The Strathmore and District Agricultural Society plans to build a new indoor riding arena right outside of town in Wheatland County. The hope is the arena will allow the society to host popular events throughout the year, instead of only in the spring and summer months.

Ryan Schmidt, General Manager, Strathmore and District Agricultural Society explained the creation of the indoor riding arena is a key part of the Strathmore and District Agricultural Society’s five-year strategic plan.

“The big thing about having an indoor riding arena is that it allows us to accomplish our agricultural mission year-round, so it’s a huge priority for us,” said Schmidt.

He said an advisory committee has been formed and they are in the planning stage at the moment. Members of the committee are from different western disciplines, they will help to design and decide what kinds of amenities will be included in the arena.

The next step after design will be to fundraise for the project.

The goal is for the arena to be constructed in 2023. The hope is that the project will be completed in time for the 50th anniversary of the Strathmore and District Agricultural Society in 2023.

The arena will be designed as a western events centre, that could host western events, but also concerts. It expected to have seating for about 1,500 people, 

“It’s going to provide a unique facility for Strathmore and Wheatland County that will bring something new to the area and allow us to do new things. We don’t have a facility like that in the region,” he said.

The facility will be located in Wheatland County northeast of the Town of Strathmore.