Progress can be seen out on Cablevision Road in Russellville as an arena takes shape which will be the home of the Dream Rider’s organization.

The Dream Riders is a non-profit organization that provides therapeutic recreation for disabled children and has been doing so for years in the community. The organization, lead by Sue Sharp and many other volunteers, has been tirelessly trying to obtain funding to build an indoor arena, which would help the organization keep operating during bad weather conditions throughout the year.

The non-profit organization had first intended to partner with the Logan County Extension District to build an arena, but that did not pan out, so they decided to venture out on their own to help make their dream a reality.

Numerous fundrasing events have been held by the group to raise money to pay for the arena. Several months ago the Dream Riders held a fundraising event that generated over $14,000 to go towards the construction. The organization has also received grants as well as personal donations. The Carpenter Foundation gave $100,000 towards the project, as did Griffin Industries for $25,000.

Dream Riders is made up of several volunteers. The organization has continued growing the program for years, which has been in need of an enclosed facility almost as long as it’s been in operation. When the weather is bad, they cannot operate, which is not something organizers like to happen.

“We have had to cancel so many times due to the weather and now with an indoor arena we won’t have to stop,” said a happy Sharp.

Dream Riders began with a couple of borrowed horses, an empty field and a whole lot of love, compassion and dedication. The program has grown immensely over the years and so have the numbers who come from all over to participate. The organization volunteers take what they do very seriously and believe the program is helping others.

When property was donated to put the arena on by the Wilhelm family located off the old Lewisburg Road (Hwy. 431 North), it looked as if the non-profit’s dream would finally come true. A prefabricated building has been purchased and is now well underway in its construction.

“We are so thankful and blessed to have so many individuals and businesses supporting the Dream Riders,” said Sharp. “This is the best place and will be so good for the horses. This is a huge accomplishment for an organization as small as we are and with the limited resources we have. We are very excited about this project.”