Host a Top-Notch Event in Moses Lake
By Kim Roe and Spencer Biallas
Do you ever wonder what goes into hosting a horse show or equine event? Do you know that many organizers struggle to secure suitable equestrian facilities? Finding an affordable facility with all the needed amenities is not as easy as one might think.
To host a large show or event you need covered arenas, warm-up areas, ample parking, safe stabling, nearby restaurants, grocery stores, feed stores, automobile repair shops, and hotels. Ideally, the facility also provides RV parking and camping for competitors with living quarter horse trailers, motor homes, or campers. It’s also important that the facility be centrally located to attract competitors from around the region.
This kind of facility isn’t easy to find and can often be extremely expensive. Skyrocketing costs are causing many horse show organizers to think twice about hosting competitions, events, and clinics.
Well, meet the Grant County Fairgrounds!
Located in sunny Moses Lake, Washington, the Grant County Fairgrounds has amenities and features that will make horse show organizers and competitors happy. And even more importantly, the horses will be comfortable and safe.
Centrally located in the state, the city of Moses Lake is just off I-90. The Grant County Fairgrounds houses a top-notch equestrian facility with two indoor arenas, two outdoor arenas, and over 300 horse stalls on the grounds. And get this––they also have 300 RV/camping spots! The fairgrounds are located inside the city limits, so there is access to everything town has to offer in just a short drive. They also offer free Wi-Fi!
Management is proud of the attentive staff that works hard to ensure everything from the toilet paper to the footing is in order. They even mention their knowledgeable and friendly staff in their mission statement.
The Grant County Fairgrounds offers different packages depending on how large of an event is being hosted, so an organizer doesn’t have to rent the entire facility if they are just hosting a small 4-H show or a clinic.
Arenas available for horse events are the Ken Ardell Pavilion, the Gene Harwood Pavilion, and a 5000-seat rodeo grounds. Show offices and PA systems are included and the warm-up pen is free. The grounds also feature three large buildings for other events and several smaller ones for more personal meetings or training.
The Harwood Pavilion is named after Gene Harwood who funded its creation after seeing that the fairgrounds needed more indoor riding space. The pavilion was originally created with cutting horses in mind. It has a sandy footing (115 x 200-foot riding area) and cattle pens outside to accommodate livestock. The pavilion rents for $500, but nonprofits can receive a 25% discount.
The Harwood is perfect for clinics, drills and events requiring ground that can be easily made deep. It features a concrete walkway that is perfect for bleachers. The building also comes with a show office and PA system.
The larger Ken Ardell Pavilion is right next door. The Ardell arena has a kitchen and diner for those who want something to eat but don’t want to miss out on the action.
The Grant County Fairgrounds features the only mile-long dirt track in the state. It’s perfect for long races or to just let your horse burn off some steam. The fairgrounds are managed and operated by Grant County, so money spent here goes directly back into the community.
The Grant County Fairgrounds has the capacity and crew to cater to events of all sizes. Their seasoned staff understands the complexities of putting on an equine event in a digital world and are willing to take the time to listen and work with clients to provide the event they imagine. They are dedicated to ensuring that equine events have a strong presence in our communities and that the passionate people within the culture have a place to continue doing what they love.
Learn more at www.gcfairgrounds.com. For questions or reservations call 509-765-3581 or email [email protected].
Kim Roe grew up riding on the family ranch and competed in Western rail classes, trail horse, reining, working cow, and hunter/jumper. She trained her first horse for money at 12 years old, starting a pony for a neighbor.
Kim has been a professional dressage instructor in Washington state for over 30 years, training hundreds of horses and students through the levels. In recent years Kim has become involved in Working Equitation and is a small ‘r’ Working Equitation judge with WE United.
Kim is the editor of the Northwest Horse Source Magazine, and also a writer, photographer, and poet. She owns and manages Blue Gate Farm in Deming, Washington where she continues to be passionate about helping horses and riders in many disciplines.
