The 50th anniversary celebration for Kel-Mac Saddle Club, honoring all current and former members, is scheduled for 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, at the Farmington Community Center (2851 Old Farmington Rd., Watkinsville).
All current and past members are encouraged to attend and share memories while celebrating Kel-Mac’s decades-long legacy of horsemanship, fellowship, and philanthropy.
In 1976, the late Norm and Faye Grayson were inspired to create a local horse show. Initially, the shows were held on land on loan from Dr. Paul Keller, an ophthalmologist, and Dr. James MacDonald, a local surgeon.
The shows were so successful that a group of horse enthusiasts established a riding club, aptly named the Kel-Mac Saddle Club. This club is now the longest-running saddle club in Georgia, and annually features four family and beginner-friendly horse shows, monthly trail rides, camping trips, equine educational meetings, and workshops. The club also provides limited scholarships.
Over the past 50 years, Kel-Mac, which now has nearly 100 individual and family memberships, has raised more than $170,000 for local charitable causes and scholarships. All contributions are raised from horse show proceeds and generous donations from volunteers and sponsors.
Beneficiaries have included equine and animal rescue groups, the Morgan County Sheriff’s Empty Stocking Fund, and the equestrian facilities of state and county parks such as A.H. Stephens, Hard Labor Creek, Watson Mill Bridge, and Heritage Park.
Kel-Mac members, sponsors, family, and friends all contribute to the club's success. It takes impressive teamwork to host each Kel-Mac event, with each horse show being an “all-breed” event, meaning a wide variety of disciplines is offered among more than 50 classes. The focus of all Kel-Mac shows is to include everyone and help participants become more comfortable with equine showing.
If you are looking for a place to start your riders, your horses, or yourself, this year’s shows will be on April 18, May 9, Sept. 19, and Oct. 24 (including the always amazing horse-and-rider costume contest). All regular Kel-Mac shows are held at the Morgan County Agricultural Center (2380 Athens Hwy., Madison).
The shows are open to equestrians of all ages and experience levels.
Kel-Mac classes are only $10 each and include hunter, western, gaited, trail obstacles, ranch riding, ranch reining, dressage on the rail, halter/showmanship, “small fry,” and much more. General admission to Kel-Mac shows is free, and concession food and drinks are always available.
For more information on Kel-Mac Saddle Club, visit its Facebook page, Instagram, or online at Kel-Mac.com.