Club to celebrate anniversary this weekend
Horse people seem to “herd” together naturally, so it was no surprise when trail riders in the Cedar Springs/Sand Lake area began to get together in the 1950’s for some fun.
Being interested in anything horsy, some of the people decided they wanted more than just trail riding and decided to provide horse shows, open to all, in addition to what the local 4-H program provided. In December of 1961 they decided to form a horseman’s club and the Red Flannel Saddle Club was born.
This summer marks 50 years of a non-profit organization that has one of the best show grounds in the Kent and surrounding counties.
The first show was held in 1962. Both Pleasure and speed events were on the show bill and they had a large turnout, which they continued to enjoy for the next two years, at their location on Egner Road.
In 1972 or 1973, the group was able to purchase the current property that the Red Flannel Saddle Club now owns and the club had a permanent home on Shaner Avenue, just south of Sand Lake.
Since then the club has continued to grow in membership and provide area horse people with an organization that supports our sport and passion, including several counties’ 4-H horse programs, Michigan Interscholastic Horsemanship Association ( High School Equestrian Teams ), Speed and Pleasure series, and clinics. The club has long had an active history of community service and member support.
The club of horse lovers provide shows and opportunities for riders of all levels and disciplines: English, Western, contesting/speed, and this year dressage and hunter over fences, all showing being judged by top professional judges.
Open to the public, shows are free admission and those showing their horse pay very reasonable class fees. Shows offer daily high point awards and the two RFSC series in Pleasure and Speed award season-end prizes.
People remark on the quality of the grounds and the modern facilities with a great clubhouse and restrooms. All appreciate the opportunity to socialize with other horse people and to have fun with their families. The members work hard to provide a pleasant attractive, safe and constantly improving environment for guests, families and members.
The club will celebrate it’s 50th year of serving it’s members and the community on August 20 and 21 with the Pleasure Series show on Saturday and the Speed Series show on Sunday. Anniversary cakes will be shared with the riders and guests present during the shows. Friends of the RFSC and those who would like to get to know this club better are invited to come, enjoy the show and have a serving of cake.
For more info on the club or directions, visit www.redflannelsaddleclub.org.
Jennings & Suzanne Johnson
