Fair committee directs staff to draft horse-boarding policy after concerns about unattended animals

At its Jan. 28 meeting the Richland County Fair Committee heard concerns about horses being left on the fairgrounds and directed staff to draft a written policy governing horse boarding and passing through the grounds.

Several members recounted the fair’s historical practice — permitting stalls primarily when the track or arena was in use — and said they were concerned by recent instances in which horses appeared to have been left unattended. One committee member summarized that historically “it’s always been my $25 a month for horses” when stalls were provided for working use, and members said they did not want the fairgrounds to become ad hoc boarding for animals.

Administrator-level staff agreed a clear policy is needed. “We can work on drafting a policy based on what you guys shared tonight,” said the administrator, and she said she and Lyric would meet and produce a draft policy to return next month; the staff plan is to put fee amounts into the county’s fee schedule rather than hard-code fees in the policy draft.

Staff also noted compliance needs: documentation such as immunization or veterinary paperwork should accompany horses using the grounds. Members asked that the draft address limits on overnight stays, use of stalls, and the process for pass-through or temporary arrangements so the county is not left responsible for abandoned animals.

Next step: staff (administrator and Lyric) will draft the policy and present it for committee review at the next meeting.