New upgraded arena for horse project in Fettercairn

“IT FEELS like we’re after winning the Lotto”, is how the manager of the Fettercairn Youth Horse Project responded when asked about work commencing on the facility’s new arena.

An inclusive and core community facility for the past 24 years, the horse project is getting a new, €100,000 upgraded arena – with works due to start at the end of September.

The existing arena, which is around 10 years old, is being removed and replaced with a new arena, ground works, drainage and fencing.

The surface of the arena is being upgraded as part of refurbishment works and will be softer underfoot, and better for horses and riders, according to project manager Collette Meedhan.

An additional gate is also being included, which will connect the new arena to the project’s sensory trail – linking both spaces together.

Living in Fettercairn, Collette has been based at the horse project since it opened in the late nineties, recently taking on the role of Manager.

“We can’t wait to see the new arena, it’s going to be fantastic”, Collette told The Echo.

“It’s huge for us, there’s so many local kids coming in for lessons and volunteering . . . the new arena will be well used.

“It feels like we’re after winning the Lotto.”

The current arena is being replaced alongside grounds works, including drainage 

Thanking South Dublin County Council for its support, Collette said: “The arena is for everybody, nobody is not included.

“On a weekly basis, we’d have anything up to 200 young people coming in.”

Collette said that the horse project has children from local schools and a diverse range of groups and clubs visiting; alongside young people living in the surrounding area who volunteer in the yard.

Currently the stables have 16 resident horses, with the project team hoping to add new members to their four-legged family.

“We are currently looking for funding to get new horses,” Collette said.

“Any support would be great. If we increase the number of horses, we increase the number of people that can attend lessons.”

Work is expected to commence on the new arena on Thursday, September 28.

The horse project will be closed for lessons over the four-week refurbishment period.

When contacted by The Echo, a spokesperson for South Dublin County Council confirmed the €100,000 community investment.

The spokesperson said: “The Community Recognition Fund was a €50m national initiative administered by the Department of Rural Community and Development (DRCD), to support and reward communities that have welcomed families and citizens from the Ukraine and other countries.

“[The council] sought expressions of interests from communities across the County to apply for funding under the Community Recognition Fund.

“[Some] 19 projects totalling €2.65 million were successful across Soutth Dublin.

“Fettercairn Horse Project was successful in securing €100,000 towards ground works, new arena membrane and fencing at the facility.”

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