Editer’s Note: In the June 28 edition of the Tate Record the following story ran and two board members were inadvertently left out of the original story.
After three years of work, the Independence Saddle Club is thriving in Tate County.
In 2020, a group of local horse people met at what is now the location of the arena off Highway 306 in in Tate County with the goal of creating a place of gathering for the community to show horses in a family friendly environment. A motion was made by all who attended the meeting in favor of starting the process.
After filing paperwork and attending a hearing held at the Tate County Courthouse, the group received its approval. In fall of 2020, the first official meeting was held at the Independence Fire Department to elect board members and hold a membership drive. The Independence Community Development Association is a 501c3 non-profit. All funds raised are funneled back into the association for maintenance, lighting, equipment, ribbons, insurance, awards, and other expenses for operation.
Founding member currently serving as Vice President of the Board Mike Jones said efforts began immediately.
“We then started demolition of the old ballfields, concession stand, tree removal and other clean-up needed,” said Jones. “In 2021, we rented the Hernando Arena for our first show season while we were in the construction phase.”
Jones said it was a community effort to construct and remodel the park.
“We had so many volunteers from the community come and help us. We also had some local businesses bring out their equipment and donate hours of their time,” he said. “The ISC has been so blessed to have so many businesses to sponsor us. We could not have done this without them.”
During the 2022 season, the group was able to hold more horse shows and raise funds for a banquet to be held at Home of the Brave in Senatobia. Earlier this year, the club completed the last part of the construction to the arena, including the installation of additional lights and adding the announcer stand.
This is the first full year to show for points at ISC. At the end of the year there will be a banquet and awards program.
This year’s board members are Jones, Phil Wooten (President), Will Hancock, Amy Freeman, Tina Jones (Secretary), Carol Sanders (Treasurer), Julie Poynor, John David Stricklen, Michael Scott and Shelia May.
“Again, we would like to thank everyone who has been involved in this process for our community. We would like to invite everyone out to enjoy good clean family fun. We also encourage our youth to come and be involved,” said Jones.
The arena is located at 9465 Highway 306, Coldwater, MS 38618.
Follow the saddle club on Facebook for updates on events and showbills.
The next show is scheduled for July 21 beginning at 7 p.m. There is a $5 gate fee per vehicle.
