“Hoofbeats to Healing is dedicated to providing therapeutic horse back riding in Saratoga Springs, Utah. We use an effective natural approach to therapeutic horse back riding via Missouri Fox Trotter and Andalusian horses. Based on the theory of Cross hemispheric integration, which is if a child didn’t crawl correctly their brain may not be mapped correctly.” That is on the about us page on their website https://www.hoofbeats.us/. It has been rumored now for a while that they would be purchasing some land along Lake Mountain Road and move from their location in Saratoga Springs, which was recently purchased by UDOT for road expansion. The location that the agenda packet for the Planning Commission shows is where the Eagle Mountain Benches subdivision was planned. It looks like the developers Karen and Jeff Scott (the later a building inspector for Eagle Mountain) have decided to rezone a portion of their land back to Agricultural and allow Hoofbeats to Healing to use it. It is unknown at this time if they are going to rent/lease or actually sell the land to Hoofbeats.
The agenda packet for the Eagle Mountain Planning Commission for their July 28th meeting contains the following information. “Rezone request and concept plan submission for the proposed Hoofbeats to Healingdevelopment, located on the east side of Lake Mountain Road north of 5000 N. The subject property includes 27.37 acres made up for the entirety of parcel 590060047 and a portion of parcel 590060046. The applicant is seeking to rezone the property from residential to Agricultural with a concept plan for an equine-assisted therapy center.” These parcels have been coming back and forth from the Planning Commission and City Council agendas for several years now. It is part of what has been come to be known as the Eagle Mountain Benches. It has appeared on the City Council agenda at least six times in the last few years.
The rezone concept plan shows several areas for fenced pastures, a hay barn, stall barn, and a 200 X 220 foot area. The plan also includes a new roadway off of Lake Mountain Road and a parking area. The existing home on the property, currently the resident of Jeff and Karen Scott is labeled as “existing home to remain”.
The property is currently zoned as residential with approval from the City Council for larger acre lots. An article done by KUTV tv on June 20th, 2018 “Land debate puts Eagle Mountain couples on opposing sides in fight to live their dreams” stated: “Jeff and Karen Scott have waited 40 years to serve their LDS mission together in Australia. They say they need to sell their 101-acre property in Eagle Mountain to be able to serve.” It continues, “The Scott’s neighbors, the O’Donnells, are one of a handful of residents worried the pattern of rezoning will create a domino effect in their beloved rural neighborhood.”
Below is an example of one of the Eagle Mountain Benches site plans.
You can find more information about the Eagle Mountain Benches saga by reading these articles that have been published on cedarvalleysentinel.com
Eagle Mountain Benches on EM City Council Agenda for the Sixth Time
Eagle Mountain Benches Rezone and Development Timeline.
History of Eagle Mountain benches
Mike Kieffer – Editor-in-Chief, Cedar Valley Sentinel
Mike Kieffer is a dynamic leader and community advocate based in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cedar Valley Sentinel, a local publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and elevating the Cedar Valley community through honest and accurate journalism. With a passion for fostering connections, Kieffer has made it his mission to highlight local businesses, provide reliable news, and support community development.
Beyond his editorial role, Kieffer is the owner of Lake Mountain Media, LLC, a company specializing in media and communications, and the co-owner of Quail Run Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming and community engagement. He also actively contributes to the local economy and culture as a member of the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Kieffer’s dedication extends to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Cedar Valley area. He often participates in community-centered events and media, including podcasts that explore the unique aspects of life in the region. Through his varied endeavors, he remains a steadfast advocate for the growth and enrichment of the local community.