I have been a farrier (horseshoer/blacksmith) for 43 years. Nowhere have I ever seen a piece of property go through the transformation that Silver Circle has since the Witmers purchased it several years ago. Every time I go out there some new improvement has been made to the property.
I often work at show barns out in the area known as Steamboat. I would strongly encourage anyone with an interest in top equine properties to take a drive out past Andrew Lane and look at how these facilities are laid out. Every single one of them has an indoor arena. It is just what is expected of top-notch facilities as people want to be able to ride their horses there on a daily basis – regardless of the weather. No neighbors there ever complain about indoor arenas. It does nothing but improve the properties, and by doing so also enhances the value of their neighboring homes.
Who doesn’t want to see our communities grow in a way that improves not only the value of the land but gives people within this community a better quality of life?
I would strongly encourage anyone who can do so to allow the Witmers to build their proposed arena and help them to continue making our area a better place to live.
Thank you for your consideration.

I support the efforts for Pro Pony. I believe that giving them their permit is a win-win for the community. As long as they abide by the rules that are set, then there are no problems. By you allowing them to have their permits they can help many horse people, riders and support programs 365 days of the year. Not just in the summer months. Thank you.

I fully support the addition of an indoor riding arena at the Silver Circle Ranch being submitted by Pro Pony LLC.

A fantastic improvement to the existing facility at the Silver Circle Ranch. Will enable equestrians of all ages to ride on a regular schedule without weather considerations. Its location, using an already existing arena, does not change the foot print of the facility. This location is also in a low visibility area, not on top of a hill to obstruct views.
The owners of Silver Circle Ranch have agreed to many changes addressing concerns of the neighbors.
I have lived in the area since 1988 and support this project. I encourage the Board to approve the use permit required for this project.
Thank You!

Commission should approve this use permit, conditional on the LLC meeting areas of concern to the commission panel. All concerns outlined are certainly actionable and addressable and if met would ensure use commiserate with outlined ordinances and requirements. It would not make sense for the commission to deny this LLC and owners the opportunity to achieve and display compliance with all required items. Denying this request outright without any opportunity to come into compliance, would seem to enforce the growing fear, that the commission does not support equine business endeavors or possibly equine lifestyle in general. That seems like a dangerous precedence to set, when the vote could be a yes with conditions thus satisfying and meeting every concern outlined by the opposing neighbors. The business and use proposed provides activity and enrichment to the communities and lives in our area. As a neighbor right up the road, one of the unique values I once loved about the neighborhood was its rich history and foundation rooted in ranch and equine lifestyle. I find a boarding facility, training and riding space a positive to have in our neighborhood, and an economic advantage to the value of the entire neighborhood and surrounding homes if done well. Not all homes in the immediate area, while zoned for and allowed to have horses, have the facilities to do so. Having a boarding location in the middle of the area is a selling point. I find it interesting that many on the opposing list own horses and have space for their families to enjoy horses right in their own arenas or land and therefore have no need to access an outside facility. They have the financial means to bring a trainer to their home. As they are fortunate enough to ensure their use and access to equine activities why should they deprive others from the same enjoyment especially if all conditions and concerns they raise are addressed? A large building in a ditch is hardly going to block or take away from any view. In fact, what other use could that area serve? Vote Yes!

We moved to Reno September 2023 with our 2 horses from Jackson, Wyoming. In Jackson, a very small town with a historical and traditional tie to horses, just like Reno, we had a beautiful indoor arena at the Teton County Rodeo Grounds which was a hub of activity year round, but particularly during winter months when riding outdoors was extremely challenging. My husband, our horses and 50 other community members also rode together year round in the arena with the Citizens Mounted PatrolI which assisted the Jackson Police Department year round. We searched all over Reno for suitable boarding and was unable to find a stable to board and/or ride my horses. We settled the horses into Gardnerville, an hour drive each way which limits accessibility to my horses. I wholeheartedly support this arena to help bring back an area so well known for horses (wild and domestic) to its intended state. Horses represent our western heritage and provide an amazing opportunity for kids and adults alike to engage in sport, community and learning.

As a former rider at Pair of Aces stables at the old location as well as at Silver Circle Ranch, I am VERY much in favor of the proposed indoor riding structure proposed to cover the existing lower riding court. The former location of Pair of Aces, also located on Holcomb Ranch Lane, was equipped with an indoor facility that make inclement weather riding possible, as well as prioritized the safety of both horse and rider. A major reason I’ve taken a hiatus from riding in recent years is the lack of opportunity to ride when the weather bad, including but not limited to the rain, snow, and even moderate to high wind.
Additional, as a property owner myself, I am worried the denial of reasonable improvement to an already established facility sets a concerning precedent, particularly when the proposed improvement meet and/or exceed all county requirement and findings. I fear this could lead to a norm where the unfounded opinions of others infringe ups on the rights of property owners. There has already been amble study done showing that traffic has decreased since Pro Pony purchased Silver Circle Ranch, as well as the renderings showing the sight lines of neighboring properties will not be compromised. Many properties in the Holcomb ranch area are outfitted with personal indoor facilites, and I fail to understand why Silver Circle Ranch should be exempt from the same permissions.

I am writing to express my unwavering support for the special permit application submitted by Pro Pony LLC to construct an indoor riding arena for their facility in Washoe County, Nevada. Pro Pony LLC has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in equine care and horsemanship, and granting this permit would undoubtedly contribute to the overall well-being of the equestrian community.

Comments against this proposal appear to be based in emotion, not logic.

Pro Pony LLC has a proven track record of providing top-notch equestrian services and fostering a positive and inclusive environment for both riders and horses.

An indoor riding arena would provide a safe and controlled environment for equestrian activities, mitigating the impact of weather conditions and ensuring the well-being of both riders and horses.

An indoor area is essential to the riding community and riding academy that pair of Aces runs. Pair of Aces is an award winning barn, top notch facility and needs an indoor area to provide 4 season training. The location of the proposed area is barely visible from the road and will allow our students to reap the benefits of the riding academy year round rather than just when the weather allows.

I am a long-time resident of Reno/Verdi/Olympic Valley and I love training and riding my horses. I used to ride at Rancharrah which is no longer in the equestrian business. I rode in their indoor arena, particularly in the colder months. There are almost no indoor arenas left in the Reno area. The plans from Silver Circle Ranch in Reno. Pro Pony LLC, to build an indoor arena will be a real asset for Reno as the city enlarges and develops. Equestrian sports are part of Reno's heritage and hopefully part of Reno's future. This facility will enhance the neighborhood around and be part of the future of Reno and is paid for by private funds. Let's do it.

I am in support of the proposed indoor arena at the Silver Circle Ranch in Reno. Pro Pony LLC has done an excellent job addressing the concerns of the areas residents and the Silver Circle Ranch is a well established equine facility and an ideal location for this type of an arena. I encourage the Board to approve this Special Use Permit and allow the construction of a much needed, safe, year round riding facility in this part of Reno.

I support whole heartedly.

I have been a rancher, living in southwest Reno, since purchasing my horse property when I moved there from Sparks in 1989. Prior to the Double Diamond cattle ranch being sold, and all of the Country Estates and houses in Arrowcreek and along Lakeside being built, my children and I used to be able to get on our horses and ride in any direction. Over the years so much 'development' has taken place that it got to the point where you had to trailer your horse somewhere if you wanted to ride without taking your life into your hands. Nevada is a western state and there are still true Nevadans who enjoy horsemanship and would like to raise their children by allowing them to experience its pure, unadulterated pleasure. The proposed indoor riding equestrian center would offer individuals just such an opportunity. It could also be used to provide veterans who have PTSD to get tried and true horse therapy as an adjunct to their existing treatment. There is absolutely no rational reason to prevent the Silver Circle Ranch equestrian center from going forward. Anyone who opposes it is, most likely, not a native or long-standing Nevadan and/or does not truly understand the importance of maintaining the incredible history, heritage, and spirit of Nevada that so many of us have been privileged to experience and wish to offer to future generations.

I support the indoor arena at Silver Circle Ranch. The opposition says there are too many horses and that the property should not be able to run a business, but neither of those things are up for debate at this time. The horses on the property are remaining the same and the license to run the business has existed for years. The only request here is to put up an indoor arena for a business that already exists. Let us keep to the one issue at hand here, the indoor arena. The indoor arena will provide the same number of horses and the same number of riders a place to ride in winter, that is it! The water use does not change, the traffic does not change, the number of horses does not change, the number of riders does not change, the run off does not change, the view does not change, the business does not change, the number of events does not change. The little people and the big horses just go inside some of the time. That is it.

It is ridiculous that the council is entertaining opposition to this special use permit on a historic ranch, especially from a party who has cattle in the same neighborhood.
Whether or not you like horses should be moot but to use the council as an instrument to infringe on the freedoms of a business that is following the rules and regulations set forth by the county should not be tolerated.
The fact that this has taken so much time, effort, and work should be an embarrassment to the council and to the parties that oppose this, as nobody goes onto their property, to their house, or follows their children in their hobbies for the sole purpose of harassing them.
I hope the council quickly makes the correct decision to stop entertaining the harassment of Pro Pony LLC and gets back to something useful for the community.

I am in support of the indoor riding arena at Silver Circle Ranch. Both animals and riders deserve the opportunity to train year round in a safe environment. The land is being used in accordance with the law and for its intended purpose. The indoor is only providing much needed safety for those participating in Equine activities.

This is not an emotional decision this is logical. They have done everything required to make the neighbors happy and safe. This property has the right to build this indoor.

I would like to see this favorably pass. Pro Pony, LLC has done all the right things to ensure that all findings are acceptable. The biggest thing with the building of this indoor arena is feelings from the opposed instead of the facts. We have to preserve the right to create a safe environment for all, in this case, humans and equines on our private property that is under a an existing commercial business license. Again, I am in 100% SUPPORT for all that Pro Pony, LLC is offering for the horse community. Thank you.

I hope that common sense prevails. I know people on both sides of this issue and I am in support to approve the indoor facility being requested.
Silver Circle has been operating since 1974 for the enjoyment of yjose that enjoy riding for recreation and competition.Many people have voiced concerns of the impact of the current facility pertaining to traffic and safety. The indoor facility will have far less impactb than then growth that has occurred since 1974.
This not an expansion, but an enhancement, allowing riders to participate when the weather becomes harsh.
It is not to grow the business because it is current at near capacity.
Washoe County is and has been a horse community from its early years, this requested should be approved to extend the history and cultural roots of this community.

This would hugely benefit the horses physical and mental health as well as provide a safe place for them and the riders during harsh weather conditions.