You don't have to be an expert rider - in fact, you don't even have to own a horse - to be a member of the Blue Mountain Riders Club, an adult women's horse-riding group.  The most important requirement and our common bond is that we all love horses, and we've been doing this for 50+ years. 
     Formed in 1952, this non-profit organization was originally known as the "Equitani-Anns".  Two years later the easier name of Blue Mountain Riders was adopted.  Since that time, ongoing activities have included a blue-ribbon Parade Drill Team, an annual horse show or clinic, an annual weekend Mountain Ride, weekly trail rides, a traditional Christmas party and the spring Colt Peek.  The "brag bank" is a popular meeting time activity providing members the chance to share the stories and experiences of their lives and horses.
      Exploring our love of horses is not all we do.  The club charter specifically states that the organization shall not only benefit and educate its members but promote a general interest in horses.  We do this by presenting educational programs at the monthly meetings, sponsoring youth and regional horse activities, organizing rescue and disaster relief for area horse owners, and providing horsemanship clinics.
       Our membership represents many styles of riding and many breeds.  We come from all backgrounds and walks of life bringing diversity, humor, and mutual support for "horse-crazy" women.  In fact, we carry the long-known nickname of the "Blister-Sisters". This group's theme song is Squaws Along the Yukon personifying the fun-loving club disposition.
       Recently the Blue Mountain Riders entered the electronic age with its own website containing History, Memorial pages for late members and even our beloved horses, photos, activities, a yearly calendar and current member pages. Members enjoy keeping in touch through the "Blue Mountain Riders Connection", an e-mail community which provides news and outreach and our website with an individual page for each member that wants one.

Cassie Spangrude, Editor

  Historical information and photos supplied by Betty Soper, charter member and long-time Group Historian.