In 1998, the citizens of Dallas passed the Trinity River Corridor Bond package that included approximately $3 million for an “equestrian center”. The architectural firm of Brown, Reynolds and Watford (BRW) was charged with designing this equestrian center and identifying individuals who might be interested in forming a nonprofit to run the facility. During the next few years, BRW Architects developed some initial design concepts for an equestrian facility that included different scenarios based on the level of commitment of the city of Dallas.
In January 2005, BRW brought together equestrians and business people from all across the state of Texas to discuss the equestrian center. This meeting included trainers, owners, show managers, breeders, etc. In subsequent meetings, the idea of creating a world-class venue that could host international shows and have a positive economic impact on Dallas was formed. The group committed to forming a nonprofit that would operate the equestrian center and match the city’s money if the city would increase its funding to a total of approximately $15 million in cash plus the cost of the land. The new nonprofit, Texas Horse Park, Inc. was formed in March 2005 and a 501 (c)(3) application was filed with the IRS and approved on May 23, 2006. The City included an additional $12 million in bond money in the 2006 bond election plus additional money for the land purchase. This bond package was approved by the citizens of Dallas in November 2006.