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The Nepean National Equestrian Park, also known as the National Capital Equestrian Park, was an equestrian facility located in Ottawa’s Greenbelt area. The facility was operated by the city, and offered a program of recreational horseback riding lessons, as well as space for private boarding. The property also hosted international equitation competitions and events. After suffering financial losses for years, the city of Ottawa sold the property to the Wesley Clover Foundation in 2012.

Overview
The NNEP’s 270 acre property includes the stables and indoor arena, as well as several outdoor sand rings for riding, acres of pasture space, a cross-country course, and a small wooded area that is home to many species of local wildlife. The cross country course accommodates four levels of difficulty, and is used for competitions.

The facility offered a year-round program of lessons for riders aged 7 onwards. The riding school specialized in introducing beginners to English riding. The facility also had a therapeutic riding program for disabled children.

The property was rented out for national and international level jumping shows, such as the National Capital Tournament. The shows attracted such riders as Ian Miller and Eric Lamaze. The NNEP also hosted other events, like the National Agility Association of Canada Dog Trials.

History
The Nepean National Equestrian Park first began construction in 1974. Ted De Long first proposed the project with the intention of creating an affordable riding program for those who could not buy or lease horses themselves. The facility would serve the west end and capital region. The property was leased from the National Capital Commission, and first operated by a partnership between the March and Nepean Townships. The riding school was also intended to provide access to athletics programs for girls, while the city’s commitments to hockey rinks and sports fields were seen as mostly serving boys. At its conception, De Long intended the park to offer both English and Western riding lessons, as well as other disciplines such as driving and horse-drawn skiing. Riders training for competitions would also be able to rent the facilities.

The stables were designed by a local architect, Walter Coates, and built in 1976. The construction of the indoor arena was delayed due to lack of funds. The arena wasn’t constructed until 1981.

Wesley Clover Parks
In 2012, the City of Ottawa ended its lease of the property. The riding school was closed and the horses were sold. The lease was eventually awarded to the Wesley Clover Foundation – a non-for-profit associated with high-tech entrepreneur Terry Matthews. The Foundation intends to invest more than $20 million to give the site a full re-construction. Plans for the Park include a new riding school, created in partnership with Canadian Olympian rider Ian Miller, an upgrade to the show grounds, new public seating, and new horseback riding trails. The Park will also host non-equestrian facilities, such as several full-sized summer sports fields, a new home for the royal swans, an outdoor skating rink, skiing and hiking trails, a campground, and a nature school for young children. The Park intends to draw more international equestrian events, as well as more participation from the non-equestrian community in outdoor sports.