The Selkirk Saddle Club celebrates a real milestone
The Selkirk saddle Club celebrated a true milestone on Saturday, September 13, with the official opening of its new indoor riding arena. David F. Rooney photo
By David F. Rooney
The Selkirk saddle Club celebrated a true milestone on Saturday, September 13, with the official opening of its new indoor riding arena.
“This is an exciting day for us and we are more than thrilled to be able to share it withe the community,” Club Secretary Tanya Secord said as she welcomed guests to the event. “Through extreme focus, dedication and a whole lot of hard work we have been able to pull off this huge structure — a dream that some of our members have been waiting decades for.”
The arena cost about $150,000 to build including $70,000 that came through the club’s own fundraising efforts. Other funding came, on the recommendation of City Council, from the Columbia Shuswap Regional District’s Economic Opportunities Fund, the Columbia Basin Trust, the Ministry of Tourism and the Revelstoke Credit Union.
“This is a really exciting cooperative venture,” Mayor David Raven said after the opening.
He noted that the arena’s existence makes it possible for the club to not only train equestrian athletes year round but to hold certain kinds of equestrian competitions in Revelstoke and even provide ” safe haven” for horse owners who need to stop while transporting their animals along the highway.
Secord said the facility may also spur membership in the club, which has about 35 adult members and close to 50 youth members.
“It’s exciting to see families becoming involved n the horse world,” she said.
Here are some photos from the day’s event:
The Selkirk Saddle Club formally opened their new indoor riding arena on Saturday. This simple and functional structure cost about $150,000 to build with funding from the Economic Opportunities Fund and assistance of the Revelstoke Credit Union. K&W Trucking, H&J Ready Mix, Score Construction; Elevation Construction, RONA, Vic Van isle, Kozek Sawmill, Downie Timber and Braconstruction. David F. Rooney photoSelkirk Saddle Club members and board directors pose for a group photo during the arena’s opening. David F. Rooney photoSaddle Club Secretary Tanya Secord snips the ribbon held by Mayor David Raven as Vie President Kelly Richards (left) and President Hans Michel look on. David F. Rooney photoAfter the ceremony club members and curious Revelstokians and their families gathered for a barbecue and — for the kids — pony rides. David F. Rooney photoWhat kids doesn’t enjoy a ride on a horse or pony? David F. Rooney photoFor some, of course, there’s always an opportunity to ride on dad’s shoulders, too. David F. Rooney photoRemember all those cupcakes you saw in the group photo? These youngsters happily helped make short work of them! David F. Rooney photoHans Michel got a kick out of wearing “my Michael Jackson glove” as he broiled burgers and hit dogs to feel the multitude of guests at the club’s event. David F. Rooney photoNo surprise here: excited kids watch one of their friends ride a pony. David F. Rooney photo
