Halloween is vivid costumes and brightly wrapped candy, gnarled tree branches stretching toward a golden moon, the threat of tricks and the promise of treats.
And if you’re a member of the Mechanicsville Riding Club, Halloween is horses.
The Club is hosting its fifth annual Horse and Pony Halloween Fun Show on October 27.
Over the past four years, fanciful characters such as Gumby, Minnie Mouse and Peter Pan have paraded through the show.
“The highlight of the day is the costume class—some of the effort that goes into the costumes is amazing,” said the Club’s vice president, Diane Trittipoe. “Kids absolutely love it!”
Both adults and children compete in the costume class, and winners are awarded a cash prize.
The event also showcases riders who will demonstrate their skills in various English, Western and gaited classes.
Theresa Burton, a past president of the Club and a longtime member, notes that this is a “fun, informal show.”
It’s also a great opportunity to see what the horse world entails. “This is a good sport that parents can look into getting their kids involved in,” said Burton. “Riding teaches kids responsibility and sportsmanship. My youngest (child) did football and baseball, but the horses, he stuck with for the long haul.”
Admission is free. And plan to eat biscuits and eggs for breakfast, and hamburgers and hot dogs at noon—food fresh from the grill will be for sale throughout the day. All proceeds from concessions prepared and sold by volunteers benefit both the Club and the causes it sponsors.
The Mechanicsville Riding Club is a nonprofit organization established in 1970. Today, it is Richmond’s oldest equestrian riding club. “Although most members own horses,” said Trittipoe, “anyone with an interest is welcome to join!”
The Club has donated time and money to therapeutic programs such as the United States Equine Rescue League, the Richmond Mounted Police and H.I.S. Therapeutic Riding.
The Club also contributes to the maintenance of local riding trails at Fluvanna’s Pleasant Grove, James River State Park in Buckingham County and Hanover’s March Park.
The Horse and Pony Halloween Fun Show will begin at 9 a.m., rain or shine, at Pole Green Park Equestrian Center. The costume class will be at approximately 1 p.m.
For more information, visit mechanicsvilleridingclub.net, or call 328-2599 or 932-9315.