About Us :
The Kitsap Saddle Club (KSC), a non-profit equestrian organization, established in 1944, has offered family recreation and entertainment for fifty plus years and continues to provide their members with opportunities to improve horsemanship, sportsmanship, and provide information on the care of animals and the land.
The early years saw members gather for activities at members' homes and arenas at Long Lake, Horse Shoe Lake, what is now South Kitsap High School baseball field and the Manchester School grounds on California Avenue. Members came from Central Kitsap, riding around Sinclair Inlet, and the South Kitsap area, to participate in activities which included trail rides, camp outs, potluck dinners and arena events. Gymkhana events such as Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, Rescue Race, Horse Racing, Calf Roping and Wild Cow Milking were presented to test the skill and athletic ability of horse and rider. For many years the Kitsap Saddle Club in cooperation with Silver Spurs Club of Silverdale participated in events at Thunderbird Stadium and many of their junior members have served as members of the Kitsap Stampede Court and Little Britches Rodeo Court, KSC members have also provided a color guard drill team to participate in events and local parades.
The KSC hosted its first Washington State Horsemen (WSH) approved horse show at the Manchester School arena in 1952. These early events saw the introduction of the Appaloosa horse and Native Costume Class to the area and competitors came from throughout the state. The Club continues to offer WSH "B" approved shows in which current participants range in age from 5 to 85 and many breeds of horses are represented.
During the years 1951 through 1957, the club headquartered at the Manchester School grounds with their farewell meeting held February 1, 1957. In 1956, under the leadership of President Tom Endsley, they purchased 5 acres on Mile Hill, cleared brush and timber and built a small clubhouse and arena. Their first show was held on the grounds in 1957. In 1968 they added a meeting hall and restrooms to the existing building, providing room for meetings and social events.
The KSC offers a wide range of activities to its members and other horse owners of the state. We provide a safe, attractive and friendly facility where 4-H, Youth groups and the community can hold meetings. We present events to learn new skills or improve old and opportunities for families to enjoy a healthy activity together as competitors or as spectators. If you love horses or want to learn more about their care, the members of KSC invite you to join them for another season of fun and recreation.