Offutt stables close permanently Published Jan. 11, 2010 By Debbie Aragon 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- After much research, coordination with patrons and evaluation, base officials permanently closed the Offutt stables Dec. 8. The stables, which are located at the base lake, are old and in need of major repair making them unsafe for patrons or the horses boarded there, according to 55th Mission Support Group Commander Col. Michael Allshouse. Four of the six buildings that make up the stables were built in 1984. The Indoor riding facility was built in 1976 and the tack barn in 1941. Additionally, because horse stables are considered category C activities by Air Force instruction, they must be self-sustaining and aren't authorized appropriated fund support other than for life, safety and health issues, the colonel explained. "The (horse stable) operation here simply didn't have the patronage to generate enough revenue to recapitalize and sustain the facilities," the colonel said. "The operation has struggled with infrastructure needs for many years but didn't warrant new construction because it simply couldn't generate the rate of return and project payback needed to support renovation or construction." Colonel Allshouse noted 55th Force Support Squadron morale, welfare and recreation funds had subsidized the operation for the last four years in excess of $90,000. That's in addition to about $71,000 in appropriated funds on life, safety and health issues. "The decision to close the operation was not only a business decision, but also one of safety for the patrons and horses due to the deteriorating facilities," the colonel said. Closing the stables permanently wasn't a decision that was taken lightly, Colonel Allshouse said. Prior to a decision being made, leadership from the 55th FSS met with base stables patrons May 12 and 28 to discuss two options to sustain the equestrian operation. The first option was to increase stall rental fees to a level that would offset expenses and generate the funds needed to recapitalize the stables operation, said Thomas Fahrer, 55th FSS deputy commander. "The second option was to have patrons form a private organization and take over the entire operation to include revenue generation, maintenance and repair," Mr. Fahrer said. Because patrons didn't think the second option was viable, officials increased monthly fees and conducted a marketing campaign to try to increase stable usage. After the 90-day marketing campaign, the number of patrons and horses actually declined, he said. For the next few months, squadron officials gathered needed data and came to the conclusion that the operation couldn't generate enough revenue to offset expenses and recapitalize, Mr. Fahrer said. "We then presented the facts to 55th MSG leadership and the 55th Wing commander, and recommended closing the facility," he said. Senior leadership agreed with that recommendation and the decision was briefed to stables patrons Nov. 16. They were also given 60 days to find new homes for their animals. With several boarding operations in the local area with comparable fees and additional services, 10 of the 11 horses stabled at the base lake were transported to new homes within two weeks. The final horse was relocated to a new home Dec. 8 effectively closing the facility. Although there are no firm plans for the stables area, Mr. Fahrer said the stable buildings will be demolished. "The area will most likely be developed for further recreation opportunities," Mr. Fahrer said.