EQUINE
34 | THE WELLINGTON ADVERTISER | SEPTEMBER 15, 2017
Rockwood Trail Riders: the oldest saddle club in Ontario BY OLIVIA RUTT
ROCKWOOD - The motto of the Rockwood Trail Riders - horsemanship, sportsmanship and fellowship - encompasses what the saddle club is all about. The club is the oldest continuously run trail riding organization in Ontario - and it’s still going strong. The club was formed in 1963 by Babs Ellis and Diane
(Duncan) Lindblad, two Rockwood horse lovers and childhood friends. Lindblad passed away in 2012. The first event was a trail ride enjoyed by 16 members. Membership increased to 24 riders by the end of the first year. Now, with over 100 members, the club still sticks to its roots by getting together to have fun and learn with horses.
“It’s a building block, a foundation; just a clean, quiet, peaceful environment.” - WENDY SWACKHAMER
Longtime member Anne Dales said the club grew over time. “We’re pretty proud of it,” she said. The permanent home of the club, now located just north of Rockwood, is where Dales grew up. Her family was involved from when the club first formed. When the club was looking to settle in one place, Dales’ father offered to build
an arena on their property. “Fifty years ago … we were looking for some place more permanent because we were going from pillar to post ... “So my father said, ‘Well, I’ve got some property, why don’t we build an arena here and have the horse shows here?’” Dales recalled. By 1968, the club had its first full year at its new home. CONTINUED > PAGE 35
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