Circle K-D Trail Riders 2006 season under way

COURTESY PHOTO Maddie Evans of Marengo runs barrels on her horse, Teddy, at the Circle K-D Arena on Moose Range Road, near Sycamore.

Circle K-D Trail Riders is an organization with an equine focus. K-D members enjoy equine activities such as trail riding and horse shows in a family-oriented atmosphere with friendly competition. Circle K-D stands for Kendall and DeKalb counties. The club has existed for more than 50 years.

The Circle K-D Trail Riders horse club hosted its first play night at its arena on Moose Range Road outside Sycamore on Friday, May 19. Play nights after May 26 will be on Thursdays throughout the summer.

A play night consists of classes which include lead line, walk/trot, green horse, pleasure, horsemanship, two speed classes and one fun class. Hunter hack is offered on the second and fourth play nights of the month. A food stand is available on the grounds serving food, beverages and snacks.

K-D has a full calendar this year which includes several shows. They had a Warm Up Show on May 28, a Fun Show on Sept. 10 and a Halloween Fun Show on Oct. 15. They are also hosting the H-Bar-P 4-H club horse show on July 23.

The main event will be K-D's fundraiser at noon on July 9. The club is hosting its first ever drill team competition. This is a competition between teams where equestrians turn the art of riding and their love of horses in to a dance. Horses and riders perform precision movements in tight drill formation at high speeds.

Registration is still open. Any drill team interested should contact Linda Odom at (815) 784-2645 or e-mail lindap @ tbcnet.com.

The public is invited. Advance ticket prices for the competition at Circle K-D are $10 for adults and $7 for children ages 4-10. At the gate, tickets $12 for adults and $9 for children. Children 3 and younger are admitted free. The ticket includes outstanding drill team performances and lunch, a steak sandwich cooked by the DeKalb-Kane Cattlemen's Association. All proceeds benefit the Circle K-D Arena and grounds improvement project.

In addition to the drill team competition, a silent auction will be held and face painting is available for the kids. There are a limited number of picnic tables, so everyone is encouraged to bring a lawn chair and enjoy the afternoon.

K-D members have been working on several projects to prepare for the 2006 season. They have completed a face lift to the inside of their clubhouse making it much more appealing. K-D is also installing a fence around the remaining perimeter of the grounds to increase safety for all horses and riders.

The next trail ride is planned for Matthiessen State Park on June 3. The next club meeting will be at 8 p.m. June 20, at Resource Bank in Genoa. All members and prospective members are welcome.

The opportunities for getting involved with Circle K-D are endless. Members are encouraged to participate in club activities and events, such as clinics, play nights, fundraisers and horse shows. There is also an informative newsletter, Pony Express News, which ensures that members are kept up-to-date about upcoming activities.

For further information on the club's activities, contact Odom at (815) 784-2645 or visit www.circlekd.org . New members are always welcome.