The nonprofit Castaic Saddle Club was incorporated July 7, 1949, by John W. Johnson^[1] — or perhaps Johnson was a later officer-in-charge. (Several Johnson family members were involved in the organization^[2]; Byron Johnson was club president in 1968-69.)

As of 1957, the club roster listed 87 members. It held rodeos, horse shows and gymkhanas on alternating Sundays^[3] at an arena located off of Lake Hughes Road, on the flatland opposite (what became) the Castaic Reservoir's lower lagoon.^[4]

The saddle club also organized Castaic Fourth of July parades and rodeos, and it funded an annual college scholarship for a graduating Hart High School senior who intended to study agriculture.^[5]

The club went defunct after 1989 when it filed its last annual statement with the California Secretary of State.^[6]

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There is much to be said for the safe and sane Fourth, but any fair-minded person will admit that much of the zip has gone from the national holiday.

Exceptions are such spots as Castaic where a rip-roarin' rodeo, horse show, gymkhana, parade and barbecue will be held Saturday and next Sunday. Admission is free and you might find it a fun family outing.

Sponsors of the events are the 87 members of the Castaic Saddle Club, Inc., a nonprofit organization promoting good horsemanship, sportsmanship and citizenship among all horse lovers, with emphasis on junior members.

Founded in 1945 [sic; incorporated 1949], the club is a member of the California State Horseman's Assn. Officers include Dick Cree, president, aided by Mr. and Mrs. William Jorgensen, Mmes. Wayman Johnson and Kendall Johnson who serve as officers, with Messrs. Johnson, Don Miller, Frank Pigg, Andy Clark and Jorgensen on the board of directors.

The club has initiated a scholarship program for the area with the award going to a William S. Hart High School senior aspiring to college as an agriculture major.

Rodeos are held the third Sunday of the month, and horse shows and gymkhanas on the first Sunday. Traditional rodeo features are contests in calf roping, steer bulldogging, the riding of Brahma bulls and bucking horses by adult contestants. Juniors participate mostly in the shows and gymkhanas.

Rodeo entries for the holiday week end include Shirley and Jack Johnson, Thelma Allan, Howard Jones, Frank Collins, LeRoy and Thorpe Janes.

Youngsters vying for ribbons and trophies include: Faye Ann Bowhoy, Cheryl and Marilyn Strong, Sharon O'Connor, Jimmy Lucas, Carole Miller, Pat and Cathy Cree, Rhonda Jones and many others.

Caption:

JUNIOR RIDERS — Entries for July 4-5 parade and gymkhana, sponsored by Castaic Saddle Club Inc., line up for practice drill. From left are Carole Miller, on bay quarter horse; Dennis Hoselius and Pam Cree, on buckskin quarter horse.

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California State Horseman's Association, Region 9, today had announced its annual horse show and gymkhana will be held Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. and Sunday beginning at 8 a.m. at Castaic Saddle Club Arena near the Golden State Freeway (Interstate Route 5) in Castaic.

Activities scheduled include side saddle classes and mule classes.

Many Rose Parade celebrities will be on hand for the grand entry on Sunday afternoon, including grand marshal Lucky Carson who has been division marshal for the Tournament of Roses Parade for the past 29 years.

Pre-entries and post-entries will be accepted, with one ground rule being that no stallion may be shown by anyone under age 18.

Trophies will be awarded to first and second place winners, while ribbons will be awarded to third through fifth place winners. High point trophies will be presented in Western and gymkhana competitions.

For more information telephone Clyde Goehring, show chairman, at (805) 252-8683.

Caption:

SELECTED Grand Marshal for California State Horseman's Association Region 9 horse show and gymkhana to be held this week end is Lucky Carson astride "Chief." Annual event will be held at Castaic Saddle Club Arena beginning Saturday at 10 a.m.

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TRAIL RIDE — Castaic Saddle Club is planning its second annual family competitive trail ride and barbecue Saturday at the club arena in Violin Canyon.

Clarence Kephart, ride chairman, has planned a 12-mile ride to be judged on condition of the horses after the trip and observation of horsemanship along the trail.

Each horse will have its pulse and respiration recorded before the ride and after. The meet is patterned after the North American Trail Ride Conference rules now well recognized throughout Arizona, California and Germany.

Riders and their guests will enjoy a barbecue after the ride. Entry fee is $7.50, including the barbecue. Extra dinner tickets are $2.50. Registration should be sent to Castaic Saddle Club, P.O. Box 444, Castaic, 91310.