Cisco Stables opens arena to public

Amber Rogers at Cisco Stables. Photo by Kathryn Godsiff

Sisters horse people who are looking for a place to hold or participate in an event will soon be able to make their way to the big gray and blue arena that can be seen from Highway 20.

Cisco Stables on Cloverdale Road is available for horse shows, clinics, and casual rental by groups or individuals. Boarding is also offered, either in stalls or pasture, with boarders able to make full use of the facility.

Owned by David Abbajay, who also owns the Feed Barn in Redmond, the stables formerly were private. At the urging of barn manager Amber Rogers, Abbajay decided to offer use of the large indoor arena to locals.

Rogers is a local herself, having grown up in Sisters.

A self-confessed horse nut, she says she has "dabbled in just about everything in the horse world."

The birth of twin boys seven years ago curtailed much of that activity, but Rogers loves her job taking care of the barn and Abbajay's horses.

The vulnerability she feels as a mother makes her sympathetic to those who don't yet have nerves of steel with their mounts.

This is part of the reason she wants to be involved in getting local folks riding and enjoying their horses.

"It seemed like there is a real need for something like this in Sisters," said Rogers. "We often had people coming by here wondering if they could use the arena. And there isn't anything going on show-wise in this area, especially in the winter."

With that thought, Rogers and Juanita Grin came up with the idea of a series of schooling shows in February and March.

Called the Fat-n-Fuzzy Buckle Series, the shows are geared for those just starting out, who want to test the waters or who are preparing for the summer show season.

The emphasis will be on fun rather than finesse. In fact, the entry form says "show clothing strongly discouraged." So those fancy sequined vests can stay in the closet until summer.

"The schooling shows are Juanita's domain," said Rogers. "She has had experience showing and organizing and is the real force behind these."

For information about the shows, contact Juanita at 504-1110. Entry forms are available at Sisters Feed and Supply, The Feed Barn and other horse supply stores in the area.

Thursdays are "Open Nights," when $5 per person entitles riders to use the arena, starting at 4 p.m.

Originally intended as a night just for "gals," some of them wanted to bring their husbands along. Never one to turn anyone away, Rogers decided to open it up.

Participants don't need to be there right at 4 p.m. but may come through the evening as their schedules allow.

There will be a limit of 15 riders at any one time, so a phone call to alert Rogers as to time is necessary.

The stables are going through some renovations at present, adding 16 more stalls and runs and putting in a heated viewing area. A new tack room, wash rack and expanded hay storage are also under construction.

Rogers says that prospective boarders and participants in events are welcome to come inspect the property by appointment.

For more information call 408-6380.