Aug 21, 2015 2 min read

McMURRAY – Peters Township Zoning Board unanimously approved a setback variance Tuesday that removed one of the last hurdles for a proposed indoor horse riding arena in Venetia.

Elizabeth Sweet and Brian Szklinski needed the 15-foot setback variance so they could begin construction of a 9,916-square-foot riding facility on their four acres of property at 251 Hill Place Road.

Sweet, who works as a physical therapist, is an avid horsewoman and wants to construct an indoor riding ring on her land so she can give riding lessons during the rainy and colder months when riding outside can be difficult.

“I love children and horses,” said Sweet, who hopes to begin construction in the spring. “This is a way to combine both.”

Sweet, who is an English rider, owns three horses and two ponies, which she keeps in a small barn on her property, she said.

Sweet said she plans on calling her business Neighing Valley Farm.

According to plans filed with the township, the building will be bright blue and white with a metal roof and will accommodate up to 49 people.

It will comply with township regulations and have accommodations for the disabled, such as parking facilities and wheelchair ramps, as well as a fire safety system and an emergency lighting system.