After decades of use, the 100 Mile and District Outriders are making plans to replace the bleachers of their riding arena.
Danita McLaren, the Outrider’s president, said while she isn’t sure of the exact age of the current grandstands, they’ve been there since at least the 1970s and look it. As a result, she plans to replace the old wooden structure with two new steel bleachers that will last for years to come.
“Those stands, quite obvious to everyone who goes down there, are a little old. They need to be replaced, it’s time,” McLaren said. “They’ve been doing the Little Britches Rodeo there for 50 years and the Outriders have existed for 30, so I’m pretty sure those stands have been there for most of that time.”
These new steel bleachers will be able to seat 270 people each and will cost $27,000 a piece. McLaren explained they only come with the framework, with the club needing to provide the benches themselves. She said they’re considering some treated lumber or another material that will last.
“We expected it to cost a whole lot more than ($54,000), so we’re grateful for that,” McLaren remarked, noting these bleachers will be safer than the current wooden ones.
To replace the stands McLaren and the Outriders have enlisted the help of 150 Mile House resident Judith Call who has begun applying for several grants. While the Outriders do currently have enough to buy at least one of the grandstands, many of the grants they’re applying for require they have 30 per cent of the cost in the bank so they’re holding off until they find out how many come through. McLaren noted they’re also looking for new sponsorships to help grow their coffers.
McLaren said they’ve also taken the opportunity to apply for a $5,000 Horse Council BC Infrastructure & Equipment Grant to add some more pens to the arena. With a bad fire season potentially on the horizon, she explained the Outriders want to be able to stable more horses and cattle. That way if there are ever any evacuations, regionally or locally, they’ll be able to house people’s animals safely.
New pens will also allow them to start expanding their events over multiple days. Because of the small size of the current facilities overnighting animals is difficult, especially for showpeople who don’t bring their own pens like rodeo contestants.
“We’d love to be able to do both these projects this summer. We’re trying to figure out how we can have one set of stands in before the Logan Parent Memorial Bullride but that’s going to take some doing,” McLaren said.
McLaren said that in addition to the infrastructure upgrades, she and the club want to return to their pre-COVID-19 levels of activity this summer. To that end, they’re planning to host several different events with all concession funds from them going towards funding the new bleachers.
First up will be a general performance show on May 11, followed by a Gymkhana on May 12 and the Cariboo Rockin Riders Drill Team hosting a showcase on May 18. Going into the summer a Ranch Riding Show is set for June 1, the Logan Parent Memorial Bullride June 21-22, another general performance show and gymkhana July 6 - 7, the Little Britches Rodeo Aug. 17 - 18 and a drill expo hosted by the Cariboo Rockin Riders on Sept. 28. McLaren added the club also plans to run some form of Halloween event in October, but noted no official date has been decided on as of the publication of this article.
“The events we hold bring in quite a few people, it’s not just for the horse people it’s for the whole community. We want it to look good for the whole community when they come down,” McLaren said.
Anyone looking to get involved with the club this year can reach out to the Outriders via 100mileoutriders@gmail.com or attend one of their meetings on the second Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at the arena meeting room.
