Recent downpours in Lethbridge are bringing back memories of flooding for some rural residents south of Lethbridge.
Three years ago this month, Grand Peaks Equestrian Centre was under a metre of water.
The only way to access it in June 2010 was either a half-ton truck or canoe.
“I don’t know how many people say, ‘How did you do it?’ ” Sandra Rockenbach, who owns and operates the facility said Monday. “I had wonderful people helping me.”
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After days of torrential downpour, everything was submerged, including over 50 stabled horses.
“I never dreamed that could happen,” said Rockenbach.
The arena’s dirt turned to mud, meaning ’round-the-clock restoration work for nearly six months.
“We started in the back third, digging through the soft stuff, spreading it, drying it, bringing it back in,” said Oliver Tietz, who was part of the efforts. “I estimated we hauled about 540 tandem loads of dirt.”
All those man hours later, Grand Peaks is fairly dry, even after a few days of rain.
Much of the work since the flood has included adding culverts and upgrading drainage.
“As it is today, with lots of rain, there are just a few puddles,” said Rockenbach.
Meaning the added moisture just sends horses looking for a bit of shelter, and delays some chores.
“It just puts us back from mowing and all those things we enjoy doing,” she added, while laughing.
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