STOUGHTON - Do you enjoy horseback riding, but often have to go out alone as there isn’t anyone close by to join?
Or maybe you are a first-time horse owner and would like to join other horse-crazy people to gain confidence and knowledge or just to enjoy an evening with fellow horse people?
The Stoughton New Hope Horse Club might be for you.
This club started around 2010 and it is still going strong. At first they did not even have an arena to ride in, but over the years one was built on the agriculture grounds in Stoughton. They have hosted events such as rodeos and horse shows. They also have a drill team which is like dancing on a horse.
Last year the club had approximately 30 members, according to treasurer Dawn Ray.
Since the resignation of long-time president Deanna Lyke due to moving, Sarah Wright has taken over the position. She stated she has big shoes to fill and will move forward with what was left to the club, as Deanna was well known in the community. According to Wright, the most important part is for the members to have fun. She went on to say she is hoping to gain more membership with the SRCA Program as well.
Not everyone who joins this club is a horseback rider. Some just enjoy horses and choose to do more groundwork. Wright said this is an inclusive club and it is for everyone, from beginners to advanced riders, and from young to old, it is for all that love horses.
The club is hoping to do more events, but nothing is set in stone. They do want to focus on skill building, but also horse care, proper fit of saddles and just to be more educated.
The Saskatchewan Riding Club Association (SRCA) will be one focus of the club. This is the finals for all clubs who wish to take part and will in Saskatoon on Sept. 25 and 26. It is a great family event that has a mix of western and gymkhana events, while competing against the other clubs. Last year was the first time they attended said Janet Hall, who is a director for SRCA and the chairperson at club level. Hall and her two daughters attended the event and she said it was great fun. Her girls loved it, from the games nights to the competitions. It is for all level of riders as well, but it encourages the youth to get involved and learn and grow. Hall stated that her girls had a blast and made several friends while there.
Last year the SCRA was held in Moose Jaw.
Another item the club works on is the drill team which is headed up by chairperson Angel Madu. It is a group of riders, riding in unison with music. It is like dancing on a horse. A lot of work goes into this as each rider must pay attention to the others in the group, riding at the same speed, moving into the right spot all at the same time. Although Madu said they hope to have some shows this year, nothing has yet been confirmed. Last year they rode on July 1 at the Stoughton rodeo grounds.
They do have rules they have to follow if you wish to join. Children as young as five years of age may join, with parental guidance. You will also need a horse or pony, or access to one. You will need a pair of riding boots, no runners allowed, and a helmet if you are under the age of 18 years. An SHF membership is also required to partake in this club.
They plan to meet Wednesday nights at the rodeo grounds from May till September. They usually gather around 5:30 to 6 p.m. and ride until dark, although the grounds do have lights.
Registration for the club will be held on April 9 from 1-3 p.m. at the Heward Arena. They will have t-shirts available for sizing and order forms for whomever choices to order. They also have a Facebook page called The New Hope Horse Club if you are interested.
