Limerick Planning Commission Recommends Approval of Small Horse Riding Academy on Game Farm Road

A proposal to operate a small horse riding academy from a residential property on Game Farm Road moved a step forward last week after the Limerick Township Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the plan.

The commission voted unanimously during its March 12 meeting to support a conditional use application submitted by resident Ashley Softchin. The recommendation now goes to the Limerick Township Board of Supervisors, which will make the final decision on whether the academy can operate at the property located near the intersection of Game Farm Road and Pheasant Road.

The proposal would allow Softchin to offer private horseback riding lessons on a limited basis using horses already kept on the property.

How the Riding Program Would Work

According to Softchin, the academy would operate as a small, private riding program focused largely on one-on-one instruction. Lessons would typically last about an hour and would use horses already housed on the property. No outside horses would be brought to the site.

The lessons would include both mounted riding instruction and unmounted learning sessions, allowing students to become familiar with horse handling and care in addition to riding.

The property previously received township approval in 2022 for an outdoor riding area and for up to five horses to be kept on the site. The current application would allow the addition of riding lessons as a formal use.

Commission Reviews Traffic and Activity

Because the property is located along a state road, the project will require coordination with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, including a highway occupancy permit for driveway access.

Traffic engineer Frank Tobani told the commission the anticipated vehicle activity would remain relatively low even with lessons operating.

Softchin told commissioners the goal is to keep the program modest and manageable. She emphasized that the property would not host larger equestrian events such as horse shows, competitions, or summer camps, which typically bring larger crowds and more traffic.

Softchin also said she hopes to keep the property’s appearance largely unchanged, adding that she wants to maintain “that feel of the farm.”

“We don’t want it to look like a business,” she told commissioners.

What Happens Next

The planning commission’s vote serves as a recommendation. The Limerick Township Board of Supervisors will make the final determination at a future meeting.

If approved, the academy would operate under township conditions and any permitting requirements established during the review process.