Wednesday, April 5, 2006

Equestrian facility: Some want it here

Jackie Schlotfeldt News-Bulletin Staff Writers; jschlotfeldt@news-bulletin.com

Belen Valencia County would like to be considered as the location for the state-funded world class equestrian facility.

Several municipalities are already vying for the opportunity to have it in their own backyards as well.

Gov. Bill Richardson has said he supports using $12 million of state funds to build a world-class equestrian facility. He has appointed the State Rodeo Council to recommend a location.

Richardson has added that, with the announcement that the Professional Cowboy Rodeo Association is moving its national headquarters to New Mexico, it would make sense for the equestrian facility to be located near that organization's Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame.

With the governor's announcement many interested parties are coming forward and stating their case as to why their areas would be best suited for this arena.

Robert Auge of Auge's Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep, who's spearheading the Valencia County effort, said that organizing a committee to realistically and passionately present Valencia Çounty as the location is well within reason.

"It would do the whole community good," Auge said. "Several parties have expressed interest and it would be great to get together. It would be a real stepping stone for us."

The Greater Belen Chamber of Commerce, Valencia County Chamber and the Valencia County Hispano Chamber are all pulling together, creating a unified group so they can present the governor and the State Rodeo Council a proposal detailing the benefits of locating the facility in Valencia County.

Cindy Browning of the Valley Improvement Association said that there are many equestrian events already going on within the county and promoting a unified front to have the facility here makes sense.

"All the mayors have written letters of resolution stating their support of the facility," Browning said.

The arena would be more than just a place to conduct rodeo events. "That type of facility has a tremendously wide scope of events that could be held there," Auge said.

In addition to rodeos, other events such as dog shows, car shows, American Quarter Horse Association shows, hunter jumper shows, paint horse shows, mule and donkey shows and miniature horse shows and the Hispano Chamber's matanza could be held there.

"The access off Interstate-25 between Los Lunas and Belen is a win-win situation," Auge said. "It's centrally located and there's no interference with businesses or subdivisions and it is easily accessible."

Diane Huckabee, executive director of the Valencia County Chamber of Commerce, said that, considering how many people are interested in equestrian events, the county is a natural for the site. The fact that the county has veterinarians who work on large animals means Valencia County is the perfect place, she said.

"This could have a huge impact on economic development for the county and the local municipalities," Huckabee said. "More people would come out to New Mexico and Valencia County. The arena would bring in revenue for the community and it could be used for so many different things. We have to let Governor Richardson know how sincere we are about this."

In addition to the county's having one of the highest equine populations in the state, Huckabee said, there would not be as much congestion here as there would be in Albuquerque.

"The big rigs could get around better, we are centrally located and we have the back-up support for these people," she said. "The rural lifestyle welcomes this type of facility and the atmosphere it would bring."

Because Valencia County is already an equestrian community many of the ancillary services are available.

"The support mechanisms are here," Auge said. "We have veterinarians, ferriers, RV parks, restaurants, hotels and people who raise hay. The quality of equine care in Valencia County is better than what you can get in a lot of places. It makes sense to put it where it can be supported and where it is wanted."

State Sen. Michael Sanchez, D-Valencia County, said Valencia County was as good place because of its central location in the state.

"Having an arena in this area would benefit us economically, and I hope the governor takes it into consideration and gives us a shot at it." Sanchez said. "There is state property within the county if property is an issue."

While no official decision has been publicly made as to where the facility will go, Auge said that no matter where the facility is built, not everyone will be happy about it. "It needs to go in a place where it will be used, appreciated and cared for," he said. "It would be a great opportunity for us, and I'd like to see it happen."

Meanwhile, talks of moving the PRCA Hall of Fame to New Mexico from Colorado Springs, Colo., is in the works.

Questions of whether the PRCA Hall of Fame and the world-class equestrian facility have to be in proximity to each other have been raised, but it is still not clear if that is the case, Auge said.

"Currently it's not joined with any rodeo in Colorado Springs," Browning said.

Auge stressed the importance of the community becoming involved and letting the governor know that the rodeo arena is wanted in Valencia County.

"Take a moment and contact the governor," Auge said. "Encourage him to put the rodeo grounds where it belongs."

Auge's view is that the possibilities of the arena far exceed just rodeo events. "It would be a multi-faceted event center," he said. "It would be dangerous for us to think that what we have now will accommodate us in the future."

News-Bulletin reporters Jane Moorman and Amy Nodden contributed to this story.

E-mail this story Printer-friendly version