Saddle club provides family horse shows

The Rockie Mountain Saddle Club invites horse enthusiasts of all ages and abilities to join another fun-filled, affordable horse show season.

Nine shows are scheduled for the 2010 season: April 10, April 17, May 1, May 15, June 12, June 26, July 24, Aug. 21 and Sept. 11. Aug. 14 has been reserved as a tentative make-up date, if needed.

Riders may compete in any division: English, Western or gymkhana. The contestant's age on Jan. 1, 2010, will determine the age division in which he or she will compete for the entire show season: 6 and under (may be lead line), 7-10, 11-13, 14-18 or 19 and over. A separate lead-line division, open to any rider, is also offered during the gymkhana division. English classes begin at 8 a.m. sharp, Western classes not before 11 a.m., and gymkhana no earlier than 4 p.m.

Ribbons are awarded for first through sixth place in each class. Daily highpoint awards are presented to the contestant who earns the most points in his or her age division for each discipline. RMSC membership is not required to participate in shows or to earn daily highpoint awards; however, the year-end awards may entice riders to join.

Overall season points will be tallied for all RMSC members who complete a minimum of six volunteer service hours and compete in a minimum of three shows in the same divisions. Year-end highpoint awards will be presented at a banquet on Nov. 20.

All RMSC shows and events are held at Folley's Arena in Wellington, located north of Larimer County Road 70 (Exit 281 from I-25/Owl Canyon) on County Road 11.

For more information, please contact Joyce Kelley at 221-1518 or Jane Richardson at 568-7351.