Katherine Horsley wants to prove she’s ready for the stiff competition she’ll face at the Georgia Junior High School Rodeo. To get there, she’s relying on the Oglethorpe County Saddle Club.
“I live two minutes away from (OCSC), so not only do I have my horses in my backyard, it’s like I have a jackpot in my backyard,” said Horsley, 14.
Horsley knew nothing about barrel racing when she started. She said OCSC has helped her immensely, which was clear when she competed Saturday in the Oglethorpe County Saddle Club’s Buckle Series Show.
The show, which included both open and youth competitions, provided an opportunity for riders to practice ahead of the Georgia Federation of Saddle Clubs’ State Championship in Perry this weekend.
“We try to focus on fun and fellowship and encouragement for the younger people who are just now starting out,” OCSC President Lorrie Bass said. “A lot of people competing for the big money start out at a local saddle club, if not all of them.”
OCSC is home to 26 families with members of all ages, from pee-wee to youth to adults. The club also welcomes people of all experience levels, including those who have never ridden a horse before.
“The saddle club has been there forever and a day, and we’ve seen a lot of growth and changes,” Bass said. “The original group that opened up the club basically just wanted to provide a safe space for people that could ride.”
Members compete for points for end-of-year awards and payback of entry fees at monthly shows, which are held on the fourth Saturday of every month, March through October. Non-members can also win money and ribbons.
Members are also eligible to compete at Georgia Mountain Association of Saddle Clubs shows, and OCSC serves as the host site for East Georgia Association of Saddle Clubs shows.
The club operates on land owned by the Cabaniss family at 364 Center Church Road in Stephens. The site is equipped with restrooms, a concession stand, parking and bleachers for watching — features that OCSC leadership has worked over the years to implement and upgrade.
“Lorrie and Donita (McCormick) have spent endless hours trying to make that particular club good all the way around,” said John Harris, EGASC president. “They work very hard in trying to do the best they can do with what they have.”
Bass said they’ve seen membership decline at some saddle clubs, and it can be tough for local clubs to remain in operation. OCSC has had financial challenges since 2020, and according to Bass, it hasn't fully recuperated.
“Everybody is getting pulled and they all want to help the best way they can, but there’s only so much they can do,” Bass said. “It’s a struggle, and it’s hard sometimes to find volunteers.”
Despite challenges, OCSC remains committed to seeking sponsorships and working with organizations, such as the National Barrel Horse Association to remain in operation.
“Equine, to me, is underserved in our county,” OCSC secretary treasurer Donita McCormick said. “I feel that we give those kids in our county that outlet to be able to come and do those things here with their horse.”
Bass said the saddle club provides joy, peace and an escape for many of their members, and that is priceless.
“You got to have something that brings you joy in this life. You’ve got to have an escape,” she said. “I think that’s what this is for a lot of us, just being around horses and meeting other people that enjoy doing that.”