Efforts have begun to rebuild the equestrian arena at New London Recreational Park, which is scheduled to open in May 2025.

According to Marvin McCallister, the group’s organizer, it will be a 46-by-61-meter arena made of metal panels.

It will occupy the same part of the park that was closed in the early 2000s due to lack of interest, McCallister said.

The panels will be ordered next month from a Texas company that offers free shipping, he said.

“The committee’s goal is to have the majority of the arena completed by the end of this year,” McCallister said.

The committee will offer companies and private individuals the opportunity to purchase plaques and put their names on them, he said.

“Due to the different costs and configurations, we are still studying the subsurface for the arena,” McCallister said.

Alli Johnson and Paxton Isbell are two of the key volunteers who have served on the committee so far.

“I am a 23-year-old veterinary technology student and have always loved horses,” said Isbell. “I am the proud owner of a beautiful mare named Koda who has been a big part of my journey.”

“Right now, I’m incredibly excited about the new equestrian arena project that I’m able to be a part of. I’m looking forward to bringing everyone’s ideas to life and creating a fantastic place for our equestrian community.”

The arena will ideally help both novice and amateur riders gain confidence by providing them with a place to learn and improve their show skills, Isbell said.

“We also encourage riders of all levels to come and create a welcoming show atmosphere,” she said.

Spectators who just want to come and watch a horse show are also welcome, Isbell said.

“I hope that with this arena I can bring everyone together, from beginners to advanced riders,” said Johnson, who has been a lifelong rider herself and owns two horses. “I would like to make the arena an educational arena where people are not afraid to ask for help.”

“I’m so excited to be a part of it and can’t wait to see where it leads.”

Isbell recommends that anyone interested in helping rebuild the arena spread the word about the new facility and seek donations and fundraising ideas.

“We are always looking for ideas and volunteers,” says McCallister. “Of course, we are also happy to receive donations for this.”

“Riding halls are anything but cheap,” he says, laughing.

A harness swap is planned for Sept. 28 and will be open to the public, organizers said.

However, according to the fundraiser, there is a participation fee of $2.

The event will provide space for vendors to set up booths and sell equestrian-related items for $10 per table. The table will not be provided.

The event begins at 9 a.m. with the vendors setting up their stands. Doors are open to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The tack exchange takes place in the park’s Heilman Building.

All proceeds will benefit the New London Horse Arena.

The committee intends to open the facility with its first show on Memorial Day in 2025, McCallister said.

For more information, to donate or to volunteer, visit the New London Park Horse Arena Committee’s Facebook page.