Show Dates & Important Updates (Fees, Parking, Waivers, & More) For 2026 🚨🐎

First and foremost, thank you to everyone who comes out to ride, school, and enjoy the Golden Spike Cross Country Course. Your support means everything to us, and we truly appreciate the community that continues to show up for this special place. As we head into 2026, we want to share some important updates regarding events, course use, and logistics.

Here are the following dates for shows for the 2026 season:

• Golden Spike Horse Trials: June 13–14. This will once again be a two-day format, the same as last year. This year we are excited to announce we have BUCKLES for prizes!

• Pumpkin Schooling Show: Tentatively August 29. This year, Pumpkin will run as a two-phase event (Dressage + Cross Country).

• Chicken Schooling Show: Unfortunately, we will not be running the Chicken this year. Our club is currently too small to both host multiple events and complete the extensive work required to bring the course back up to national standards. Running horse shows is no small feat, and our focus this year is putting our time, energy, and resources into making Golden Spike Horse Trials the best—and safest—event possible.

We appreciate your understanding as we prioritize quality, safety, and sustainability.

Parking Reminder

When coming out to ride or school, please do not park in the red-marked areas shown on our map. These spaces are needed for Golden Spike crews to safely and efficiently perform maintenance and daily operations.

If you happen to cross paths with a worker, please thank them—they play a huge role in keeping this facility running.

There have also been questions and rumors about parking. While future development may eventually impact the large parking area between the fairgrounds and 1200 W, no immediate changes are taking place. Any long-term parking adjustments would likely shift access toward the soccer fields north of the track, and updates will be shared as plans become official.

Course Use & Fees

Regarding the racetrack and cross-country course the intent moving forward is clear: to preserve this resource for as many users as possible.

Golden Spike began implementing a pricing structure last year to help generate revenue and, just as importantly, to better understand how the facility is being used. The updated structure is as follows:

1. Outfield Cross-Country (East of the Track): Free to use

2. Occasional Use of the Track or Infield Cross-Country: A fee of $5 per horse per day for non Wasatch Pony Club members, payable via QR code signage on site

3. Heavy or Frequent Users: An annual pass starting at $200 for 1–3 horses, which should be visibly displayed in your vehicle while on the grounds

If you plan to ride inside the track, including using those jumps or the arena, the $5 daily fee applies. There should be a booth and QR code to pay by the end of January. More details will be announced once we know them. Racetrack riding has separate fees starting at $200, so please refer directly to Golden Spike for those details.

Track Closures

Please note that the racetrack and portions of the cross-country course are subject to closures throughout the season. All users are encouraged to check the Golden Spike website for the availability schedule before making plans. The new motocross track located in the infield is not open for general motocross use—it is only used during scheduled events. On those event days, both the track and the cross-country course will be closed for safety reasons. Closures will also occur during major events such as the county fair, so checking ahead will help avoid disappointment.

During these times, the southernmost portion of the cross-country course (The swampy area) will remain open. However, due to increased activity and traffic in the parking areas, we strongly encourage riders to avoid the facility during closures if possible—for everyone’s safety and convenience.

Closure dates will be shared on both our page and Golden Spike’s page, so please check before planning a ride.

Liability Waivers

Please note that all riders will be required to complete a liability waiver prior to using the course. Details on how to access and complete the waiver will be shared soon.

Want to Help?

Many of you have reached out asking how you can help—and we are so grateful. There are several meaningful ways to support the cross-country course. Volunteering is always appreciated, and we will continue to share opportunities for work days and course projects. Another powerful way to help is simply using and supporting the facilities. Riding here, competing here, paying applicable fees, and showing up all demonstrate that this space matters—especially as Golden Spike works toward future upgrades.

You are also welcome to rent the facilities for clinics, shows, or other equestrian events. Increased use helps demonstrate the value of this space, which in turn supports its long-term future.

If you’re truly passionate about helping (And about horse education), consider becoming a Wasatch Pony Club member. Membership directly helps us maintain and improve the course through organized volunteer days, education, and land stewardship. The more members we have, the more hands—and resources—we have to keep this space safe, functional, and open for everyone.

Membership is open to all ages and disciplines. You do not have to be a kid, an English rider, or actively competing to join.

Some membership benefits include:

• No daily riding fees on the cross-country course

• Volunteer opportunities that directly support course maintenance

• Educational clinics, lessons, and certifications

• Being part of a community committed to land conservation and horse welfare

Head over to About Pony Club or Join to learn more. And if you would like to join you can contact morganheinerwpc@gmail.com .

A Shared Space for Many Users

Golden Spike is a truly unique, multi-use facility shared by many groups—grounds crews, racetrack users, motorsports, eventers, and riders conditioning their horses. We ask everyone to be respectful of others and mindful of track closures, which will be posted on both our page and Golden Spike’s page.

Thank you all for helping us keep Golden Spike a safe, functional, and enjoyable space for everyone. We’re grateful for this community and look forward to continuing the work together in 2025. 💙🐴