In 1964, a club was formed in Valparaiso. It’s main focus was for the love and appreciation of horses. The name of this club is the Midwest Saddle Club. It is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization that is open to horse lovers of all ages. Here, those individuals are able to show their horses, gain horsemanship skills, and create long-lasting friendships with others in the club.
People come from all over Indiana to visit the Midwest Saddle Club. The club is so loved that generation after generation attend. One of the families who founded the club, The Graham family, still has active members.
Anyone can join, it’s only $25 per year for a family membership and $20 per year for individuals. The membership fees pay for maintenance and upkeep of the facilities of the Midwest Saddle Club which include 23 acres of land for riding, multiple arenas, a clubhouse, concession stand, and more! Lessons, classes and competitions are offered at the club throughout the year, and members are able to participate in other events such as camping trips, parties, cookouts, riding events, and other shows. The shows, however, are open to everyone.
The Midwest Saddle Club donates and works with many charities and other non-profit organizations throughout the area such as the Exceptional Equestrians Unlimited, Inc. (EEU) to provide vital and memorable experiences for those with special needs.
“This club is beneficial to the children as well as adults because it gives kids the opportunity to to take on responsibility of their horses, and adults get to enjoy the camaraderie that comes from sharing the same loves and hobbies as someone else,” said Mike Blythe, owner of Blythes Athletics and Treasurer for the Midwest Saddle Club. “We hope to continue to grow, in the last six or seven years we’ve expanded.”
Check out the SaMonster Mash Fun Bash Saturday October 13, 2012. The event begins at 10am at the club grounds which is located at US Hwy 30 & 450 E. Valparaiso, IN. Classes and fun activities will be offered throughout the day. Admission is $2 per adult and $1 per child under 12.
To find out more about the Midwestern Saddle Club click here!
Click here to check out their Facebook page!