Howard County Youth Horse Program Launches Campaign for New Horse Barn

   Youth member, Claire Kach said the need for a permanent barn has been developing for some time as the program continues to grow, “This has been a long process, we've been waiting for a barn because we currently don't have a horse barn. Our program is growing so we need more space.” Also adding,  "We are going to also replace our old bleachers because they were unsafe, so we'll have a new safe space for spectators”.

   The proposed facility will provide a designated home for a program that currently does not have a building of its own. Organizers say the barn will improve safety and convenience by being constructed arena-side, giving participants and visitors a more accessible space during the fair and other activities. 

   Several years ago, members of  Youth Horse Program approached Tom Barnes, Executive Secretary of the Howard County Agricultural Society/Mighty Howard County Fair, bringing up the need for a new barn, dedicated to horse stalling during the fair. At that time, a horse barn still stood but the facility was too small to house all the horses it was needed for, it was in rough shape and the location was not convenient for its uses. Ideas were shared and Horse Program members and supporters were ready to start a new project, offering to raise money for a new building. A couple years later, the old horse barn was torn down as it was found unsafe.

   Barnes added, "Ever since the old barn was removed, horses were stalled in the Sobolik Barn, in an area where beef would normally be housed. It was tight but we made it work. As the horse program continues to grow in the number of youths participating, we do not have room to house any more horses. Add to that, our beef numbers are growing as well. So, we have a real issue trying to accommodate both horses and beef animals during the fair.”

   If all goes according to plan and the Howard County Youth Horse Program can raise the funds for a new facility, the new barn will be a stand alone building, built specifically to house horses in a safe and comfortable setting located directly next to the horse arena to not only be more convenient for participants, but also more comfortable for spectators. Barnes also adds, "This will eliminate the issue of youth and horses going back and forth from their stalls to the arena on already busy driveways full of vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Additionally, the new horse barn will include room for tack and other supplies. This will be convenient for horse exhibitors as they won’t have to have their trailers in the parking areas around the arena. By having their trailers parked in a specified livestock trailer parking lot south of the fairgrounds, this will open up some more parking for fairgoers.” A win-win situation for everyone involved!

   While the new barn isn't only about providing a safter envireonment for the horses and young people who ride and care for them, safety still is the priotirty to the young participants involved in the project. 

   Youth member, Caroline Friedges said having a permanent facility would give horses a safer place to stay throughout the fair, “The horse barn is important to me because its a safe place for horses and spectators, rather than what we have now which is just a substitute barn. I would really like a safe space for my horse because he does have some hoof problems and needs a safe place to stay during the whole week of the fair”.

   For youth member, Emma Burns, the project would address safety for everyone involved in the horse program, “This is important to me because right now we do not have a dedicated horse barn. So with this it will just improve the safety for everyone involved”.

  The proposed barn will include 31 stalls, providing safe housing for horses and equines of different types and sizes. In addition to the barn being contructed arena side, new seating will be included under a shaded area between the barn and the arena, providing a safer and more comfortable area for spectators. Existing bleachers will also be replaced.

   The need for the additional space is becoming increasingly apparent as participation grows. At the 2026 fair, 18 horses were housed on the fairgrounds. Organizers project that at least 22 horses will need to be housed there for the 2027 fair.

   The horse program provides young people with opportunities to develop responsibility, dedication and work ethic through their relationships with their horses. Organizers say those lessons can help participants become future leaders in the community.

   Liz Baethke, a Horse Barn Committee member and mother of a participant, emphasized the commitment young participants make throughout the year, “The youth work hard year round to develop their skills and relationships with their horses, and this will be a welcome addition to the growing program. The continued support from the community, families, and businesses is essential and greatly appreciated in the progress of this barn project.”

   Organizers hope to raise the full $250,000 and complete the project in time for the 2027 fair. However, fundraising and construction efforts will continue until the building is completed.  Groundbreaking is planned for the end of September, weather permitting. Organizers say the Howard County Fair Board has been wonderful to work with throughout the project.

   The fundraising campaign includes seven donation tiers, with organizers stressing that no amount is too small. There are also opportunities for donor recognition and partnership, including stall sponsorships. Stall sponsorships will be limited to the first 31 donors.

   The project is being promoted as an investment not only in a physical structure but in the future of the youth horse program and the community. Organizers would like to thank anyone who has so far invested in our young horse enthusiasts and the future of our community, they also welcome anyone else that would be willing to help to contact them. Those wishing to support the Horse Barn Project can make checks payable to Howard County Agricultural Society, with “Horse Barn Project” written in the memo line.

 

Checks can be mailed to:

Howard County Agricultural Society

P.O. Box 83

Cresco, IA 52136

 

   Donations and the donor information form should be submitted by November 15, 2026. For a donor information form or additional information, contact Allen Stoddard at (563) 379-6201, Liz Baethke at (319) 239-5389, or email howardcountyhorsebarn@gmail.com. Donor information forms are also available at The Times Plain Dealer office to pick up until November 15th.

   With a permanent, arena-side facility, 31 stalls, shaded spectator seating and new bleachers, the Howard County Youth Horse Program hopes to create a safer environment where young riders and their horses can learn, compete and grow for years to come.