Horse enthusiasts who use the riding school in Sleen should not suffer from an impasse that has unexpectedly arisen after the operator has canceled the rental. “We want to have a temporary solution in place as quickly as possible to keep this riding school open,” reports councilor Steven Stegen (BBC2014) of the municipality of Coevorden.
The riding school is owned by the municipality, but is rented. “Last week we were suddenly surprised when the tenant decided to terminate the lease. We had been in discussions for a while, but we had not seen this development coming,” says Stegen. This week he wants to sit down with those involved to find a solution.
“We are considering a temporary rental by a group of users of the riding school, who can be supported by the municipality.” This solution is aimed at not endangering continuity and should ensure that horse owners can continue to stable their animals in the riding school on Zetelveenweg. “Also given the historical reputation that Sleen has within equestrian sports, we believe it is very important.”
Operator Marelle Koopman announces that he has indeed canceled the lease. “But that was not an overnight decision.” According to her, the building is currently unsatisfactory. “I don’t think the current state of maintenance is sufficient for my customers. I feel very sorry for the approximately 250 children who can’t come here now, but this was no longer a workable situation.” Koopman emphasizes that he would like to enter into discussions with the municipality to find a solution.
In the background, the plan has been going on for a long time to move the outdated riding school, so that space can be freed up for housing. Stegen: “We have now reached the point where we have a promising alternative location in mind, within walking distance of the village. We are currently developing those plans, where it is especially important to know exactly what we want to build and what that means. will cost.”
According to the alderman, it is clear that a comparable construction with a tenant is also possible at the new location. “Since we as a municipality do not intend to take over the operation of the riding school ourselves.” The current riding school is too small and outdated. The riding arenas no longer meet the requirements for competitions and competitions. In addition, there are fewer pastures available for the horses around the location.