Riding club completes season of barrel racing

Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – In the top photo, Mary DiBattisto races with her horse at the Orleans County Boots and Saddle Club arena at the corner of Hulberton and Powerline roads. DiBattisto, 13, of Greece has been a member of the club the past three years.

There were about a dozen participants in four barrel races this summer. The club wants to add members, including adults. In the past it has had 50 to 60 riders.

Faith Woody of Albion dodges the poles in a barrel race on Tuesday at Boots and Saddle.

The riders and their horses weaved between obstacles in the final barrel race of the season at the club. For many riders the race on Tuesday evening was a final tune-up for competition at the State Fair.

Riders at the club have been getting together since the late 1940s or early 1950s – no one is quite sure when it started. The club had four barrel races this year but would like to have more next year. The public is welcome to attend the events.

Shelly Daggs, vice president of the club, also sold slices of pizza on Tuesday. A dedicated group of volunteers keeps the club and the arena running. Besides events at the arena, the club also goes on trail rides.

For more information on Boots and Saddle, click here.