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The Bonny Brook Riding Club started with a group of friends who joined
together to enjoy horse back riding. The club did not have a name at that time.
In 1944, two men built and started the Carlisle Fair Grounds. The following
year their horse back riding buddies held a horse show. Some did not like the
idea of holding the show under the name of the fairgrounds. Therefore, in 1946
the Morrison Farm allowed the group to use their stables. A ring was built and
the club became organized.
Because the Morrison farm was near the Bonny Brook stone quarry, the club was
officially named "The Bonny Brook Riding Club, Inc.". Shortly, thereafter the
club fell on hard times. Some members became disenchanted and left the club. It
has been stated that one of the members kept the club going by paying all
expenses for 2 years.
The next move was to Moyer's Retreat and in 1958 they held the very first 3
Day Ride. They also held 3 Day Rides the following 2 years. During that time,
two very exuburent members called "the traveling truck drivers" stimulated horse
people from everywhere to attend the rides. One time the club members took their
horses to the Farm Show and paraded inside the large arena. One member slept
overnight and cared for the horses. Shortly thereafter, the Sheriff's Posse
Parade Unit was formed.
Around 1960, the Riding club came up with a very unique and clever idea to
make money... they chanced off a pony at the PA Sportsman's Show.
Moyer's Retreat was finacially, an expensive place. This prompted the next
move to the Eshelman Stables in New Kingston.
In 1968, the club purchased 26 acres of farm land from a club member. To this
day, the Bonny Brook Riding Club is still located on the same parcel of land.
In 1976, the Bonny Brook Riding Club members participated in one of their
most spectacular events, the Bicentennial Wagon Train Parades. Each member was
attired in patriotic colors of red shirts, white hats, and blue jeans, and
carried an American Flag. Each horse was also adorned with white saddle pads and
white neck ropes.
Around 1988, the first Game Show was held on the club grounds. In 1989, night
lights were installed around the show ring. The Game Shows are still very
popular. There are a total of 5 Shows each year. Two Game Shows are held in the
spring, the Memorial Day Pleasure Show, and two Game Shows are held in the fall.
Beginning in 1994, Bonny Brook Riding Club's game shows are in accordance
with and sanctioned by "The National Barrel Horse Association" (NBHA). Other
current activities include an annual Moonlight Ride, Ice Cream Social, several 1
day rides, a picnic for members, and paticipating in parades.
Obviously, the club had a very rough start and did not run smoothly at first.
But, over the years, because of the "stick to it" perseverance of the many
officiers and club members, we now continue to improve and enjoy our riding
club. Club members appreciate and are thankful for all the efforts of our
predecessors. As a result, we currently have 43 acres of club grounds, a full
kitchen, a covered pavilion, a registration building, a garage, and a show ring
with a public address system, night lights, and announcer's booth.
With continued efforts from our future officers and club members, we can
enjoy the fellowship with others interested in the sport of horse back riding in
the Bonny Brook Riding Club.
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