Aug 21, 2015 By Suzanne Elliott 2 min read

Peters Township Zoning Board unanimously approved a setback variance Aug. 17 that removed one of the last hurdles for a proposed indoor horse riding rink in Venetia.

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

Sweet, who works as a physical therapist, is an avid horsewoman and wants to construct an indoor riding facility 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 spring 2016. “This is a way to combine both.”

Sweet, who rides English, 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 that Sweet wants to construct will be bright blue and white with a metal roof and will be able to accommodate up to 49 people. It will also 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.