For our family, this issue is deeply personal.

Due to limited access to adequate shared and inclusive space, and a growing loss of safe, local areas to ride and train, we have been forced to make the heartbreaking decision to board our horse away from Gabriola—something we trust is only temporary. Our young daughter shares an incredible bond with her horse, and this separation is not just difficult, it’s deeply emotional for her and for us. We know we are not alone—other horse-owning families have already chosen to invest in communities other than ours because of these same limitations. But we believe Gabriola can do better. By taking the public arena proposal seriously and bringing it to life, we can create a space that supports families like ours, along with the many diverse groups that make up this community—from equestrian disciplines like dressage and hunter-jumper to dog agility and beyond. Public spaces should reflect all of us. We all contribute, and we all deserve access, inclusion, and the chance to stay connected to what we love—right here at home.

I will not give up.

With support from folks like you, we can get this happening and bring our horse back home! 

Let's keep pushing and show the world that Gabriola IS an inclusive community for all! 

Let's show folks of all kinds that they can invest, move, and feel welcome here! They can have a place here! 

Much love to you all!