WSHP Covered Arena & Associated Build-Out-Cle Elum

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DIUVING EV£NTING ·DRESSAGE March 1,2017 Senator Jim Honeyford -Senator Judy Warnick Way and Means,Vice-Chair Capital Budget Committee Chair,Economic Development 112 Irv Newhouse Building Committee PO Box 40415 103 Irv Newhouse Building Olympia,WA 98504 PO Box 40413 Olympia,WA 98504 Dear Senators: Equestrians Institute is a 501(c)(3)not-for-profit organization founded in 1974 in Washiogton that serves the horse disciplines of Eventing,Dressage,Carriage Driving and Sport Horse Breeding.The Washington State Horse Park has enabled us to host a wide range of equestrian activitieg since it opened in 2010 including nationally recognized competitions which attract riders from California, Montana,Oregon,idaho and beyond.We also provide educational and competitive opportunities through our sponsorship of clinics,schooling shows and fun events for children and families.Outdoor recreation,skill development,camaraderie and support are fostered through the El network. El views the Covered Arena as indispensable to expanding our capacity in our Pacific Northwest climate. The scope of the proposed arena is impressive and essential for our disciplines to compete at a national level.We hold two US Eventing Association-recognized three day Horse Trials at WSHP each season but have reached the current capacity of the Horse Park for entries;we need more arena space to allow us to accept more competitors.In addition to competitors,these events bring families,friends and vendors from far afield who bring significant business to the local community for four or five days each event. The Covered Arena with its significant scope will allow the Horse Park to become a truly outstanding venue offering multiple benefits to El and the greater horse community:(1)increase capacity for more participants in events,(2)enable evening and educational activities when undercover (3)allow a longer "working year"and the ability to attract international clinicians and events and (4)attract more sponsors and vendors and,in turn,attract more visitors. WSHP is viewed as one of the first class venues in our area with quality facilities including stabling and arenas with excellent footing,which attract top trainers and horse people from all over our Region.El looks forward to continuing its close partnership with the Horse Park to serve the equestrian community of the Pacific Northwest.We urge you to support this important project;it is needed now. Sincerely, Diana Axness Meika Decher Penelope Leggott President Eventing Director Board Member At Large