| News and views about the proposed Lakewood Olympic Equestrian Center.
What's Happening:
The Lake County Forest Preserve District continues to work with the Chicago 2016 Olympic organization on planning for a new potential Olympic Equestrian Center site in Chicago’s northern suburbs.
Two sites in Lake County remain under consideration – the original site at Lakewood Forest Preserve near Wauconda, and a new alternate site near Antioch in northern Lake County. The new site would utilize existing agricultural lands at Raven Glen Forest Preserve on the west side of Route 45, south of Route 173, and adjacent farm land owned by Abbott Laboratories on the east side of Route 45.
Approximately 90 acres of the 544 acres at Raven Glen could be considered for use for the 2016 Olympic Equestrian Center. The area proposed is primarily an old dairy farm site and surrounding agricultural fields located along Route 45. This part of Raven Glen does not include any sensitive natural resources and would not adversely impact wildlife habitat. Existing trails and other public facilities that recently opened in other parts of Raven Glen would not be affected.
After the Olympics and Paralympics, temporary facilities on the Abbott property would be removed. The Forest Preserve District could retain equestrian facilities along the western side of Route 45 to provide ongoing horsemanship education classes, therapy and adaptive riding services for disabled adults and children, and indoor and outdoor competition facilities. Private funds would pay for these new public facilities.
Lake County Forest Preserve District Commissioners may consider the issue of allowing use of part of Raven Glen as an Olympic Equestrian Center at meetings with Chicago 2016 in the near future.
Equestrian sites owned by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County also continue to be considered by Chicago 2016.
It remains important for equestrians to contact Lake County Forest Preserve District Commissioners and Chicago 2016 to let them know if they support hosting the Olympic equestrian events in Lake County.
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Your involvement at this point of the project is vital to the long term success of the Lakewood Olympic Equestrian Center! Don’t be part of the silent majority. Get involved and help make our Olympic Dream become a reality in our lifetime, and a legacy for generations to come. |
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Living the dream ... Spotlight on Horse Kids |
by a Horse Kid, Lisa Kucharski |
Name:
Jeremy Rosheisen
Age: 17 Home: Brodhead, WI
What is your favorite horse activity?
“Showing and training are definitely fun, but the best parts are getting to meet so many new people and all the friends I've made.”
How many horses do you have?
“I have two horses, Kim and Munch, that both live at my house, but I sometimes board to have access to an indoor.”
How long have you been involved with horses?
“When I was eight we moved to the country and a few weeks later Mom and Dad bought me my first horse.”
Best thing about having a horse?
“Hmm...definitely a tough question. It's probably a toss-up between all the friends I’ve made and the freedom it gives me.”
Worst thing about having a horse?
“Being up early to do chores.”
How do you finance having a horse?
“Both of my parents work to finance my habit, and as I've progressed through the ranks of riding we have bought and sold a few horses. I also work for myself in order to earn money for all the extra things like lessons and tack.”
Other Interests/Activities besides horses:
“I'm a wrestler and I'm also involved in 4H and FFA.”
Most memorable horsey moment?
“Definitely has to be from 2006 when I was at the Walworth County Fair in Elkhorn. I was showing halter with my horse Kim and I won both my AQHA halter class and the Western Type at Halter Class and then I went on to win the Grand Champion Halter Horse Award. The best part was that I beat my trainer and his mom!”
Who’s your biggest influence?
“I have several people who have influenced me a lot, the biggest ones are Candy Benner, Holly Ends, and Dan Grunewald, but there are also a few other people.”
What horse related clubs or organizations do you belong to?
“I'm a Jr. Leader in my 4H project's horse program where I help all the younger members out and I am also on our County 4H Horse Project Board. I’m also on our County Judging and Hippology teams for 4H. In 2006 my teammates and I went to nationals for both.”
How did you first get involved with horses?
“Before we moved to the country I became interested through my cousin, who had one, and a neighbor who had me care for his when he was gone.”
How do you help others enjoy horses?
“I help a lot of younger members out through 4H and at shows. This year for my senior project I will be running a county 4H sponsored clinic for our 1st and 2nd year members.”
What is your favorite activity with horses?
“Showing and training.” What are your plans after high school? “After high school I plan on continuing my life with horses as an amateur trainer under the direction of a trainer, and eventually branching out on my own as a professional. My goal is to own a large show barn where I ride and train really nice horses. My other goal is to win a world/national title.”
What have horses taught you?
“Wow. Horses have taught me a lot: Patience, Responsibility, Commitment, Trust, Compassion, Dedication and a whole lot more!”
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Check out this website for more information: www.lcfpd.org/lakewood2016
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