HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah — For 30 years, Outdoor Recreation has offered self-care horse stables on Hill Air Force Base, offering an affordable home for horses owned by active duty military, reserve, national guard, retirees and federal civilian employees.
The 20-stall horse stable is located on the northwest side of the base. They are open to anyone with base access with active duty given priority if there is a wait list. At the moment, they have around 35 percent of the stalls occupied, according to Rachel Peterson, administration officer for Outdoor Recreation.
Each enclosed stall has an attached 14 by 28 foot run as well as two large turn outs (arenas), two round corrals and 10 paddock areas with room for two horses each.
“I think the stables are awesome,” said Sgt. 1st Class Ray Fleming, U.S. Army Recruiting in Ogden and lives on base. “Its good therapy for me having them near, and it’s good for the kids. It gives them a chance to experience the responsibility of caring for a large animal. They have a real farm-feel atmosphere.”
The stables are self-care, meaning the horse-owner must provide their own hay and feed, and are responsible for cleaning and caring for their horses. They are also required to check on their horses 2-3 times a day. Storage is also provided that patrons can use to store their haystacks and other supplies.
“It’s convenient. I work on base so it is easy for me to stop by,” said Jaime Sexton, retired Air Force and a contractor with the 583rd Missile Maintenance Squadron. “We’ve been using it quite a while. It’s a good group of people and we help each other.”
Before bringing a horse to the base, the animals must be up-to date on their vaccinations and inspected by the base veterinarian upon arrival. Once accepted, the horse will be quarantined for 14 days before it’s allowed around other horses.
Peterson said people who are not patrons are not allowed to visit the horses at the stable unless they are accompanied by a horse-owner. Horses can be unpredictable animals and should be treated as such, she said.
Fees for the stables are $90 per month for E-4 and below, and $125 per month for all others. More information and the stable application can be found at Outdoor Recreation. For more information, call 801-777-9666.
