By Pam Gamble and Tommy Brannon
Saddle Clubs across the Mid-South provide schooling for horses and a social opportunity for families in a nourishing environment. These shows are the perfect summer past time. Their casual nature makes them low stress and low maintenance for the participants, and low-er stress for the organizers (than a larger show). The exception is always the grounds-keepers. Mowing the grass and preparing the arena surface is always a chore during the summer months, no matter the size of the show.
Two examples of saddle clubs in the Mid-South are: the Crittenden County Saddle Club at the West Memphis Arkansas Fairgrounds Arena, which sits by the levee just over the Memphis-Arkansas Bridge, and the Dacus Riding Club in Brighton, Tennessee. Calling ahead for directions to Crittenden County Saddle Club is a must if you are a first-time hauler to the show.
Crittenden County Saddle Club Board Member, Chelsea Nicole Rohm, explained that their Saddle Club is seeking a fresh start. “We have quite a few new board members this year. The new board is really excited about growing the club. You do not have to be a member of a saddle club to participate in the shows, but do have to be a member to qualify for points leading to the year-end awards.
“A variety of performance and speed classes are offered. Saddle clubs have gaited classes and western pleasure classes. But right now the most popular classes are the timed classes such as keyhole, speed, poles and barrels.”
The Dacus Riding Club in Tipton County Tennessee was started over 60 years ago and is still going strong. Their horse shows are on Saturday nights, May through November. There are twelve point shows per year, culminating in an awards banquet. They host 4-H events, gaited shows, barrel racing shows, and even camp out shows.
Like the Crittenden County Saddle Club and Dacus Riding Club, each saddle club strives to provide classes for their particular membership, thus tailoring the shows to the interests of their members.
If you are interested in a fun equine activity, become a member of a nearby saddle club. You won’t be disappointed! Please be sure to call ahead to confirm start times and to get directions to the arenas.
Check the Mid-South Horse Review Calendar of Events for saddle club show listings.
Saddle Clubs across the Mid-South provide schooling for horses and a social opportunity for families in a nourishing environment. These shows are the perfect summer past time. Their casual nature makes them low stress and low maintenance for the participants, and low-er stress for the organizers (than a larger show). The exception is always the grounds-keepers. Mowing the grass and preparing the arena surface is always a chore during the summer months, no matter the size of the show.
Two examples of saddle clubs in the Mid-South are: the Crittenden County Saddle Club at the West Memphis Arkansas Fairgrounds Arena, which sits by the levee just over the Memphis-Arkansas Bridge, and the Dacus Riding Club in Brighton, Tennessee. Calling ahead for directions to Crittenden County Saddle Club is a must if you are a first-time hauler to the show.
Crittenden County Saddle Club Board Member, Chelsea Nicole Rohm, explained that their Saddle Club is seeking a fresh start. “We have quite a few new board members this year. The new board is really excited about growing the club. You do not have to be a member of a saddle club to participate in the shows, but do have to be a member to qualify for points leading to the year-end awards.
“A variety of performance and speed classes are offered. Saddle clubs have gaited classes and western pleasure classes. But right now the most popular classes are the timed classes such as keyhole, speed, poles and barrels.”
The Dacus Riding Club in Tipton County Tennessee was started over 60 years ago and is still going strong. Their horse shows are on Saturday nights, May through November. There are twelve point shows per year, culminating in an awards banquet. They host 4-H events, gaited shows, barrel racing shows, and even camp out shows.
Like the Crittenden County Saddle Club and Dacus Riding Club, each saddle club strives to provide classes for their particular membership, thus tailoring the shows to the interests of their members.
If you are interested in a fun equine activity, become a member of a nearby saddle club. You won’t be disappointed! Please be sure to call ahead to confirm start times and to get directions to the arenas.
Check the Mid-South Horse Review Calendar of Events for saddle club show listings.
