Equestrian
Spring Island’s equestrian facility is a relaxed, friendly stable that offers high quality horse care and instruction. Our manager, Lacey Halstead, brings over 20 years’ experience to her position and she manages a facility where the staff treats each member’s horse as if it were their own. They work with each owner to customize a care plan that meets his or her horse’s needs. Spring Island houses pleasure horses, show hunters, dressage horses, western horses and gaited trail horses. Whatever your interest, you will find excellent care for your horse, expert instruction and a very welcoming environment.
Lacey has experience providing riding instruction in dressage, western pleasure, and basic hunt seat at schools in Virginia, Massachusetts, Arizona and Texas. She also has an extensive background in managing training, show and boarding stables. In addition to a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science, Lacey earned a Master’s Degree in Rangeland Ecology. What’s more, she not only has an understanding, but also an appreciation for Spring Island’s conservation ethic. She spent two years as the executive director of the nonprofit Headwaters Nature Sanctuary in San Antonio, Texas, seven years with The Nature Conservancy, and nearly two years with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.During 2011, the Club was been busy remodeling tack rooms, planning new work space and replacing older fencing. Lacey is also instituting a sustainable pasture management program, which includes appropriate horse stocking rates and the addition of new pastures. Two new projects recently completed are the addition of a new 100 x 200 foot riding arena and 60 foot round pen.
The Club also owns five horses that are available to members and guests (ages four and up) for lessons and trail rides. There is even a shared ownership program where members can lease a horse and enjoy the benefits of horse ownership at a reduced cost. Lacey is focused on improving the equestrian program by introducing new activities and events for members and their families. Her goal is to “make the barn a place where equestrian enthusiasts feel at home.” She also wants the stables to appeal to those who don’t have horses; where “everyone feels comfortable just visiting or participating in equestrian activities.”
Facilities:
The facility has 25 acres, with six acres of pasture coming in 2012 and another seven in 2013. There are over 30 miles of trails.
