Featured image: A group of 15 horse enthusiasts met in 1965 to discuss the possibility of forming a horse-riding club in North Saanich. One of these original members celebrated her 100th birthday in 1991 with other Club members, including the youngest one, aged two!
Several temporary rings were set up on land generously loaned, and some equipment was built. Because the majority of potential members were young people, emphasis was placed on encouraging better horsemanship and good sportsmanship. The first lessons were on a fallen log with a blanket thrown over and a saddle on top! Objectives of the club and the Constitution were thrashed out, and Sunset Riding Club was born.
In 1969 a land lease was arranged with one of the Club’s members at 10690 West Saanich Road near Downey Road. The cost per annum was 6 tons of hay (to replace the amount of hay which could have been grown on that land). Drainage ditches were dug by hand by club members, the riding ring fenced and surfaced so it could be used year-round, and further equipment was built (including an out-house). Sunset Riding Club was registered provincially as a non-profit society in 1970.
From left: Mayor Jim Cumming (North Saanich), Lt. Govenor George Pearkes, Lorrene Soellner (President), Colonel Lane, Susan Walker (Property Owner).
Activities such as trail rides, riding lessons, cook-outs and play-days were organized, and the membership grew. Annual fees were nominal. A concession at the annual Saanich Fair provided income, and the Club maintained this concession as its fund-raiser until the Fair moved to its present venue on Keatings X Road.
A monthly newsletter (the “Nag Rag”) was produced, announcing horsey news and upcoming activities. Trophies were donated, and one of the favourite events of the year was the annual banquet and awards day, held in December in various community halls within the District.
Left to right: Anne Chandler, Emily Burroghs, Susan Walker. One of the few times all members were seen in their finest get-up.
Initially, club members manually opened up trails, including on Horth Hill before it became a Capital Regional District park. The CRD acknowledged this by naming one of the trails “Sunset Bridle Trail”. But as development grew in North Saanich, riders began losing access to trails they had been using through undeveloped land. Fortunately, a far-sighted planner at the District of North Saanich had acquired some “linear” parks (instead of small “pocket” parks or money in lieu of) when properties had been sub-divided. These had never been developed. There were also a number of unopened road allowances through which trails could be cut.
The Club approached Council for permission to construct these linear parks, which was granted, and the Club was appointed official Trails Co-ordinator, as there was no specific staff member in charge of parks in the District at that time. Work parties opened several trails. Then in conjunction with Council the Club applied over the years for grants from different levels of government to construct new multi-use trails.
By 1992, 39 trails had been opened, covering 15 kilometers. The horse world was changing. Many horses were being housed in boarding stables with outdoor and indoor arenas. The leaseholder of the ring had died, and the property sold. Members decided not to renew the lease. The Club’s Objective was amended to “promote and provide support for equestrian activities”.
Left to right: Nicola Hives, Megan Soellner, Rowan Hives
1973 RCMP Contenary.
Over the years the Club has organized English and Western riding lessons; horse shows; breakfast rides; fund-raising rides for the Victoria Therapeutic Association; trail rides where horses were borrowed for North Saanich Mayor and Council, and a member provided a horse and cart for the local Member of Parliament on Canada Day in 2012 in the Sidney Parade.
From front: Jo Doman, Gil Soellner, Linda Michaluk
From left: M.P. Elizabeth May waving, Nikki Wylie driving, Connie Wylie and Norm Wylie walking, Jo Doman in red coveralls behind the carriage.
The Club has donated funds to the District to upgrade trails to all weather standards and for fence materials needed for safety purposes on a trail alongside the busy Pat Bay Highway; the Club also paid for official horse and rider road warning signs, and painted individually labelled trail-head signs. In 1985 and 1992 they created maps of the trail system, copies of which were available at the Municipal Hall. Victoria-Saanich Pony Club also used Sunset Riding Club’s ring for weekly lessons and the British Columbia Pony Club Tetrathlon in 1983.
Several members went on to earn their living as veterinarians; horse trainers; riding instructors; owning and/or running boarding stables and feed stores; breeding racehorses and other types of horses. One young member went on to ride in the Modern Pentathlon in the Olympic Games in 1992. One of the Club’s original members worked at the Sandown Racetrack testing horses for drugs.
Trails at Horth Hill Regional Park:
The Sunset Bridle Trail starts at Willow Road and loops around the park, providing an easier route for walkers and horse-riders. Or you can leave the parking lot off Tatlow Road and head back across Tatlow to pick up Willow Trail, which intersects with Clayton Trail. Go west and you will skirt a grand cattle farm before meeting up with Alder Road (which loops back to Tatlow) or go east for a shorter walk that also brings you to Tatlow. These trails offer shaded, easy walks, but watch out for tree roots.
Find the newly installed Sunset Riding Club trail sign at the Clayton trail head off of Tatlow Road (on the west side).
