Ranch and
Rodeo Roundup
A
By Kim Dillon
rizona is home to numerous saddle clubs and horse
associations. Do you belong to one? These organizations offer
a grassroots opportunity for equine lovers to bond with horses
while making lifetime friendships. Here are some of the saddle clubs
around our State and how you can join in on their fun:
Scottsdale Saddle Club is Arizona’s
oldest and most active club. The
family oriented club has about 400
members of all ages! Although
most members do own their own
horse, this is not a requirement to
belong to this club. The members all share a love and respect for
horses along with their many related activities. This non-profit
club is run by many dedicated volunteers who host numerous horse
shows, gymkhanas and junior
rodeos throughout the year. With
emphasis on fun and safety, the
family oriented atmosphere is ideal
for riders of all levels. The majority
of their events are held at Horse
Lovers Park. Check out their website
for upcoming activities at www.
scottsdalesaddleclub.com.
Growing up, I was fortunate to be able to participate in Scottsdale
Saddle Club when shows were held at the original Cholla Park
Arena (remember this place?) The club had the same familyfriendly atmosphere back then. Now my daughter proudly wears
my SSC buckle and rides in my all-around saddle. Clubs like SSC
(along with many others) really warm my heart because they offer
so much encouragement to new riders. The reassuring words
coming from the announcer’s stand and cheering from the arena
rail are unique to saddle clubs. I have
often watched a timid rider walk
a barrel pattern and receive more
applause than a championship run.
Love this! Local saddle clubs are
where many of our future champions
are made and where lifetime bonds
are formed with our animals.
Farther south, the Huachuca Saddle Club is located in greater
Sierra Vista and Cochise County. The club was originally started
as Huachuca Horseman Association on Fort Huachuca. In
the beginning, the club offered shows in Western and English,
gymkhanas, ropings, and rodeos. Then when new commands came
on Post, the club moved off Post and used several local arenas to hold
events. With the economy tightening up, so did the club activities,
dropping to just Western and English shows. Recently, the club
has expanded back up to include two gymkhana buckle
series. This busy club also coordinates their horse shows
with the local 4H club to help members qualify for county
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May 2014
and state competitions. They additionally offer reduced rates in their
clinics for the 4H students.
The Huachuca Saddle Club was fortunate last year to have their
gymkhanas and show classes sponsored allowing them to award
more belt buckles. They continue to grow and are starting to offer
versatility ranch, horsemanship, and cow working clinics. The club
is currently using Wren Arena on Post and Rockin’ JP Ranch in
Palominas as their primary sites. HSC is continuously trying to offer
additional horse activities to encourage more participation. They are
proud that their membership has increased over the last two years
and welcome anyone in the future. For more information, visit their
website at www.huachucasaddleclub.org.
Arizona Saddle Club is a non-profit family oriented riding group
originally founded in 1975 that now has almost 100 members. The
club proudly supports a member-selected charity throughout the year
at their competitions. Speaking of events, the ASC holds a monthly
gymkhana at the South Buckeye Equestrian and Event Center. Horse
lovers of all ages can compete in barrels and poles along with creative
patterns like Bootlace, Hourglass, London Bridge, Tunnel Vision and
Wild Lark. What fun! These gymkhanas are made possible thanks to
the efforts of club volunteers and sponsors. With the impending heat