DIRECTORY – ORGANIZATIONS

The Union County Saddle Club, in Blairsville, Ga., offers a wide range of equine recreation opportunities at its new lit and covered show arena. See www.unioncountysaddleclub for a full calendar of activities from May – October. TAG DEA (Tennessee/ Alabama/ Georgia Dressage and Eventing Association) works to provide competition and educational resources for eventing and dressage riders in the tri-state area. Local and recognized shows offered, as well as clinics. See tagdea.org.

Western Dressage Association of Georgia: wdageorgia.org. This association is hosting shows and clinics for the developing discipline of western dressage. Classical dressage meets the Western horse!

The Ride to the Olympics Foundation exists to support show jumper Miguel Wilson as he works toward representing the U.S. in the 2024 summer Olympics. Wilson hosts outreach events to introduce underprivileged children to the sport through the Foundation. See ridetotheolympics.com.

The World Championship Blacksmiths Association offers an exciting competition opportunity for farriers at all levels of aptitude. Emphasis on horse owner education – competitions take place at a variety of locations around the U.S. in conjunction with large equine events. See worldchampionshipblacksmiths.com.

Georgia Dressage and Combined Training Association – promoting the art and sports of dressage and eventing in Georgia with members from throughout the Southeast. If you are interested in becoming involved in the exciting world of dressage and eventing look for more information on the website www.gdcta.org and like our Facebook page.

Blue Skies Riding Academy, Emerson, Ga., is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing quality horsemanship instruction at a reasonable cost. Huntseat equitation lessons offered in private or group format. Other opportunities include summer camps, volunteer opportunities and community outreach. See www.blueskiesridingacademy.com.

Cowgirl Circus & Co., in Royston, Ga., puts on a variety of horse shows and events from pleasure, trail obstacles, fun and games classes, barrel races and on-foot classes at Harmony Hill Arena. Awards given away at each show; year-end awards also. Call 706-498-3271 or 770-861-8810 or see Cowgirl circus & Co. on Facebook.

Copper Basin Riding Club, Copperhill, Tenn. – family-friendly environment for showing without stress. Six-show regular season series includes halter, western, racking, trail, fun and speed events. Also several added money jackpot barrel racing events. Please see Facebook or www.copperbasinridingclub.org.

The Murray County Saddle Club, Chatsworth, Ga., offers a variety of horse events, including a fun and open show series, parade participation and wagon train. Covered facility; club meets the first Monday of every month, except July. See www.murraycountysaddleclub.com for a complete list of upcoming events.

The Western Saddle Club in Rome, Ga., offers many fun activities for local equestrians: buckle series, camping (with hookups), trail riding. See facebook.com/ westernsaddleclub for buckle series, trail ride and meeting schedules.

The T.C. Wranglers (Bradley County, Tenn.) 4H Club is open to all youth ages 9-19 and meets the second Tuesday of each month. See 4-H Bradley County on Facebook.

The Chattahoochee Horse Archers is a National Horse Archery Association member club based in Cartersville, Ga. The CHA is dedicated to growing the sport of horseback archery throughout the Southeast through educational events. See Facebook or call 678-767- 7809.

The Mustang and Wild Horse Rescue of Georgia is a nonprofit organization that exists to provide a safe haven for wild horses who were previously adopted and were abused, neglected or no longer have a home. The MWHR’s goal is to successfully rehome these horses. See mustangandwildhorserescue. wordpress.com for more information.

The Aragon, Ga., chapter of The 40 Something Cowgirls is always looking for new members who want to have fun on horseback. The chapter is part of a national organization dedicated to facilitating equine-centered fun among mature female riders. Activities include trail rides, camping and drill teams. For more information about the Aragon chapter, search for 40 Something Cowgirls Aragon Ga on Facebook. See 40somethingcowgirls.com to find your nearest chapter.

The Ironhorse Equestrian Club in Resaca, Ga., meets once monthly and encourages youth ages five to 18 to become involved with horses. Activities include crafts, team building activities and horse-related learning. Contact Sara Urban at saraurban92@gmail.com or 716- 345-7870 for more information.

The Diamond D Cowgirls is a high-speed, precision-oriented drill team entertaining crowds throughout the South. Based in Monroe, Ga., the team operates under a state champion drill team coach. See diamonddcowgirls.com to book the team for a performance at your next event.

The Gingersnap Girls Equine Education and Rescue Foundation in Hamilton, Va., exists to assist horses whose owners can no longer care for them, to provide support for horses affected by natural disasters and to educate youth about the humane treatment of animals. Donations are tax-deductible. See gingersnapgirls.org for information on becoming a sponsor or volunteer.

Mending Arrow Ranch, in Cleveland, Tenn., aims to provide a safe haven for children dealing with unique challenges. The program gives traumatized or challenged children a way to heal or grow through interaction with horses. See MendingArrowRanch.com.

Angels on Horseback in Jasper, Ga., provides horsemanship opportunities for those with physical or mental challenges. Instructors are PATH International-certified. Trust relationship fostered between students and horses builds selfconfidence. Therapeutic lessons improve strength, muscle tone and flexibility. See angelsonhorseback.org.