The Fall Games Day was hosted at the new Upper Clearwater Riding Arena that is now available for use by all WGRA Members! A soup was made by Sharon Neufeld from their wonderful harvest of the community garden. Sandwiches and baked goods were also shared with a day full of fun events for all level and age of rider. The Fall Games Day was hosted at the new Upper Clearwater Riding Arena that is now available for use by all WGRA Members! A soup was made by Sharon Neufeld from their wonderful harvest of the community garden. Sandwiches and baked goods were also shared with a day full of fun events for all level and age of rider. The Fall Games Day was hosted at the new Upper Clearwater Riding Arena that is now available for use by all WGRA Members! A soup was made by Sharon Neufeld from their wonderful harvest of the community garden. Sandwiches and baked goods were also shared with a day full of fun events for all level and age of rider. For many years, people living and growing up in the area have dreamed about the possibility of a riding arena being built here and for many, those dreams have come true. Horses, both worked and ridden, have been a part of rural life in this area since it was first settled many, many years ago. With this arena, we now have the very real opportunity to continue to develop, enhance and enjoy this exciting community activity, in the Upper Clearwater area. As you all know, this kind of facility doesn't just happen by luck or accident. About 2 years ago, Directors of the Farmers Insitute acknowledged a need to take stock of the grounds and around the Farmers Institute Hall and the need to establish a site map and plan to develop its use. The Farmers Institute "Master Plan" was implemented and the opinions, wishes and wants of their members were sought. This riding arena was one of their supported proposals. In February this year, the results of the Master Plan process were presented to their directors and a lead for this project was appointed. - Nick Frost (Yes the one who doesn't ride - watch the video) The project has been boosted by generous donations from individuals and local businesses, WGRA Fundraisers and to name a couple, Larry Cochran, Nick Frost, Candus Pelton and Wadleggers Speciality Forest Products. The WGRA also applied for and received very generous funding from "Community Forest Grant" - which meant that this project was a go! Larry Cochran and Nick Frost set about building this arena in the middle of June this year and spent many happy hours, arguing and shouting at each other. In between such bouts, they put this arena together with a good deal of help from Matt Johnston. WGRA members helped along the way with rock picking and painting I hope you all agree that the result is worthwhile. Now, in an agreement with the UCFI, the WGRA has undertaken to operate and manage riding activities in this arena and I know all of you look forward to using and enjoying this facility. Summing up, the success of this wonderful arena is due to people working together, embracing change and working in partnership to overcome small hindrances along the way to create a real opportunity for fun and enjoyment. The official Grand Opening will be next spring. In the meantime, enjoy the place until the snow stops play. One last thing. I have mentioned a few people who have had a part to play in building this but there is one whose persistence and determination to see this arena completed, needs to be recognised. Ursula Johnston has for years been a driving force to see this arena built. On behalf of all, thank you Ursi for sticking with it!