Eastgate Saddle Club - Horse Shows - Gymkhanas - Cowboy Challenge - Clinics
Horse shows, gymkhana, cowboy challenge, organised trail rides & clinics
Horsemanship- Sportsmanship - Citizenship
Join us now for Summer 2025!
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Introduction
Our Mission
The Eastgate Saddle Club was formed in 1968 by a small group of friends who wished to establish a "family fun club."
The new club chose as their motto, "HORSEMANSHIP, SPORTSMANSHIP, CITIZENSHIP." They set about to organize gymkhanas, trail rides, horse shows, clinic, and various other social events in order to practice, learn new skills, and get together with others in friendly competition. Hence, they hoped to develop "good" riders, sports, and citizens. Looking at many of the young adults who have grown up with the club over the years, it can be seen that those goals were not far-fetched at all.
The Eastgate Saddle Club and its constitution were registered with the Alberta Companies Branch as a non-profit organization in 1968, and it continues to operate under the same constitution.
We still believe in the "family fun club," and we do our best to keep our membership fees low so every person wishing to ride, regardless of their skill level, can participate in a fun, safe, and supportive atmosphere.
We charge a minimal fee for each event day, and our membership prices can be found on our Membership & Waiver form.
The Eastgate Saddle Club maintains liability coverage through an Insurance Brokerage. Information available upon request.
The club facilities include a Cook Shack, Announcer's Booth, Gymkhana Equipment, Electronic Timers, a P.A. System, Horse Show Equipment, & an Outdoor Arena including a Warm up Track!
- Many memorable trail rides to locations as far south as Longview, with members all sleeping in a huge army surplus tent.
- First place for our group in the Calgary Stampede Parade and Forest Lawn Lions' July 1st Parade for four (4) consecutive years.
- Our Parade group rode at the half-time show at the Grey Cup Game in Calgary in 1975.
- ESC received a government grant (over $2000) for improvements to the grounds in 1977.
- One member, Shannon Feakes, became the 2000 Calgary Stampede Princess.
- One ESC member, Dallas Shapka, entered the Miss Rodeo America contest in the United States.
- ESC received a grant of $20,000 from Bow North Recreation in 1991 for improvements to the grounds (cash-in-lieu-grant).
- ESC received a grant of $760 from Bow North Recreation in 2006 for youth Clinics.
- Participants in the Langdon, Strathmore, Chestermere, and High River Parades.
2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Vice President
Senga S Pam S
403-860-5442
Secretary
Brenda W
Treasurer
Brenda W
Gymkhana Director
Mandy V
Horse Show Directors
Kim V & Estelle F
Cowboy Challenge
Pauline B
Trail Ride Directors
Gail G
Marketing Directors
-open-
Announcer
Senga S
Social Media & Website
Estelle F & Stacey G
Parade Directors
-open-
Concession
Senga S
Social Committee
-open-
Trophy Committee
Senga S, Brenda J & Estelle F
Recording Secretary
Senga S
Volunteer Committee
-Open-
Grounds Keeper
Ed J, Pat G, Ron G & Dave S
Executive and Director Positions Announced at our Year End Banquet!
Gymkhana Rules & Events
Barrels
Riders enter at the timer line, circle around the 1st barrel, proceed to the 2nd barrel, and then continue on to the 3rd where they will complete the pattern and finally exit the course crossing the timer line a second time. This pattern is often referred to as a "Cloverleaf" The pattern may begin either to the left or the right barrel first, followed by opposite turns. The fastest time wins!
Penalty - Add 5 seconds for each barrel knocked over.
Disqualification - Going off pattern or crossing back over the starting line before completing the pattern.
Poles
A rider and horse run past a timer line to the top of a line of six poles, then turn the end pole and weave down through the pattern, again turn at the last pole and weave back up, then run back home across the timer line. It does not matter which side of the poles you start on as long as you finish on the opposite side. The fastest time wins!
Penalty - Add 5 seconds for each pole knocked over
Disqualification - Going off course, going over finish line before completing course or when running doubles, going over center line. When running doubles riders must not cross the center line during the run. If you cross the center line before crossing the timer line the rider will be disqualified. When crossing the finish line it is the riders responsibility to control their horse and not cross over the center line into the other riders path. Repeated action will result in a warning or asked to run as a single rider.
Crazy 8's
2 Poles are set 80 feet apart, the first pole is set 20 ft. away from the start line, with start and finish line being the same as all other events. The rider will start behind the timer line at the end of the arena, race down to the far pole while crossing over the center line and turn one direction, come back to the near pole crossing again over the center line and turn the opposite direction, go back to the far pole as previously done crossing the center line and then turn the pole at the end a final time and run straight home, without crossing the center line. Fastest time wins!
Penalties - 5 sec for each pole knocked
Disqualifications - Stepping on or over the start line once the pattern has been initiated.
When running doubles riders must not cross the center line during the run. If you cross the center line before crossing the timer line the rider will be disqualified. When crossing the finish line it is the riders responsibility to control their horse and not cross over the center line into the other riders path. Repeated action will result in a warning or asked to run as a single rider.
Thread the Needle
Course will be set up using 5 poles as shown on the diagram.
2 poles will be placed four feet apart approximately 100 feet from the start/finish line. The next 2 poles will be placed 10 feet from the first 2 with the final pole in the middle about 5 feet from the second set of poles. The rider will run from the start line between the first four poles, turn around the 5th pole (in either direction), run back through the four poles to the finish.
Penalty - 5 sec will be added for any of the 5 poles that are knocked over.
Disqualifications - Stepping on or over the start line before the pattern has been completed or going of course. Going off course - If the horse and rider do not enter the poles through the middle of the first set, the rider may stop the horse, back him up and continue with the pattern as it should be. The rider may not turn the horse and return to where they broke the pattern or they will be disqualified.
When running doubles riders must not cross the center line during the run. If you cross the center line before crossing the timer line the rider will be disqualified. When crossing the finish line it is the riders responsibility to control their horse and not cross over the center line into the other riders path. Repeated action will result in a warning or asked to run as a single rider.
Scramble
Course will be set up using 3 poles, 1 cavaletti and 1 barrel. Rider can start on either side, weave in and out of the poles go over the cavaletti at their own speed and proceed around the barrel, repeating the same pattern on the way back and crossing the timer.
Penalty - 5 sec will be added for any pole or barrel knocked over.
Disqualifications - Stepping on or over the start line before the pattern has been completed or going of course.
Going off course - If the horse and rider do not perform the correct pattern as described/go the wrong way, will be disqualified.
Horse Show Rules & Events
Western & English Pleasure:
Class Routine
- Pleasure is the art of the horse, this class is judged on the performance of the horse , not the rider.
- Once all the competitors have entered the arena and are moving in the same direction the judge has asked for (if direction not indicated then always go on the left rein) the judging will begin.
- Your judge will direct a command to the riders, listen carefully so that you hear the commands clearly.
- The judge will ask the riders to walk, jog (trot for English), lope (canter for English), reverse and stop, not always in this order.
- Always have your horse on the inside lead unless otherwise directed. The judge will be looking for a natural moving, smooth riding horse.
- The judge will be watching for safe and sensible riding. When doing the walk, the judge will be looking for a distinct four beat walk and the horse should appear to be going somewhere.
- During the jog/trot, the horse should travel in a square, cadenced manner. He should be round over the back with his hind feet well under him and travel with energy, yet be relaxed.
- Being consistent is very important in this class. The judge will be looking for the horse that truly is a pleasure to ride and the rider looks like he/she is having fun and enjoying the ride.
- In all shows martingales/ty downs and draw reins are prohibited.
- There should not be any kind of splint boots or leg wraps on the horse in pleasure classes.
- Split reins or Rommel reins are strongly encouraged, ridden with 1 hand and will score higher then a rider riding with 2 hands or in connected loop reins.
Attire:
Class Routine
- Western riders are recommended to be dressed in long pants/jeans, a long sleeved shirt with a collar and cuffs a cowboy hat (helmet under 18) and boots with a heel. Chaps are optional. On very hot days a short sleeved shirt is allowed.
- English riders are recommended to be dressed in a breeches, shirt with a collar, a jacket , boots/half chaps and a helmet. On very hot days the jacket can be removed.
- This being said, it is not mandatory and is only suggested as traditional wear.
Western & English Equitation:
Class Routine
- Equitation/Horsemanship classes are the art of the rider, this class is judged on the performance of the rider's ability , not dictated by the horse.
- Often the judge will ask you for additional individual work, for example dismount and mount, backup your horse or a simple pattern work. Be sure to listen closely to the ringmaster during show classes.
- Pattern work is to be executed to the best of the riders ability. Each aspect of the pattern is broken down and judge individually.
- Patterns are usually posted prior to the event.
- Tie downs/martingales are prohibited.
- There should not be any kind of splint boots or leg wraps on the horse in pleasure classes.
Cowboy Challenge
Fun Obstacles!
Each competitor gets scored on how well they complete each challenge.
Learning Skills!
There is a set pattern and always something different to master.
Practice Makes Perfect!
Lots of time between competitors to practice your skills on the side.
General Rules
The Trail Challenge consists of a series of individual obstacles that a horse and rider must navigate, as they are judged on their control, trust, partnership and performance. Each obstacle is judged out of a score of 5 points. Each rider/horse combo has a maximum of 7 minuets to complete the course in full, with max 2 attempts at each obstacle. If time permits at the end of the course the rider may go back to try and complete a missed obstacle.
The Trail Challenge day will start out with a rider meeting to (1) introduce the judges, (2) describe the course, (3) describe the judging of the course, and (4) answer any questions from the riders.
The course is comprised of natural and man-made obstacles that vary from course to course. These obstacles could include, but are not limited to: bridges, gates, objects hung above in a curtain-like fashion, side passing or backing through, over or around items, dragging items, mounting or dismounting, gait changes, etc. if mounting is required as part of the Challenge, a mounting block will be furnished/supplied. Should a rider believe that an obstacle is not within their or their horse’s ability to negotiate safely, they may choose to skip that obstacle with no points given for that obstacle.
Judging
Partnership – Each obstacle is judged on how the partnership works together.
- This working team should negotiate each obstacle with calmness and patience, moving safely through the obstacle.
- The partnership should demonstrate the ability to navigate through the course when obstacles warrant it, and the horse should willingly respond to the rider’s cues on more difficult obstacles.
- Credit will be given to partnerships negotiating the obstacle with style and appropriate rate of progress. There will be no additional points given for ‘show boating’.
- If a rider is dismounted (falls or is bucked off) they are disqualified from the event. They may however choose to re-mount and complete the course without receiving points if they so choose too.
Horse – Should: be relaxed, show awareness, be attentive, respond to the rider, demonstrate quality of movement. The horse ‘should not’ display resistance, spook, shy, or refuse, stumble, tick or clip an obstacle and will be rewarded or deducted in points accordingly by the judge.
Equipment
- Horses must be saddled, unless being led by lead and only if the horse is young or green.
- Appropriate riding footwear is MANDATORY. Riders will NOT be allowed to compete without proper footwear.
- Helmet is required for any riders under 18 yrs old.
- Pee-Wee (8-12) riders and younger may be given vocal assistance on the course. They are allowed to receive assistance at each obstacle, but they will be deducted points accordingly. This does not apply to Lead-line category.
- Minor variations of obstacle equipment will be at the judges or Trail Challenge Director’s discretion. The intent of the judged obstacle is that it remains the same for everyone.
Our Sponsors & Partners
Thank You For The Support We Couldn't Do It Without You
Additional Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsors....
Without your continued support we would not be able to have the amazing family oriented riding club that we have. We all know that this year has been particularly challenging on everyone and your dedication has been truly appreciated in so many ways.
Greenhawk Equestrian
Laurie & Senga Swain
Edward Jones - Melodie Lalonde and Michael Baker
Carol Carlson & Carlson Family
Laurie Rintoul
Hilton Veterinary Services
Runway Hair Design Company
Important Information
Mandatory
Mandatory
Events at ESC are subject to change with short notice. We make every effort to communicate cancellations ASAP and reschedule events when necessary.
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
- Appropriate footwear with a heal is required
- Helmets for anyone 17 yrs and younger
- Riders 18+ encouraged to wear a helmet
- No re-runs due to faulty equipment
- Alcohol & Drugs is not permitted on ESC grounds
- Stirrup & back cinch hobbles are a must and will be monitored for rider safety
- Everyone must sign a waiver prior participating
General Qualifying Rules
General Qualifying Rules
General Qualifying Rules
- Each horse/rider combo must compete in 50% of the set scheduled events. Example, if Little Suzie competes in 3 out the 5 gymkhanas she earns points in each event towards the year end awards for each event.
- Each horse/rider combination can earn points but points cannot be combined with another horse under normal circumstances.
- Points from a horse/rider may only be combined if a vet certificate says that the horse will not be able to return to competition or has had to be sub-sequentially euthanized.
- Lead-liners and Walk/trot are not eligible for High Point Awards.
- Only horse/rider combinations who have qualified by participating and placing in all events are eligible for High Point Horse Award.
- Most Improved riders are selected among the riders in age category (under 18 and over 18) based on improvement over the year. Each horse/rider are looked at individually and each event is looked at for time improvement/placement.
Additional....
General Qualifying Rules
General Qualifying Rules
ESC has lots of fun through out the year, with lots opportunities for anyone young or younger who would like to get involved, lend a hand or become a part of the amazing team!
Emotional, Physical, verbal, mental, sexual or cyber abuse will 'not' be tolerated. Any form of personal and/or "CLUB" slandering online or verbal will result in "CLUB" dismissal. This also includes abuse to your animals.
Any disregard of a Directors instructions can result in the below consequences:
1st - offense will result in a loss of all day points.
2nd - offense will result in a ban from all events of the event type that the offense occurred at...Example, if 2nd offense occurs at a gymkhana, the rider will be dismissed from all gymkhanas for the rest of the season.
3rd - offense will result in a ban from all ESC events for the rest of the season.
Directors & Judges:
• Event Directors are responsible for seeing that all rules are carried out.
• The Director of an event is to inspect the arena before any event for satisfactory riding conditions.
• The judge of any show will determine whether any class or event warrants eliminations.
Stallions - only permitted if they are under control and handled by someone 18yrs of age or older. If there are any concerns a Director may request that the stallion to be removed.
Horses are to be kept at a walk only while on the grounds, unless in the warm-up ring or in the arena areas.