Equine therapy ranch horse arena collapses from heavy snow, faulty structure

Heavy snow made heavier by rain caused the riding arena at the Stillwater Horse Whispers Ranch just north of Whitefish on Highway 93 to collapse on Jan. 22 in the early morning.

Owner Bobbi Hall has been helping people and horses in that arena for over twenty years and she plans to continue her work outdoors until a new arena can be built. The structure was uninsured so raising funds for rebuilding is the first task.

The collapsed arena was a canvas hoop-style building. According to Hall, the canvas was guaranteed for 15 years and it actually lasted almost 20 years. The failure was in the improperly assembled metal structure.

The arena was the site for horse language classes, equine-assisted therapy sessions, riding lessons and retreats. Luckily, it was empty early Saturday morning and no one was hurt when the building caved in.

“When I heard it go down, I got up, got dressed, and came out and checked the (propane) tank and sure enough it was on,” Hall said. “So I made sure and turned it off.”

Standing amidst the ruins, her initial thoughts were not about herself and her loss but about the people she serves. She is moved to tears when she recalls that moment.

“And while I was looking at this I’m thinking, Oh thank God nobody was in here,” she said. “Then, the next thing I thought about was how many people I was going to disappoint because I had no place.”

Hall services children and adults by providing equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) and equine-assisted learning (EAL). People come with different goals; some clients seek help with substance abuse or depression, while others wish to improve their careers, relationships and lives.

According to the Stillwater Horse Whispers Ranch website, the horse programs can help participants “move past challenges that stand in the way of those goals.”

Hall also created and teaches a Horse Language class through Flathead Valley Community College. Additionally, Hall is a certified riding instructor and offers riding classes. The ranch is also a place for people to board and work their horses.

Best-selling author, Laura Munson hosts writing retreats that attract people from all over the world and they spend time at Hall’s ranch.

“I’ve seen Bobbi’s work change lives over and over again. The ripple effect is vast. She is one of the most powerful healers I know and we need to support her,” Munson said.

Andrew Bing, Hall’s friend, started a GoFundMe campaign to help raise funds to rebuild the arena. Bing anticipates the cost will be upwards of $200,000.

Well-wishes from donors on the site reveal how special Hall is and how beneficial her work has been.

Lisa Mascho wrote, “She works hard every day for others and her presence in the world makes it a better place.”

Stephen Smith enjoyed an equine session with Hall and shared, “This incredible experience has touched my life and continues to do so! I understand the essential need that Bobbi has to continue her invaluable work in an arena.”

Diana Davis-Dyer described her time at the Ranch as “profound, peaceful and everlasting.”

Businesses that operate on tight budgets find ways to save money. The canvas roof of the old arena allowed light to pass through so there was no need for additional electrical lighting.

“It was nice that the only time I had to worry about lights was for night riding or when we were doing retreats or different classes and we’d want to take photos. Then we’d turn the lights on in there just to help with the photography.”

On Thursday, the near end of the structure that housed leads, grain, heaters, and equipment was still somewhat upright while the center of the building was on the ground. It looked as if a giant stepped on the building and crushed it like an empty soda can.

“What we have to do is do the clean-up and see what we can salvage.”

Help has poured in to clean out the old facility and start work on a new one. The new arena will be a metal building that may be finished by summer. This time, Hall is entrusting the construction to someone tried and true, the company who built her hay barn.

Meanwhile, classes and programs will be held outdoors. Hall says she’s telling her clients to “bring toe warmers, hand warmers and dress appropriately for the weather.” If the weather is too bitter, the activity will be postponed.

As of Monday, over $24,000 has been donated on the GoFundMe page and one woman visited the Ranch to contribute. The generosity of the community touches Hall.

“This has been overwhelming, people’s responses, people that don’t even know me. It has touched me to the bottom of my soul.”

For more information or to make a donation visit gofundme.com/f/horse-arena-collapse