Hi guys,
I am the equestrian designer on a team interviewing to try and win a project designing a 1000 acre new Park north of Austin, Texas. Equestrian trails, Arena/overnight horse facilities and camping hookups are items referenced on the Master Plan.
I would love to talk to trail riders in the area, and/or get in touch with local equestrian and trail riding group representatives prior to October 6.
Thanks in advance for any info.
I live in the Austin area would be happy to help in any way I can. My husband and I trail ride, although I wouldn’t consider us “avid trail riders” just yet 
Thanks! I will PM you with questions!
Hi Plumcreek,
I live in Austin, and am extremely interested in your project!! I’m wanting to make the switch from H/J to endurance/trails and would consider this type of facility in a heartbeat. Would love to hear more about it!
Thanks, sent you a PM.
I saw your video on Bridle Trails State Park. While working on the Monroe Fairgrounds project last year, I stopped there to see the arena and footing. Really beautiful place and I am jealous of all the trees - loved the trees in WA.
I’ll be in Houston for a few months and have a lot of time on my hands. If there’s any way I can help let me know–I’m looking for projects!
Yay! My team was just notified that we won this project. I am excited to be able to design pleasant horse facilities and trails in a nice park that will serve generations of riders around Austin.
suz, no idea of timing, but Houston is a bit far away. I am one segment of a 6 firm team, and not the lead firm.
Bathrooms.
I don’t live in Texas but I think my observation will be universally agreed upon. There are many women involved in equestrian sports. I can’t say what is the man/woman ratio in Austin, but I’m sure there will be lots of women using your facilities. It seems to be a universal problem in public facilities, even at rest stops and in public parks, that there are always long lines at the women’s rooms. This should not be.
Good luck on your project! It sounds like it will be beautiful and a real asset to the community.
Plumcreek, you have requested advice from local residents. Do you prefer to have input from only the local residents, or are you interested in general advice on riders’ needs and wants regarding arenas, trails, and facilities? I know that kind of puts you on the spot, but I don’t know how else to find out other than to ask you directly. It won’t hurt my feelings to refrain from commenting further if you are looking for local input only.
[QUOTE=PeteyPie;7817192]
Bathrooms.
Good luck on your project! It sounds like it will be beautiful and a real asset to the community.
Plumcreek, you have requested advice from local residents. Do you prefer to have input from only the local residents, or are you interested in general advice on riders’ needs and wants regarding arenas, trails, and facilities? I know that kind of puts you on the spot, but I don’t know how else to find out other than to ask you directly. It won’t hurt my feelings to refrain from commenting further if you are looking for local input only.[/QUOTE]
I would welcome all input from trail riders and those who have ideas that would increase enjoyment of an equestrian day at the park, as an individual hauling in or a group event. Just remember that budget is always a consideration and this will not be the next fabulous Horse Show Park! Low key, but comfortable is the goal.
On the Master Plan and/or my list already (not to be confused with what the County will approve) besides trails, are an arena/warm up with good footing (covered or with a covered spectator pavilion - per budget or phase), BBQ/Gathering area, reasonable number of stalls or safe covered pens, small RV Park, day Trail rider parking area with round pen, ADA mounting ramp, and somewhere a Trail Challenge course. The main trails will be easy with more challenging side loops, all marked for ability level, w/ same green circle, blue square, black diamond system as downhill ski runs.
Bench that would also serve as a mounting block near all restrooms in equestrian area and on trails for sure. (My horse is 16-3 and I stopped being able to mount from the ground at 16-1.)
Hey Plumcreek! How is this going? Got any news for us?
Due to the blinding speed of government and other issues, this project is just now starting. Anyone in the Austin area still interested in contributing or ideas in general , send me a PM and I will email you, or post here.
I also would like to know if anyone on this forum knows of a park, any state, where there are trails, equestrian camping, and also a nice/good footing informal competition arena, and a gathering/BBQ pavilion adjacent to the arena. Could also be a city owned small arena facility that is nicely set up with comfort and shade. A place for clinics, trail challenges and Charity Ride Fundraisers/BBQs is a goal of mine for this park and being able to show the team and client other facilities would be helpful.
Thanks in advance.
How far is Austin from Greenville??
Chickasaw state park in Tennessee has all the things you mentioned in your last paragraph
Very Exciting to Have This Project Come to Fruition
[QUOTE=Plumcreek;8220525]
Due to the blinding speed of government and other issues, this project is just now starting. Anyone in the Austin area still interested in contributing or ideas in general , send me a PM and I will email you, or post here.
I also would like to know if anyone on this forum knows of a park, any state, where there are trails, equestrian camping, and also a nice/good footing informal competition arena, and a gathering/BBQ pavilion adjacent to the arena. Could also be a city owned small arena facility that is nicely set up with comfort and shade. A place for clinics, trail challenges and Charity Ride Fundraisers/BBQs is a goal of mine for this park and being able to show the team and client other facilities would be helpful.
I live in Liberty Hill. I will be more than happy to give input. Please contact me at 512-771-4219 or txprimrose@aol.com. I have been involved in equestrian events, am a rider, and excited to have this project so close to home. Austin needs this! Footing is very important, step stools very important, restrooms very important. Keeping competition arenas a distance from vendor area, food area, noisy areas, ect., important, good staff important, drainage, safe trails, important, easy in/out parking for trailers, important. Some facilities to research are the Kentucky Horse Park, Lamplight Equestrian Center in Illinois, Colorado Horse Park, Facilities in California. Good luck with this endeavor.
Will do txprimrose. I live 20 minutes from the Colorado Horse Park (and am leaving shortly to watch the Hunter Derby today), and have been to most California venues, Thunderbird and Wellington PBIEC. I absolutely believe it is possible to offer a waaaay scaled down version of the quality and comfort of these top facilities in a small budget local facility and associated trails.
There are several in the DFW area but the one that fits your criteria the closest would be the TADRA Point campground is the trailhead to a 75-mile network which includes five different loop trails. The main camping area is the centralized point of convergence of the loop system.
http://www.grasslandsgazette.com/lbj-grasslands-trail-map/
This is in the LBJ Grasslands north of Ft Worth, there is second section east of Dallas in the Caddo Mills section.
I suspect you have this link of all the improved equine trails within the state
http://www.trailridersjournalonline.com/TEXAS%20EQUESTRIAN%20TRAILS%20-%20MAPS/equestrian_trails.htm
Thanks for those links clanter! I mainly have been using ‘Where the Trails Are’. I have long thought that the LBJ Grasslands north of Fort Worth would make a great setting for an adjacent equestrian community.
Very exciting - I live in San Antonio, an hour from Austin, and we’d definitely haul in for such a nice facility.
Keeping 4-wheelers out will be a challenge. They go everywhere they can, and absolutely destroy trails and trail-rides.
[QUOTE=thoroughbred21;8237236]
Keeping 4-wheelers out will be a challenge. They go everywhere they can, and absolutely destroy trails and trail-rides.[/QUOTE]
Happily, this park is supposed to be hike/ride only, separate trails when possible, no bicycles, mountain bikes, or motorized. Gate day fee entry portal will help police that. Hard to hide a bike or 4 wheeler. PM me with your perfect facilities list.
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