Local company to build equine arena in Spindale
Feb. 1—SPINDALE — A construction company in Lenoir is tasked with building a new 13,068-square-foot covered instructional riding arena on the campus of Isothermal Community College.
Wilkie Construction will build the arena at the cost of $785,388. It will support the college's Animal-Assisted Interactions program, which teaches students how to use horses and other animals to provide therapy for people including veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and those with developmental disabilities.
The arena will also provide space for Equine Studies and other related classes, as well as for community activities that call for such space.
"We are so excited to see this project take shape with the support of our many partners," said Dr. Margaret Annunziata, president of Isothermal.
"This arena not only highlights and celebrates our area's rich heritage in the equine industry but allows us to prepare highly skilled professionals to support the intersection of equine business, human services and equine therapy, and economic development for our region."
Rural Development is partnering with Appalachian Regional Commission to Invest $300,000 grant to assist in the construction of the new arena.
"Agribusiness is a major component of North Carolina industry," said Rural Development State Director Reginald Speight. "Our partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission is helping us educate leaders in a major area of rural North Carolina business."
Other financial stakeholders include the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Golden LEAF Foundation, the Cannon Foundation, and the Rutherford County Board of Commissioners.
Representatives from all stakeholders were on hand at Tuesday's groundbreaking ceremony.
LS3P Architects designed the facility.
