal with a nonprofit that we have a relationship with, then we are allowed to make certain waivers,” she said. “There’s all kinds of things that enter in when it’s not through a nonprofit.”
Supervisor Carol Jacobs made a motion to approve the permit, subject to the conditions discussed, which carried 5-0.
