Equine therapy group asks county to allow use of county land, commissioners offer conditional support

Representatives of Mesa, an equine-assisted-services nonprofit, asked the Sublette County Board of County Commissioners for permission to develop a small portion of county-owned property as a permanent facility to expand lessons and therapeutic programming.

"If we had our courses at the same location that we gave our lessons, that would be a huge game changer," said Carlos, Mesas director, describing limits of a mobile program and a capacity to expand riders served if a permanent site were available. Mesa asked the county to help with road, water and electrical improvements and discussed a $50,000 contribution to site-readiness costs in exchange for a limited, revocable use agreement.

Commissioners debated whether providing infrastructure or the appearance of selecting a single nonprofit would create an unfair precedent. One commissioner said the county could consider providing basic road base and water hookups rather than a direct cash grant. Another asked for assurances that improvements would remain with the property if Mesa ever relocated. Mesa representatives said they would secure additional insured status and were prepared to make most structures portable.

After extended discussion about shared-use alternatives (4-H, pony club, fairgrounds) and the deed restrictions tied to the county property, the board moved and approved a conditional authorization for Mesa to proceed with site planning and limited improvements, with the expectation that details (a lease or license and insurance coverage) will be finalized in a later agreement.