Eliza C. Watson, 9, a 3rd grader at St. Mary’s Elementary School in Westfield, along with her pony Buttercup, is one of the more than 55 riders expected to ride in the Westfield Riding Club Annual Fall 4-H and Open Show on Sunday. (Photo submitted)
WESTFIELD – The Westfield Riding Club (WRC) – one of the oldest in Massachusetts – hosts its annual fall 4-H and Open horse show on Sunday. The show will take place at the WRC grounds in Westfield and is expected to host more than 55 riders from around New England.
Members of local 4-H clubs will be competing for points in special classes, but the show is “open” to riders of all ages, seats and levels. WRC has a reputation for offering an educational and enjoyable experience to exhibitors. The class list consists of more than 50 classes in Western, English, saddle seat and trail.
The Westfield Riding Club was founded in 1939 by a group of horse enthusiasts. Today, it is one of Massachusetts’ oldest riding clubs, attracting members from Massachusetts and Connecticut. The club owns a five-acre parcel in Westfield, MA with a 100′ x 230′ lighted riding arena.
“Our longevity and strength as a club is due to our commitment to our core mission of maintaining relationships and providing fun, safe activities for riders of all ages,” said Rhona Mendrek, club president. “But we also adapt to the times. We have a new website, which is a great source of timely information and we are continually assessing what we have and what else we can do to provide a great riding experience for our members.”
Jennifer Sullivan of Scituate, MA, will judge the show Sunday. She holds NEHC “R” cards in both English and Western.
“What’s fun about the riding club is that it has something different every year,” said Eliza Watson, 9, of Westfield. She and her pony Buttercup have been members for three years.
Sponsors and supporters who have been instrumental in the club’s long-term success and the 2012 show season include Westfield Bank, United Bank, Tractor Supply – Southwick, Karen Roberts Equine Fly Spray, Westfield Feed, the Feed Warehouse, Sackett Ridge Saddlery, and many other barns and individualsupporters.
Club grounds are located at 29 Fowler Road in Westfield.
To learn more about our club, see schedule of monthly trail rides, download forms, or to gather information and updates, please visit the WRC website (www.westfieldridingclub.org) or Facebook page at facebook/westfieldridingclub.
