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From the beginning…

Contained in the Introduction are a few excerpts from the 2013 SRC 70th Anniversary Book. It describes the beginning and history of Southlands Riding Club.

The book is too large of a file to attach here, but is available to view in the clubhouse.

We will share pieces from the book as well as other photos and documentation from our archives. Check back to see the progress.

Introduction:

1940’s:

  • 1943: Incorporation with 40 members of SRC

  • 1946: Sixteen acres of land purchased by 7 anonymous members

  • 1946: Clubhouse built from pieces of an abandoned fisherman’s hut

  • 1946: First gymkhana horse show

  • 1947: Member volunteers construct a large oval riding ring (Cinder Ring) and a 1/2 mile track

  • 1948-49: Original Southlands Riding Club disbanded and club assets transferred the new company: Southlands Riding and Driving Club Limited

  • 1949: Membership grew to almost 300

  • 1949: Club dues are $4/year for Junior and $6/year for Senior members

  • 1949: First Vancouver International Horse Show and Dressage classes began

1950’s:

  • 1951: Talk was made about constructing an indoor arena but the cost was prohibitive, so the project was shelved.

  • 1951: Horse Scents renamed The Horscope

  • 1952: Polo arrived in Southlands

  • 1955: Dressage Ring build on corner of W53rd and Macdonald

  • 1957: The Society was formed for active members and keeping the property with the Southlands Riding and Driving Limited Company “The Company”.

  • 1958: Trustee agreement was signed between the Club Society (SRC) and the Company who owns the property.

  • 1958: McCleery Golf Course opens

  • Throughout the 1950’s the Trails around Southlands were a big topic of discussion. Check out the Anniversary book for details.

1960’s:

  • 1961: The Society (The Club) changed the name to Southlands Riding and Polo Club. Driving had diminished significantly and polo had grown to be a major focus. The “Polo Boys” were a dominant force at the Club financially, as well as on the Board

  • 1961: A bridge is built on the trail

  • 1966: The Indoor Ring became a reality - the Grand opening was a grand affair with 200 people and 52 horses. The Mayor attended, escorted by Mounted Police. Good footing wasn’t in the budget, and was given top dressings of sawdust.

  • 1967: Pan Am Selection Trials and the first “Play Day”

  • 1969: Hired the first Club Manager - Hilary Oswald

1970’s:

  • 1970 was the last year that the International Horse Show was held at Southlands