The riding season at the Vernon District Riding Club was punctuated with a constant buzz of activity this year.
Twenty covered stalls were built in time for our Spring Show in April. Thank you to Kal Rotary, Meier’s Building Products, Tolko Industries Ltd., Coldstream Ranch, Fisher’s Hardware & High Country Pole Fences for help with this project. Bruce Mooney of Treehouse Homes constructed a beautiful sign that sits on Highway 6 at Aberdeen Road; sign lettering was prepared by Pierre and his crew from Speedpro Signs in Vernon.
Our rings were renamed in honour of our three new major sponsors: The Paddock Tack and Togs, Baron Insurance and Watkin Motors. The Vernon Pony Club used these rings weekly for practice. The VPC tested and graduated successful candidates to new levels of accomplishment and held two competitions which were enhanced by the fresh new paint on all our jumps and judging booths.
The Hunter Jumper Show returned to its previous format with two days of competition for both Hunters and Jumpers. Two lovely new sponsored jumps were added to the inventory. Thank you to Bryan Schultz Construction and the Western Canadian Farriers Association with Adam Degenstein, Craig Nunn, Mike Damon and Dean Sinclair for this. Davidson Lawyers sponsored the Hunter Derby on Saturday while spectators enjoyed hospitality on the lawn under the hot sun. Thank you to Cheryl Eedens of Vernon Vintners for her help.
For the Dressage Show in July, both horses and riders benefited from cooler than seasonal temperatures. Infotel sponsored the Gala Saturday evening entertainment featuring the popular musical freestyles. Our Annual Open Show in August enjoyed tremendous support from Cowboy’s Choice and Brandt Tractor. Rob Reimer of TNT Truck and Trailer Service Centre volunteered his time to give us a refresher on our horse trailers and the safe hauling thereof. Thank you, Rob; we all need to be aware of just how important this is as we trailer our wonderful horses down the road.
Members, friends, family and all horse enthusiasts from the area are invited to attend our year-end celebration, taking place tonight at the VDRC clubhouse at 8404 Aberdeen Rd. in Coldstream. The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. with a potluck dinner, award presentation and silent auction. At 7:30 p.m., our annual general meeting will take place and planning will begin for another great season in 2012!
To read more about our accomplishments and supporters, how to become a member or volunteer with the club, see www.vernonridingclub.com
Judy Olson is a director with the Vernon District Riding Club.
