In 1966 a group of individuals formed the Nelson Riding Club. These individuals included Andy and Ivy Peloso, Pat Hickey, Tom Swinden, Fern Porteous, Suzanne and Minert Pol, Dick VanPatten, Bev McQuaig, J. Laing and H. McKay. This newly formed Club held its meetings in the Blue Room of the Civic Center. Lessons and events were held on the old sawdust pile across from the City airport where Markin Equipment is now located.

In 1974 the Club relocated to Hall siding where they resided on property owned by Dr. Caulbeck until its sale in 1979. In 1980 undaunted by having no home, the club held its Annual Horse Show at the Passmore facility of the Slocan Valley Outriders.

Then in 1980 the Club was granted use of Cominco land in Blewett. The Club also applied for a grant to cover the costs of preparing the land, purchasing panels, barns and supplies to build a concession. In order to apply for the grant the Club was required to change their name. The Club name was then changed to “The Nelson & District Riding Club” and the grant was approved. So construction started. Over the next two years members and their families and friends worked to clear the land and build an arena, concession, barns and pens. With all this working going on the Club was still not able to hold their Annual Horse Show at their own facility. In 1981 & 1982 the Annual Horse Show was held at the Trail Horseman’s Society grounds.

In July of 1983 the grounds was finally at the completion stage. At this time the Club would hold their Grand Opening and 11th Annual Horse Show at their newly built facility in Blewett. From there our Club has grown immensely. We now have a wider range of riding activities and a more equipped facility to accommodate these riding and driving activities.

As you can see our Club has come a long way. We are lucky to have had such a hard working group of members and non members helping make this Club what it is today.

Our Mission:

“The object of this Club shall be to stimulate interest in horses and to promote horse activities”.

Our Club is composed of several committees for each discipline. These include Western, English, Gymkhana, Roping, Driving, Clinics, Shows, Trail Riding, Junior Activities and our Annual Children’s Wish Foundation Fundraiser Trail Ride. We encourage young and old alike to come out, whether you are just learning to ride or are an experienced rider refining your technique.

Our members are kept informed about Club activities and news by our monthly Newsletter. The newsletter includes a Calendar of Events, Committee Reports, Special Interest Publications and classified ads.

Our Facility

Our facility has a lot to offer its’ members. The facility consists of a large fenced arena, dressage ring, warm up area, 70 ft round pen and jump arena. We also have 2 large barns consisting of 32 box stalls and 6 covered pens. There is also a concession which is open for most events, selling anything from freezies to burgers and fries. Our covered bleachers allow spectators to watch any of our numerous events whether it is raining or the sun shinning.

Our Events

The Club strives to utilize the grounds as much as possible by hosting a variety of activities for all riding disciplines through the riding season. Activities include weekly lessons, clinics, shows and fun days, gymkhanas, driving clinics, a beginner rider camp, and the Annual Children’s Wish Ride.