On Saturday, Aug. 3, excitement was in the air at Kiely Field in Woodside. The equestrian facility, which is home to the Woodside Junior Riders and Woodside Pony Club, was a hive of activity: horses stood patiently as they were bathed, brushed, braided and generally fussed over by swarms of devoted kids. Banners were hung on the arena fence, tents for the bake sale and silent auction popped up nearby and the unmistakable scent of saddle soap wafted from the tack room.
All of this was in preparation for what was to take place the following day: the annual Woodside Junior Riders horse show. The show is the season finale of the historic summer program and a highlight for many in the equestrian community. With the group celebrating its 75th year, this one was special.
The next day brought perfect weather. The kids were outfitted in correct riding attire (Junior Riders maintains a store of outgrown boots, pants and other gear). The horses were tacked up and a rack full of ribbons hung next to a display of gleaming silver perpetual trophies engraved with the names of past winners going back to the 1960s.
At 9 a.m., it was show time. The riders, who can range in age from 6 to 16, compete in classes according to their ability from the more advanced “Equitation over Fences” to “Walk Trot” for beginners.
An important aspect of the program is that students ride several different horses over the course of the summer and must learn how to work with each one’s unique traits. Often, it’s not the easiest or nicest ones that are the best teachers. “I enjoy teaching the beginners and can see how much they learn from the different types of horses they ride,” said Heather Schilling, barn manager and instructor. “The ‘push button’ ones give them so much confidence but it is from the difficult ones that they really learn.”
That said, every rider hopes to be assigned one of the “push button” horses.
By noon, the morning classes were over and it was time for fun and celebration. This year’s special 75th anniversary show was dedicated to Ursula Eisenhut, now 93, who took over the program from founder Myra Duncan and ran it for 40 years until handing the reins to current president Kathi Dancer 20 years ago.
Following the tribute to Eisenhut was an event that created a lot of buzz. Students from past years, as far back as the 1960s, were invited to ride in a special alumni class — all in good fun but also a bit of a test. Seventeen former Junior Riders were each presented with a horse that they had never ridden and given a few minutes to get acquainted before entering the ring.
They were asked to walk, trot and canter and then instructed to ride over poles while holding a glass of bubbly (beer or champagne) in one hand and the reins in the other. Presumably, the point of the exercise was to see who could ride without spilling. All did admirably but it should be noted that some of the riders lowered the level of the liquid in their glasses by taking a few sips.
Winners of the coveted perpetual trophies were announced next. The awards recognize students in key aspects of the Junior Riders program, which includes caring for the animals, teamwork and sportsmanship as well as learning how to ride.
As part of the overall 75th anniversary celebration, alumni from past years were invited to contribute their memories of Junior Riders. Clearly, a lot of the lessons have stayed with them.
“I most value how we learned to care for an animal, how to ride, how to follow instructions, have patience while we waited on the benches for our turn, the joy of riding, making friends and sharing a common interest. I am so pleased that Junior Riders is still going,” said Bob Vale (1958-1966).
Jarrod Ristow (1978-1980) remembered being dunked in the horse trough — a Junior Riders birthday tradition — but said that he learned “a lot more than just riding a horse. It gave me a special outlook on life and sharing experiences with others.”
Lily Shanahan (1998-2004) who remembers starting the program when her legs barely reached the saddle flaps said, “I wouldn’t have the confidence I have today without Junior Riders. It was an integral part of my growing up. I left the show on Sunday with a massive smile on my face and a heart full of nostalgia.”
Woodside Junior Riders was founded in 1947 by Myra Duncan, with the goal of teaching riding and horsemanship to children in the community whose families weren’t able to afford lessons. The program is held during the week from mid-June to mid-August.
This year’s Perpetual Trophy winners are:
•”Myra Duncan” (Best Helper) Sisters Ava and Emma Noel Eschelman.
•”Toy Soldier”(Most Improved Female Rider): Hannah Walker
•”O’Brian” (Most Improved Male Rider): Quintin Muffly
•”Neuman” (Sportsmanship): Samantha Ehrlich
•”Col. VT Milorodovitch” (Horsemanship): Michaela Gazzera
•”Spirit of Surf Memorial” (Positivity & Work Ethic): Avalyn Pekelsma
•”Ambrosia Stewardship” (Best Caregiver to Horses): Lulu Khiari
