Equestrian enthusiasts throughout the region will be pleased to learn that work on the Western Plains Equestrian Arena is officially complete, with the $1,275,000 facility at Warren Showground Racecourse now ready for use. 

The 80m x 42m covered, sand-based structure is a much-anticipated development at the racecourse complex and as Warren Shire Council Infrastructure Projects Manager, Joe Joseph says, will mean the Shire is well-equipped to host a broad range of local, regional, state and national equestrian events. 

“This state-of-the-art-facility is set to enhance Warren’s reputation as a regional sporting and recreational hub,” Mr Joseph said.

“Funded by the NSW Government's Regional Sports Infrastructure Fund and Phase 3 of the Australian Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, this new asset will not only support health and social outcomes for the region as a whole, but will also provide a significant economic boost for local businesses.” 

The original grant application was a collaboration between Council and a number of user groups including the Central West Adult Riding Club, Warren Pony Club, Warren Rodeo (Campdraft) Inc, Warren Jockey Club, Warren P&A Association, Warren Polocrosse Association and St Mary’s P&F. 

According to former WSC Economic Development Officer, Alison Ruskin Rowe, the application was a huge undertaking. In October 2018 when the successful grant application was announced she said, "The application process commenced a year ago and nearly 100 pages of documentation were put together for the final submission.”  

ABOVE: Jo O'Brien says the new arena is a very safe and secure area for beginners and those with a young horse. 

With the funding secured, co-ordinating what the user groups wanted was another challenge, with Council stepping in as project facilitator. Once the plans were in place, close to 20 contractors, including eight from Warren, were engaged on the project. 

Speaking after the announcement that the facility was completed, Warren Shire Council Mayor Milton Quigley, said it would be a valuable asset to the region.  

"Warren is now well on its way to becoming a regional equestrian destination. This is an exciting milestone for the Showground/Racecourse Improvement Program and guaranteed to be beneficial to our community," Mr Quigley said. 

User groups have tested out the arena in recent weeks with members of the Central West Adult Riding Club and Warren Pony Club using it at a number of trial events.  

ABOVE: The 80m x 42m covered, sand-based structure adds to the facilities at the Warren Showground Racecourse 

One rider, Jo O’Brien, is a CWARC member and also part of the equestrian sub-committee that is negotiating a management plan in consultation with Council.  

“I have been fortunate enough to ride twice on the undercover arena, it is a very safe and secure area for beginners and those with a young horse. There’s also a large space for the more advanced horse/rider combinations to really test themselves,” Mrs O’Brien said. 

“It’s great to ride on but I think it needs a little more work to be an ideal riding facility,” Mrs O’Brien said.  

“The surface needs some fine-tuning before it is at the ideal depth, though this is a common issue with equestrian surfaces.” 

The next planned event is the Warren Pony Club annual camp which will run over three and a half days in the upcoming school holidays. 

“Riding in the arena throughout camp will help us address any management issues as they arise,” Mrs O’Brien said.  

“There has already been a lot of interest in the facility from different equestrian clubs and individuals, which is a great sign of its potential.” 

ABOVE: The new $1,275,000 facility is ready for action. 

Secretary of Warren Pony Club, Jo Hooper also complimented the facility. “I loved riding on it, and so did my kids. It’s a very safe environment for the beginner rider,” Mrs Hooper said. “It’s so exciting to have such a fantastic centre in our area, I’m sure it will get a lot of use.” 

Warren Council is now working with the main user groups to finetune operational and maintenance requirements for the facility.