The Vernon District Riding Club (VDRC) has an extra kick in its gallop before Christmas.
The club received $6,000 in funding from the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) to assist with upgrades to the club’s irrigation system.
“The Vernon District Riding Club is very grateful for the financial support from RDNO Area B director Bob Fleming and Area C director Amanda Shatzko for much-needed improvements to our facility,” said Sherry Demetrick with VDRC.
The current irrigation system is manually operated, so each sprinkler head must be turned on manually. This process is labour-intensive and inefficient. Automating the irrigation system will require significantly less water as it will be programmed to come at night when evaporation and wind are minimized.
It will also allow the club to operate the sprinklers remotely to respond to changing weather conditions. Appropriate irrigation is essential to maintaining safe footing in horse riding rings, so this project will improve the state of the riding surface and contribute to the longevity of the footing materials.
“I am pleased to support the VDRC, a great organization that has supported equine training and staged events over many decades for the benefit of residents, both rural and urban, throughout our region,” said Fleming.
Added Shatzko: “It will allow the club to continue to offer inclusive programming and space for horse enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds.”
The VDRC is a club with members of all ages and equestrian disciplines. It provides a place to share a common passion for all aspects of equestrian sport.
VDRC has been part of the Vernon and North Okanagan community since 1955, operating as a registered non-profit society. Since its beginning, VDRC has provided a safe location to ride, learn, teach, and attend organized horse shows and clinics. The club regularly hosts lectures and equine-related social activities.
The VDRC is also home to the Vernon Pony Club, a youth organization that teaches horsemanship and riding in the English disciplines.
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