The News-Democrat & Leader was contacted Thursday afternoon by State Representative Martha Jane King who told of some great news for Logan County and in particular the DreamRiders Therapeutic Riding organization.

King said the Logan County Extension District Board approved to allocate $100,000 towards building an indoor arena in Logan County, which will be the home of DreamRiders. Also, the Todd County Ag Board approved $5,000 for the project as well.

The arena can also be used for numerous other events such as barrel racing, cattle shows, rodeos, tractor shows, flee markets, benefits, etc.

The DreamRiders is a non-profit organization that provides therapeutic recreation for disabled children. The organization, lead by Sue Sharp, has been tirelessly trying to obtain funding to build the 200- by 125-foot indoor arena, complete with classrooms and restroom facilities to be located next to the new Logan County Extension Office on the 68-80 Bypass. Dream Riders will be partnering with the Logan County Extension District, which has offered to allow the complex to be built on district property as well handle all the scheduling of events, monthly utilities and general maintenance.

In January, Logan County’s Fiscal Court believed in the idea so much after hearing presentations from Sharp and Extension Agent Chris Milam that they unanimously agreed to put up to $200,000 towards the project.

The DreamRiders organization itself has been collecting from others in the community as well. The Carpenter Foundation awarded the project $100,000 and $55,000 has been collected from the private sector.

“I am extremely pleased and excited to see the board provide this money,” King said. “These funds represent the final amounts needed to make this multi-purpose agricultural facility a reality. It would be remiss to not thank Sue Sharp, who started with a plan to build an indoor arena to provide therapeutic horse back riding for children and adults with disabilities, that expanded to a building that could be used by 4-H and agricultural venues.

“Due to her dedication and hard work to getting donations, reduced bids and grants, there was an affordable plan to build this now multi-use facility. For the past 2 years the cumulative efforts of Mrs. Sharp, myself, Senator Pendleton, Chris Milam, University of Kentucky Extension Office, Logan County Fiscal Court, Carpenters, and many businesses this dream will now become a reality. I commend the Logan County Extension District Board for there vision and progressive decision to fund this project.”