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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (July 1, 2008)
12 vernonia’s voice outdoors and recreation july 2008 Vernonia Ridge Riders - Still Headin’ Down the Trail By Scott Laird The Vernonia Ridge Riders are practically an institution in Vernonia. Formed in 1954 as the Vernonia Ridge Riders Saddle Club, they continue to provide family activities and en- tertainment not much different then they’ve been doing for the last fifty years. According to a history provided by cur- rent club President George Bellingham, the club originally was made up of members from throughout the Nehalem Valley and first held its events at Hawkins Park. In 1958 Conrad An- derson donated property to the city that would eventually become Anderson Park. This in- cluded a brushy area in the flood plain that was leased to the Ridge Riders. The Club cleared the area, built the arena in 1962, the tower and covered area in 1991, and the corrals in 2001. The club continues to hold events there. When first started, many riders didn’t have transportation to bring their horses to the Anderson Park Arena. Members would ride to the Arena, traveling from Mist-Birkenfeld, Natal, Pebble Creek, Timber, Keasey, Buxton, and Banks, many by way of the old railway lines and logging roads in the area. Many used the Banks-Vernonia Linear Trail long before it became a State Park Rails-to-Trail. The Ridge Riders hold annual events including Play Days a couple times each season, an annual Memorial Poker Ride, a Trail Ride/Campout, and the main event: the Jamboree Gold Buckle Horse Show. All events are open to Club members and invited guests, and the club is always looking for more participants. “These are family oriented activities,” said Rick Gardner, a member for thirty-five years. “We have grandparents who bring their grandkids and whole families that participate to- gether.” “There is a lot of camaraderie here,” said President George Bellingham. This explains the continued success and interest in the club. “A lot of people around here own horses,” explained Delores Bellingham, wife of George. “If you own a horse, it’s a big commitment,” continued Gardner. “And that commitment is based around family values. People who have horses have to be responsible. They want to utilize it, find places to ride it and look for opportunities to have fun with their animal.” Gardner talked about starting kids out with horses and the positive effect being involved with the club can have. “Many of our youngsters go on to become mem- bers of the High School Equestrian Team. It helps build self confidence, pushes them to want to excel and keeps them striving and inspired. I think those are good qualities to teach our youth.” Gardner also noted how the teenagers really get competitive in club events and provide great entertainment for the adults. “Those kids will really go at it hard!” The club awards five place ribbons, assuring that a large number of competitors leave as winners. “This is one of the few small towns in our area that still has a riding arena,” said Gardner. “The city has always supported the club and helped keep it alive.” George Bellingham noted the economic impact the club can have on the community. “People come to our events, and they grocery shop, go out to dinner, shop in town. It has a big effect.” The club is hoping to make improvements to the Anderson Park Arena, adding containment panels that would allow them to hold Junior Rodeo events for younger children. But they are also re- covering from the 2007 flood, just like the rest of Vernonia. “We lost almost everything in the flood,” said Delores Bellingham. “We had everything stored in the tower: a refrigerator, cabinets, BBQ grill, coolers, heaters, our PA system speakers. Our club members have come through to replace things, but it has been a setback.” The addition of the horse camp at Stub Stewart State Park should add to the perception that the Upper Nehalem Valley is good horse country. The park is about twelve miles south of Vernonia, linked direct- ly by the Linear Trail. “It is a plus to have it in the area. It is a wonder- ful facility,” said Gard- ner. “It can only benefit Vernonia,” said Delores Bellingham. “Hope- fully it will lead to more trails.” For More informa- tion about the Vernonia Ridge Riders, go to their website at www.vernon- iaridgeriders.com MARKET CENTER 855 NE 25th Avenue, Hillsboro, Oregon 97124 Home office: 503-429-7013 Cell number: 503-816-4249 (Nancy), 503-708-8748 (Henk) Email: nancy@schenkrealty.com This office is independently owned and operated. Henk Schenk, Broker VERNONIA’S CHOICE! Sale 568 E Bridge Street.............$139,750 Great Starter home on large lot...Affordable! www.568EBridgeSt.com 14.9 c 1 A Acr 13579 Keasey Road............$397,000 Pristine Rock Creek frontage on this 14.91 acre parcel w/barn & some merchantable timber! Ideal horse property! 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