Moving Forward Together

By now, many of you know what happened to our cross country course. When news broke, emotions ran high online, and understandably so. But instead of approaching the new OHV group as enemies, we reached out to them with the hope of forming an alliance—and that’s exactly what we’re working toward. We have much in common. We love big cool trucks, being outdoors, and an adrenaline rush. With all the changes proposed to our area over the years we are glad it’s them instead of a parking lot, soccer fields, or pickleball.

The reality is, this was always going to happen at some point. We just thought we had five or so years, not overnight. In many ways, this may actually be what saves the course. Golden Spike sits on prime land that could easily have been sold off for warehouses or housing, and the fact that it still exists is a gift. If making it more multi-use is the only way to preserve it, then we need to embrace that.

Fortunately besides a couple casualties the crews have been careful while moving our jumps. Much has been spared and just need to be moved back when we reroute our courses. In fact one of our XC designers has built around motorcross tracks before- So it’s not like it is something that hasn’t been done before.

The Whiskey Throttle crew offered to help build new paths for us in the outfield—something that would be a true game-changer and county approved it. The county also promised to take out the panels in our showjumping area, which is another game-changer. We also have exciting plans to improve the outfield for both lower and higher levels, along with rerouting much of the cross country course. One of our biggest challenges, the swampy section on the south end, which has worsened due to nearby development. But with help, we hope to reopen it for all levels in the future.

Whiskey Throttle widened one of our paths in the outfield!

Looking ahead, hoping to introduce the Modified level next year! Many of our Prelim jumps can be adjusted down, which means we’d be able to offer more opportunities for riders looking to move up. If that excites you, we need your support—whether that’s entering, volunteering, or spreading the word.

As for how this all came about, the Whiskey Throttle crew faced contract issues of their own and had to relocate quickly. Having been on the wrong end of contracts ourselves, we can empathize. They never had any intentions of pushing horses out. Many of them have or had horses too. What happened wasn’t ideal, but we truly don’t believe there are any villains here—just people pursuing their passions, others doing their jobs, and a system where money often speaks the loudest.

New paths being built!

That doesn’t mean the sadness isn’t real. Many of us have cried over this, and those feelings are valid. Be sad. Be angry. But then—use the space. That’s how we save it. Enter events, school on the course, volunteer, or simply come spectate. These events are a labor of love, and the more people who participate, the stronger our community becomes.

One thing is certain: we are not giving up. The absolute worst case, in the next few years we find a new home. Our newer jumps were built to be portable, and we are committed—no matter what—to supporting the equine and eventing communities.

Wastach Pony Club