Spring had sprung in the city of Trussville, The Sports Complex could be overheard with shouts of “way to go” and “home run” with baseball and softball players competing at all age levels.  Local pools held swim meets.  But, on the quieter side of town among green carpeted rolling hills surrounding the Cahaba River, an arena sported a fantastic display of gorgeous, graceful creatures who were tacked and ready to show their finest.

With hours of training horses and riders, plans were put in place to host a series of horse shows, the Cahaba Saddle Club had its work cut out.  The barn was a buzz with members fixing horses’ manes to cleaning the tack. Soon outside exhibitors began arriving in their horse limos lining the chirt road.  The upper arena at Camp Coleman quickly filled the gallery with neighbors, friends, parents, grandparents and future exhibitors for a day-long event.  Riding high in the saddle, exhibitors displayed many skills such as walk, trot and canter to barrel racing.   

So began the 2011 CSC Horse Show Competition Season.  The English/Western High Point Series of competitions launched this spring hosting over 175 entries by exhibitors in 71 classes at each show.  The gallery watched different styles of this equestrian sport from Halter, Showmanship, Equitation, to Western, Trail Riding and Timed Events.  They could easily see the riders having fun and appreciating their horses making for a very enjoyable day.

Eleven members of the Cahaba Saddle Club competed in the 4H State Show held in Montgomery in addition to other area horse shows.  Five of the members won classes and qualified to receive bid invitations to participate in the 2011 Southern Regional 4H Championship.  Those receiving invitations were Joanna Rowlen, Maggie Barlow, Kristen Manolio and Tricia Selzer in the Senior Division.  Qualifying and receiving a bid to regionals in the junior division included Anna Claire Benes.