Mission Statement
Holland Western Horse Park exists first and foremost to provide an inclusive, supportive, fun, and safe environment for the horse community and the public at large. It is our mission to serve the community with a focus on youth and families while providing horse-related educational opportunities to people of diverse experience levels, abilities, and backgrounds, and to inspire new partnerships among equestrians to challenge each other and grow together.
About
Holland Western Horse Park is a 501(c)3 organization that was originally formed in 1963 under the name Holland Western Saddle Club. The name was changed in 2021 to reflect the inclusivity and openness of the park and its events to all horse enthusiasts and spectators. HWHP currently sits on approximately 40 partially-wooded acres in Laketown Township, on the south side of Holland, MI. The organization has grown over the years, yet takes pride in remaining a family-friendly environment where all those who participate have the opportunity to grow their confidence and leadership skills and realize the rewards of hard work and commitment both on and off the horse.
Our large sand show arena, as well as a large sand warm up arena, feature excellent footing for our annual open horse show series, along with the other open shows, 4-H events, Sheriffs Mounted Association, and junior and high school equestrian team competitions which are hosted on our grounds. The property also boasts several miles of hiking, running, and riding trails through the woods, a clubhouse with kitchen, sound system with speakers, a combination of electric and rustic campsites with high-lines and water spigots, and portable restrooms. Our facilities can be rented out by members of the community and other nonprofits for fundraisers and events. Our HWHP open horse show include classes in halter, showmanship, english, western, trail, and ranch riding; in addition to classes for assisted and unassisted therapeutic riding, in which riders from local therapy programs to have the chance to show off their skills and be awarded for their achievements. There’s something for riders of all backgrounds, ages, and levels of experience at our horse shows, and members of the public are always welcome as spectators or volunteers.
2016 saw the construction of a new Extreme Mountain Trail Course on our property, consisting of natural obstacles and continually growing. The course is used for training and learning opportunities, with open play days and numerous clinics by professional trainers each year, and we also host Extreme Mountain Trail Challenges every year where riders can compete and receive judge’s feedback on their progress. Beginning in 2021, HWHP Extreme Mountain Trail is partnering with the national association Premier Mount N Trail to bring even greater awareness of this new and exciting discipline and open up more opportunities and incentives for riders who wish compete in Challenges or log their horsemanship and volunteer time.
We believe partnering with horses and learning from one another develops life skills that extend far beyond the riding arena, and we also wish to serve as ambassadors for the benefits of equine sports and friendly competition, especially for young riders.
HWHP is extremely grateful to partner with corporate and individual sponsors and donors, as well as the volunteers who give their time, to make what we do possible. Sponsorships and donations are how all of our events and service to the community is funded, as well as the maintenance to our beautiful grounds. We would love to discuss what we have to offer for new sponsors and donors. Our organization would not exist without your generosity!