Event features shows, demonstrations and horse-related workshops and activities
OLYMPIA – September 4, 2014 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Riverside State Park Foundation, along with several equestrian groups, invite the public to an open house celebrating the newly completed equestrian arena.
The open house takes place from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27, at the equestrian area of Riverside State Park, 3402 Equestrian Lane, Spokane, located off Government Way. between Old Trails Road and Fort George Wright. The event highlights the many activities the equestrian arena offers to the horse-riding community. Groups and individuals will perform in the arena and the round pen. Information and activity booths also will be available in the area.
The Riverside State Park Foundation is hosting the open house and will offer door prizes and a spaghetti feed and raffle to help raise funds for future development of equestrian opportunities at the park. The spaghetti feed costs $5.
During the event, groups will perform and give demonstrations in the arena and round pen, including:
• Jousting on horseback by the Jousting Alliance of Washington State
• Drill team by Mt. Spokane High School Equestrian Team
• Veterinary demonstration by McKinlay & Peters Equine Hospital
• Pattern riding by the Northwest Pattern Riding Association
• Trainer Jason Hicks
• Trainers George Gouvas and Craig Volosing
• Trick mustang with George Gouvas
• Equestrian massage therapy by Kahla Noel
• Compass and map reading by Trail Meister Robert Eversole
• Packing and knot-tying demonstration and hands-on practice by the Inland Empire Backcountry Horsemen.
• Horse emergency first aid by Backcountry Horsemen
• Orienteering course by Selkirk Competitive Mounted Orienteering
• Spokane Entertainers Guild dressed in Renaissance period costumes
Those attending the open house will be encouraged to provide their thoughts about future enhancements for the equestrian area.
September 27 is also a State Parks “Free Day,” in recognition of National Public Lands Day. Visitors to the park will not need a Discover Pass.
For more information about the open house, visit www.riversidestatepark.org
About Riverside State Park
Riverside State Park is a 14,000-acre camping park along the Spokane and Little Spokane rivers northwest of the city of Spokane. The park supports a variety of recreational activities, including six equestrian trailheads, about 80 miles of horse trails, a 16-site equestrian campground, a 140 x 240-foot arena, a 60-ft diameter round pen, announcer’s stand and trail course. For more information about the park, visit: www.parks.wa.gov/573/Riverside
About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
Follow Washington State Parks:
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Media contact:
Virginia Painter, (360) 902-8562
Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604
Cherie Gwinn, (509) 465-5066
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
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