NEW MEMBER CLUB INFORMATION

RRC Emergency Phone: call or text (509) 440-5957

Welcome! We are happy to have you as a new member of the Richland Riders Club. Below, please find important information you need to know. If you have any questions about it, feel free to contact any member of the club including the Board of Directors through email at board@richlandriders.org. We’re happy to help you. The Richland Riders Club (RRC) was founded in 1949 for horsemen and horsewomen to have a safe, positive place to ride and train their horses. The club welcomes all types of riding disciplines and hosts local 4-H groups, drill teams, riding events and special events, including our annual trunk and tack show.

Ground Rules:

RRC has grounds rules which govern member and horse behavior while on the property. They are posted on the club website. It is very important that you read them thoroughly, follow them at all times, and help to enforce them while you are at RRC.

Alcohol Use:

Use/consumption of alcohol while on RRC grounds is not allowed. Our club insurance policy does not allow for use of alcohol unless we file in advance for a special permit and pay an additional premium. We consider alcohol usage a safety hazard when Members are riding or handling horses. This includes any RRC sponsored events or private consumption. Violation of this rule can lead to membership termination.

Barn Owners:

The barns on the grounds are privately owned by members and are occasionally for sale or rent. There is also a separate boarding facility behind RRC, the Tri-Cities Equestrian Center (TCEC), which you may join in order to board your horse.

Haul-in Members:

You can haul-in to ride on the club grounds at almost any time. Just know there are times when 4-H clubs, trainers doing their lessons and/or drill teams may be practicing. The club grounds include 9 acres with a main arena, 2 round pens, an east arena (often used for dressage or jumping practice), and area quarter-mile track surrounding the main arena. Even if large groups are using the main arena, there are usually enough areas for others to haul in and ride. One exception is when we allow the Partners & Pals group to host their annual riding event (usually in July). There may be other exceptions as they are booked. We have a calendar posted on our website that you can check for availability.

Gates:

The main gate on Van Giesen works on automatic sensors that are in the ground. As you are entering, the gate will open. When leaving the grounds, stop near the gate. It will open and automatically close after approximately 20 seconds.

When riding your horse off the grounds using the gate over by Hall Road, close the gate after going in or out. There are wooden sticks in a small metal container hanging on the fence. Put one wooden stick into the metal container right next to the gate. It will let members know that someone is out of the grounds on a trail ride (in case of an emergency). All gates on the property must be kept closed at all times. If you are boarding your horse at the boarding facility behind the club, when you enter or leave the RRC club you must keep the gates between the two facilities closed at all times. When using the big arena, keep all four gates closed at all times. Close the gates on the round pens after using them.

Main Arena Etiquette:

Before turning a horse out in the main arena to run, be sure to contact riders in the area to be sure it is ok. This is a safety item in case the rider and/or the horse is green. If you begin to ride when a member is in the middle of his/her 15-minute turnout, that member may finish their turnout.

Arena Lights:

The flip switch to the Halogen lights in the main arena is located in the northwest corner of the property (by the intersection of Van Giesen and Hall Road). Halogen lights take a while to heat up. Be sure to turn them off when you are done using them.

Riding Etiquette:

Take care to not ride up on another horse from behind. When riding with others, if going in the opposite direction, pass left shoulder to left shoulder (the same side as when driving a car).

Horse Trainers:

There are several horse trainers who utilize the club. They train horses and also offer riding lessons. You can find a list of the registered/insured trainers on our website. If you are interested in having your own trainer work with you on the club grounds, the trainer must (1) be a member of RRC and (2) submit proof of liability insurance (naming RRC as insured) to the club Treasurer. Once a trainer has joined RRC and submitted proof of insurance, that trainer may train you, your horse or any other RRC member in good standing. Students of any insured trainer must be RRC members in good standing. Insurance for trainers must be updated annually, to the Treasurer.

Guest Sign-Up Sheet:

If you bring a guest on the property to ride, they need to sign the waiver form located in the pump house. They may ride 3 times as a guest. After 3 rides they need to become a member of the club (and we hope they will!)

Helmets and Boots for Minors:

Everyone under 18 years old must wear a helmet and ½ inch heel boots when riding.

Port-O-Potty:

One is located over by the pump house all year long. From about March to Oct there is a second one near the RRC Club House and the Cook shack, by the Main Arena.

Manure:

Clean up any manure at your horse trailer and place in the manure/garbage bins. If you utilize the round pens or day pens, you are expected to clean up after your horse(s).

Day Pens:

Day pens are available to members for use. The pens must have all manure and left over hay removed when done using them. To use a day-pen, contact the board of directors through email at board@richlandriders.org

Membership Dues:

They are due in May. You do not have to wait for an invoice to pay the dues. If you have any question about payment options, contact the treasurer of the club through email at board@richlandriders.org.

Members-Only Website Access:

Contact the club webmaster at webmaster@richlandriders.org for your username and password to access the club's members-only content.