Since 1949, the Athabasca District Ag Society (ADAS) has worked continually to “encourage improvement in agriculture, and in the quality of life of persons living in an agriculture community by developing programs, services and facilities based on the needs of the agriculture community,” (as per the Agriculture Societies Act of Alberta). ADAS exceeds these goals and one of the ways they do this is through its rentable indoor riding arena.
Leah Olson, Arena Committee, is happy to share the many ways locals can use the indoor arena. “Our indoor arena has been open for a year and a half,” she says. “While we paused rentals during COVID, we are happy to be up and running again in full swing! The space is incredibly flexible; we have seen it used for small animals (shows, dog agility contests, etc.), barrel racing, working cattle, and more. It can be rented privately by horse trainers. It can be rented for auctions, community garage sales, 4H events, clinics – it’s so versatile!”
Since the ADAS has portable bleachers they can set up, the space can also be used for a concert.
“The size and the fact that it is indoors means it’s the ideal rental, rain or shine,” says Olson.
The indoor area can be rented alongside (or separately) from other amenities on site. The Big Coulee Barn and Hall, for example, is half sand and half heated concrete. It includes a wash bay for horses and is often used in tandem with the arena for stalling.
While anyone can rent and ride in the arena, there are clear benefits to purchasing a membership. The rates are very affordable for families and individuals. Monthly is $50/individual or a family rate of $50 + $10 per extra person. Six months is $125/individual or a family rate of $125 + $25 per extra person. The yearly rate is $250/individual or a family rate of $250 + $50 per extra person. A $10 per-horse rate also applies. The membership form can be downloaded online.
Olson says, “We highly promote buying a membership as members are covered under the AG Society. It’s very affordable and allows you to ride through winter in the covered arena. If you are training as a barrel racer, for example, you could practice comfortably and under our liability policy (with a membership) – indoors no matter if outside it is raining, snowing or the sun is beating down.” That kind of value is truly hard to beat.
The ADAS continues to improve the community and member experiences with a variety of programs and services. One in progress is the upcoming fire suppression pond. This venture is costly so the ADAS is raising funds partly through a 50/50 draw. The growing jackpot is already over $300 and the draw date has been extended into mid July.
Get your ticket today on Rafflebox.
Every ticket purchased helps the new project come to fruition faster and gives you a good chance to walk away with hundreds of dollars in cash.
There is a lot to love about ADAS, its community focus and its on-site rentable facilities. Stay in the know with what is going and about upcoming fundraisers by subscribing to their newsletter and following on ADAS on Facebook.