Our Next Step: A Dedicated Riding Arena
As of today - we have raised over $2,000! Thank you! Let’s keep the momentum coming!
Update — Tuesday, April 21:
We have some exciting progress to share.
We have now raised over $2,000 toward this project, and our local Oviedo Home Depot has stepped in to sponsor the arena fencing materials and a volunteer build day with their associates.
As we've continued planning and working with experts, we now have a much clearer picture of what this project involves. Here's how it breaks down:
Site Preparation (April)
Before anything else can happen, the ground has to be properly prepared. This includes building a stable base to support safe, consistent riding.
We’re working with our long-time local partner, Todd Gelm of Todd & Sons to complete this step.
Cost: ~$10,000 total
Current need: $5,000 to begin
Arena Build (July 7)
Approximately 300 linear feet of four-rail fencing.
Materials and labor are being sponsored by The Home Depot Foundation, and their associates will be coming out for a volunteer build day to help construct the arena.
Cost: ~$5,000 value, donated by Home Depot.
Ranch Preparation & Community Support
Once the arena is built, we'll add the finishing touches — painted poles, jump standards, a mounting block, and other features our students will use every day. This is the fun part, and a great opportunity for volunteers and families to get involved.
Cost: Minimal, mostly volunteer labor and donated materials.
Our current goal is to raise $5,000 to begin site preparation. This is the foundation everything else is built on, and we're ready to start as soon as funding is in place.
At Cheyne Ranch, everything we do starts with safety.
As our program grows, we are seeing more students, more lessons, and more opportunities for connection and confidence. It is exactly what we have been working toward.
With that growth, it is time to take the next step.
We are ready to build a dedicated riding arena designed specifically for our students.
Why This Matters
Our current riding space has worked for us, but it was never designed for the structure and consistency our program now needs.
A dedicated arena will allow us to:
Create a consistent and predictable environment for our riders
Support students who benefit from routine and clear boundaries
Provide a space built specifically for learning and safety
This is about continuing to offer the kind of experience our students rely on every day.
This shows where the new arena will be located on the property.
What We’re Building
We are starting with preparing the space and building the structure of the arena.
With Home Depot sponsoring the fencing materials, we are able to move forward in a meaningful way.
Our current goal is to raise $5,000 to begin site preparation.
How You Can Help
If you have seen the impact of this work, or believe in creating spaces where individuals can grow with confidence, we would love for you to be part of this next step.
If possible, please include “Arena Project” in your donation note so we can track progress.
Thank you for being part of this community. It truly makes this work possible.
-Sally Ann Cheyne
Founder & President
CHEYNE RANCH, INC.
Teaching Animal Care & Connection
1963 Genova Drive, Oviedo, FL 32765
Call/Text: (407) 205-7744 | Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram
Cheyne Ranch is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Consider donating: chra.us/give
Our mission: We teach animal care and connection in a safe, inclusive, and accessible community where people of all abilities grow in confidence, develop life skills, and form meaningful relationships.
