A Little History of the WVSC

In the upcoming year 2002 I will preside as President for the 3rd time. I have been a member of the WVSC since
1990, when I moved here from Virginia. I have been in service to our club in one way or another from the beginning.
I didn’t have a horse at the time, but I have always had horses in my blood.

The West Volusia Saddle Club started in 1969 in the City of Lake Helen. The area now known as “the arena” was only a patch of land, and a dirt road leading into an orange grove. Races were run down this dirt road, and many a rider (I’ve been told by lifetime members) ended up in that grove looking for their horses! Many were said to take some time to return to the finish!! Back then events were a bit different then those we hold now. As the land was fenced new events like “steer daubing,” roping, and speed races were done. I’m told that cowboys & cowgirls actually brought horses in by pick-up trucks, and that loading said animals could be a real trick!! A history of the club can be seen in the many history books we keep, and display at many of our events.

The West Volusia Saddle Club is a family club. We support our children, and our community children. We strive to promote sportsmanship, friendship, horsemanship, fairness, love and care of our friends, family, our horses, and our community. We support our local Boys & Girls Club, and Teen Center, and the City of Lake Helen. We believe in God, and our Country, and the American Way!

We hold monthly meetings at the American Legion Hall at 7:30pm every 2nd Thursday of the month, except December, which is when we hold our Awards Banquet. This is when members are awarded for their excellence in their divisions. And outstanding sportsmanship, fastest times, and member participation is recognized. We have a bounty of food, raffles, and FUN. Our regular meetings are open to all, and we welcome anyone interested to attend. Membership is available starting at the January By-Laws meeting, and then at any club function. You may also request to be on our mailing list.

We are a not-for-profit club, and depend greatly on donations from our friends, businesses, and families. We hold an Annual Kids Rodeo. This rodeo is directed towards our local and surrounding area children that may not otherwise have the chance to be around livestock, or be a Rodeo Star! If you have never been to one of our rodeos please don’t miss the 2002 rodeo (check local listings for date & time). There is nothing more satisfying than watching all the happy faces of the kids, because when you ride with us, ALL KIDS are WINNERS!!! If you would be interested in supporting this event with a donation, please contact us and thank you in advance!!

I can’t tell you how much this club means to me. This is my promise to the membership. I will strive to make this a group to be proud of, to have fun, enjoy friendship, and continue to strive to make Lake Helen a safe and happy place to ride!

For more information please contact me at:
WVSC
ATT: Karen Crawford
P.O. Box 186
Lake Helen, FL 32744