Golden Spike Cross Country Course: 38 Years of History and a Sudden Change

A Legacy Since 1987

Golden Spike Cross Country Course began in 1987, when the county approached local equestrians with an idea: build a course on their land. From day one, its future has been uncertain—threatened, discussed, reimagined—but for the past 38 years, Wasatch Pony Club has been its steward. On top of schooling shows and clinics we have been hosting one of the longest running horse trials out west; Golden Spike Horse Trials which even ran during COVID.

We’ve poured hundreds of thousands of dollars and countless volunteer hours into keeping the course alive—not just for eventing, but for everyone who loves open space. From painting jumps and building complexes to hosting clinics and shows, this has been a true labor of love.

Fortunately many of our jumps were spared. Not all were lucky though.

In good news we have like 20 more water complexes!

More Than Just Horses

The course has always been multi-use. Over the years, it’s hosted bicycle races, snowmobile races, community dog walkers, concerts like Lollapalooza (Yes, bands like Alice in Chains and Tool played right here using our bank as a stage in 1993), and even was a filming location for the hit TV show Yellowstone. One of the arenas we use for showjumping also hosts demolition derbys, rodeos, you name it.

When you gallop off our bank, you’re also galloping off a stage that once held rock legends. When you school cross country, you’re part of a story that has always been bigger than horses.

1993 Lollapalooza hosted by our cross country course!

We were a filming location for Yellowstone. Have you jumped this jump? Hint: It’s pink now!

The Shock of Monday

On Monday, without warning, quite a large part of the course was bulldozed to build an OHV track. Like so many of you, we were shocked, heartbroken, and frustrated—especially with our Pumpkin Schooling Event less than a month away.

The last knowledge we received was they wanted to turn our course into a parking lot. And before that it was soccer fields. Before that who knows what. We are aware we are not profitable to the county. Equestrian events make the least money for the fairgrounds, but us especially as we have so much acreage for our cross country course. At the same time, the county does mention they do want to be the last man standing when it comes to hosting equestrian events. Especially with so many arenas and event grounds closing. Motorsports or parking lots bring in more dollars than horse trials. Money talks. But we have always believed in the value of preserving green, multi-use space—not just for revenue, but for heritage and community.

So it’s always been a matter of when, not if. We just didn’t expect to be blindsided overnight. Especially when we have a schooling show less than a month away. This all happened so fast. With dollar signs in their eyes they signed a new contract with someone else that would make them lots of money. I can see how they seemingly forgot us. Motorsports unfortunately make more money than horses. We can’t hold 15 events in a year. Horses aren’t machines. And we don’t drink as much beer or eat as many burgers as they do (But we can try)!

Our bank complex as of 8/28.

One of our tadpole jumps feeling extra tadpole today.

Community Response

When the news broke on Facebook, the equestrian community rallied. Emails, calls, and messages poured in. Your passion has been astounding—and we can’t thank you enough for standing with us. It hasn’t been just eventing riders, but also western riders that like to use our land, people walking their dogs, etc.

At the same time, we want to be careful. We need the county as a partner, not an adversary. They’ve already expressed a desire to improve communication with us, and we want to build on that. We truly want to have a good relationship with them, and we want to work together to bring our cross country course back to its glory. Please continue to voice your support, but in ways that show unity, optimism, and respect.

How You Can Help

The best way to support us—and any cross country venue—is to use it.

• Enter our shows. Numbers matter most when proving the course’s value.

• Volunteer. Cross country jump judges, set-up crews, and helping hands make everything possible.

• Spectate and cheer. Grab food at concessions, support the new beer garden—it all shows community engagement.

• Donate or sponsor. As a nonprofit, every dollar stretches far. (Shoutout to our awesome sponsors GH2 Architects, Trailside Veterinary, Rural Avenue, Simply Eden, and VO Brothers)!

• School the course. It’s open and free for those who love and respect it.

Eventing is a “use it or lose it” sport. The more activity we see, the harder it is for anyone to write us off.

One of our training jumps getting swallowed by dirt.

Looking Forward

Despite the setback, our Pumpkin Schooling Event is ON. Many of our jumps were spared, and have amazing ideas to rebuild. The course has evolved many times over the years, and it will again. We even discovered an old bank complex hidden in the trees this week—proof that history has a way of resurfacing.

We’re also learning hard lessons. Contracts from 1987 didn’t anticipate today’s realities. As we look ahead to renewing our 50-year lease in 2037, we want to ensure future generations of Pony Clubbers and equestrians. The county did express they would renew the 50 year contract.

Thank You

For 38 years, you’ve helped us keep Golden Spike alive. With your support, we’re determined to see it thrive for another 62 (And hopefully more!)! Thank you for standing with us, riding with us, and believing in the power of open space and community.

We’ll see you in September at the Pumpkin Schooling Event.

With gratitude,

Wasatch Pony Club

EDIT: Many have asked if they can make donations towards our course. You do not have to but if you would like our PayPal is “USPC DBA Wasatch Pony Club” and please label it “Donation”. We can also accept checks. Make them out to Wasatch Pony Club and send them to PO BOX 717 Snowville UT, 84336. Thank you!