The Nicola Valley Riding Club’s season is off to a promising start after its well-attended first event on April 27.

The event saw about 30 member riders of all ages and styles take to the arena at the rodeo grounds to participate in events such as jumping and even an egg and spoon race — on horseback, of course.

Nicola Valley Riding Club president Hope Thomas and vice-president Michele Pinel said it was a lot of work to organize the event, but it’s something they plan to undertake once a month.

The hard part was incorporating events that could suit both Western and English riding styles and judges who would know what to look for in both types of riding as the club’s monthly events are scored, they said.

“Lots of people around here ride western and Michele and I both ride English,” Thomas said. “She does some jumping, I try to do a little bit of dressage, so it’s a big mix and we hope to keep it that way.”

Gymkhana events are typically speed events, with barrel racing and pole bending, while English events are more like jumping and dressage, which is essentially a routine of pre-determined movements with rider and horse.

The scores from each monthly event will carry forward and be totalled for end-of-the-season club awards, Thomas said.Horse show at Collettville rodeo grounds

For the next month or so, the club is doing a fundraising raffle for that year-end function, with four prizes and tickets available at Purity Feed or from some riding club members.

The club is only in its second year, but its executive has big plans.

The ultimate goal is to build an indoor arena, Pinel said.

That requires plenty of donations and work, Thomas and Pinel acknowledged, but it’s one they’ve already put feelers out for.

“That’s the finale,” Pinel said. “Then we could ride in the winter. It just keeps you going all winter.”

Thomas said without being able to train in the winter, she is not able to participate in the competitions she’d like to.

“It seems like you’re always backtracking,” Thomas said. “It’s like with any athlete. If you take six months off, you’re back at square one. It’s the same thing with training a horse.”

In the meantime, Pinel and Thomas said they’re focused on growing the club, and are looking for more volunteers, a treasurer, and new members. The requirements for club membership are B.C. Horse Council insurance and a $5 fee.

“I think it’s going to be a good year,” Thomas said, noting the membership has grown from last year. They said the club’s Facebook page is the best way to keep up-to-date on events and to express interest in volunteering or joining.

As it’s still early in this riding season, the two said they’re excited to see new faces and familiar ones returning. They said the club fills a void in the Nicola Valley for those who love riding their horses.

“Really, for what a horse community we are, there aren’t a lot of things offered like that. You have your rodeos and stuff, but it doesn’t offer very much, especially for people who ride English,” Thomas said.

The two said the club is a safe place for riders to try new skills and develop their passion as well as their relationships with their horses.

The membership ranges from young children who are just learning to ride and trot — or horses that are just learning — to senior riders with decades of experience.

The main message of the club?

“Do something with your horse. Don’t let it just sit out in the pasture,” Pinel said. “Get out and ride.”