2019-06-27

2019-2020 Focus on Oak Grove City Guide Page 38 Oak Grove has been famous for its horse shows since the early 1900s. A show held Oct. 6, 1911, had an estimated 10,000 people in attendance, and there were 250 entries in 40 different events. Frick Park Arena, 600 SW 12th Street, was constructed by volunteers and contractors and opened for the first youth rodeo in August 1997. Oak Grove Youth Rodeo Club was formed in 1991 to aid and support the youth and their families in the sport of rodeo. For some, the rodeo is a family adventure, and for others it is a new opportunity to experience the thrill of rodeo and fulfill dreams of experiencing western culture. The club is open to anyone, whether he/she has a horse or not, and meets at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month November- March at the Davis Center to plan the annual events, clinics and pro bull shows. Fun Show and Buckle Series, along with monthly meetings, are scheduled for July 21 and August 11 at 9 a.m. and September 22 and October 19 at 11 a.m. Meetings are one hour before the fun shows. Schedule updates are posted on the club’s website and Facebook page. Annual events include the Extreme Roughstock School the weekend after Memorial Day. The rodeo Queen, Princess and Little Miss are crowned at a separate event. Royalty contestants are required to fill out an application, present a speech, complete an interview and demonstrate horsemanship by performing an age-group pattern. Girls age 5-19 may use this experience to continue into Miss Rodeo Missouri competition. Those with questions may call Chris Ann McPherson at 816- 726-4374 or mail the club at P. O. Box 244, Oak Grove, MO 64075 or by email at OakGroveYouthRodeoClub@gmail.com . Website is www.oakgroveyouthrodeoclub.com. Glory Riders 4-H is a registered club with the University of Missouri Extension 4-H Council, Lafayette County. The club is 100% focused on horses, designed to help youth learn equine care, safety, horsemanship, showmanship and experience trail riding as well as the sport of rodeo. Members participate in county and state fairs in July and August.The club offers a chance to work with horses and be judged on horsemanship, riding and trail classes. There are also timed events such as barrels, pulls and other games. The 4-H program teaches youth to be active in their community and be of service to others. Throughout the year, the club assists and gives back to the community by conducting canned food drives. Horse project leader, Mike Dowell, started in the program as a child and has been in it for more than 50 years. Members meet at 6/6:30 p.m. Thursdays, weather permitting, during the riding season at Frick Park Arena and once a month during the off-season September, October, November, January, February, March in the homes of club members. Those at all levels are encouraged to visit and become a member. For more information, Sheri Dowell may be contacted at 816- 986-8700. The Oak Grove Saddle Club is open to horse enthusiasts ages 5 to 100. The group formed in 1972 and has been together for 44 years with some of the original members still attending. The club is for people who love horses and want to have fun. It is a family-oriented organization and does not emphasize competition. Saddle Club has 75 members, many of whom are long-standing members, who come from all around to participate. For younger children who are hesitant to ride a horse or don’t have one, a stick horse race is offered. The club puts on shows at 5 p.m. the third Saturday of each month April through October at Frick Park Arena. A fun show includes barrels, pulls and flags and obstacle courses. Event information is posted on the club’s Facebook page. Scheduled dates for the remainder of the year are June 22, July 20, September 21, October 5 (rescheduled from May) and October 12. Members meet at 6:30 p.m. in February at Sni Valley Fire Protection District Station #1 to elect officers and discuss upcoming shows, make changes and hear suggestions for new classes. Membership fees are $15 per person or $25 for a family. Officers are Mike Wilkerson, president; Jennifer Manczuk, vice-president; Mike Dowell, treasurer; and Jessica Bailpott, secretary. Manczuk may be reached at j_manczuk@yahoo.com or 816-806-1800. Activities Equine clubs