Park and ride has a new meaning with the introduction of a horse yard at the National Arboretum Canberra to make it easier for riders to wander the forests or grab a coffee.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The long-awaited facility will provide a space for horse riders to stow their animal, with a trough and a mounting platform set to be installed in the coming weeks.
ACT Equestrian Association president Christine Lawrence said the association had contributed more than $4000 to the project.
"It's been on our agenda, on our wish list for many years," she said.
"The original design was smaller and our contribution made it possible to have a larger yard."
Ms Lawrence said the facility would be a drawcard for riders.
"One of the contributing groups, the Monaro Trekkers, comes a long way," she said.
"Some of them float their horses into to Canberra just to ride at places like the arboretum.
"For riders on the Bicentennial Trail, which goes right through the arboretum [up into Queensland and to Victoria], it will be a refreshing stop."
Ms Lawrence said Canberrans had ridden in the area for many years, before it was an arboretum.
She said the yard would be a big asset for those who ride at the venue.
"I used to canter to the top of Dairy Farmers Hill and have a sandwich up there before it was an arboretum; we used to have to take our own water with us," Ms Lawrence said.
"Lots of people have long and fond memories of using that area for horse riding, so we're pleased to be able to continue to have it.
Ms Lawrence said the yard enabled regular users of the arboretum to use the coffee shop and be able to rest and water their horses without hassle.
"Someone does need to stay with the horses to keep an eye on them, more for safety reasons than anything," she said.
A Territory and Municipal Services spokesman said horses and their riders would still be encouraged to use the Boundary Road and the Bicentennial Trail, when within the arboretum.
