DECATUR — NWA Riding Club has realized its dream of building its own home arena in Decatur. The club recently reopened for the season and began holding biweekly play days in its new location after a year's break to build the arena, according to Vicky Graves, who founded the non-profit organization along with her husband Tom.
Vicky explained that the couple started the club so their children and grandchildren would have a safe and fun place to ride. The family used to ride along the area roads but, as traffic increased over the years, it became too dangerous. They developed the club and began holding play days as an alternative. The club has been operating in the area for the past 11 years but had to move among several arenas because it didn't have its own.
"It was our dream to have our own arena," she said. "We kept moving and having to start over."
The new 250-foot-by-110-foot arena, built on the Graves' property, approximately three miles east of Decatur, was completed earlier this year. It includes two stands, fencing and good footing, and was built entirely from scratch with volunteer labor, Vicky said. The club uses the arena to host the play days, but it can also be rented by other groups for clinics and events, she said.
The club focuses on creating a family-friendly environment for people who love horses to have fun together. Play days offer competitions in barrel racing, pole bending, flag races and speed events, Vicky said. The club hopes to add goat tying and keyhole races in the near future. The club also goes on trail rides and camping trips at local venues, and hosts an annual awards banquet where high-point riders are announced.
The club welcomes riders of all levels, and there is always someone on hand to help out beginners or give kids advice and pointers, said Donna Straight, club treasurer. Many of the young riders who started at the NWA Riding Club have gone on to compete at the professional level and have established careers in the horse industry, Vicky said.
Working with horses teaches children more than riding skills and horse care, the two women said. They also learn life lessons such as responsibility, respect, teamwork and cooperation, they said.
"That's what means a lot to me," she said, pointing to a group of kids as they rode past the arena laughing together. "To see them running around, having fun, smiling and giggling."
Club memberships cost $25 per family. Competitions are $5 per event and exhibition rides are $4. Upcoming play days will be held on June 11, June 18, July 16 and July 30, continuing on every other week through Oct. 15. Deadlines to sign up for events are 3:30 p.m. for exhibition rides and 4:30 p.m. for competitive rides. Play day events will begin at 5 p.m.
For more information, visit the NWA Riding Club Facebook page or call Tom Graves at 1-712-266-6327.
General News on 05/25/2016