With the ground broken, work is beginning on an enclosed arena at Giant City Stables.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held Monday, Sept. 16. State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) gathered with other state officials at Giant City State Park to celebrate.

This project, funded partly by a $200,000 member initiative grant secured by Fowler through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), will allow the organization to offer therapeutic horseback riding services year-round. The remaining funding for the construction was secured with funding from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the Illinois Conservation Foundation and various donations through private partnerships, including a contribution from Laborers’ International Union Local 773.

“This initiative has always been about ensuring access to essential services for those within our region who need it most, including veterans. This enclosed arena will bring real opportunities to the stables and the people it serves,” said Fowler. “Thanks to the support from state, local and community partners, this facility will soon offer year-round services, expanding programming and ensuring uninterrupted operations at Giant City Stables.”

The enclosed facility is expected to significantly improve Giant City riders’ experience by allowing for year-round operations and offering greater privacy for therapeutic riding lessons, all while preserving the dignity of clients and their families.

“DCEO is proud to play a role in ensuring that Giant City Stables can continue to provide their therapeutic services year-round,” said DCEO director Kristin Richards. “The partners involved in this project are dedicated and committed to coming together to make these resources readily available for Illinois’ veterans, individuals with disabilities, children and more.”

Current IDNR director Natalie Phelps Finnie said that “as a health care provider, I have seen how beneficial different types of therapy can be for individuals. I’m thrilled that IDNR can play a part in ensuring those who benefit from equine therapy will not only have access but will enjoy therapy in the best conditions possible.”

For over 39 years, Giant City Stables has provided therapeutic riding to individuals with disabilities, including veterans, children and adults. Through a partnership with the Marion VA, Giant City Stables has been offering equine therapeutic riding services to area veterans since 2014. The new enclosed arena will allow these services to continue into the winter months, providing essential support for Southern Illinois veterans.

“Given the demand and need in the area, this new enclosed arena will be a game-changer for us to provide therapeutic riding year-round and ensure that our clients, especially veterans and individuals with disabilities, have the support they need in any season,” said Giant City Stables owner Ramona Twellman. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this project a reality, including Sen. Fowler, DCEO and IDNR. We look forward to seeing this project move forward and to better serving our community and our veterans in the future.”

The arena project is expected to be completed in early 2025.