Forty years of riding in the

Cannon Falls Ridge Riders Saddle Club

Some 40 years after it began, the children and grandchildren of the original members are taking part in its activities from trail rides to parades to horse shows.
The club was incorporated on June 22, 1967 by Eldridge Banks, Melvin Swanson, Orlando Norstad, and Merle Larson. Previously it was in Vasa.

Rustianna Mechura, Northfield is one of the kids who grew up in the Saddle Club and has remained active along with her husband, Troy Mechura and kids, Dalton, Dylan, Tate and Mason.

Last summer, Tate, 7, wore part of the Indian costume that his mother wore when she was a child. Here Tate and his mother are with his new horse, Starfire Will, a gift from members, Melroy & Cathy Thompson when they heard Tate's old pony had to be put down due to cancer. (Photos from Dorene Marroquin.)

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And here is his mother, Rustianna Marroquin Mechura, in the costume when she was a child.



Rustianna recalled that “Don Lindahl, now an honorary member, was a member as a kid when we were the Vasa Christian Ridge Riders.” Then he “joined back up with his kids, Jay, Kris, and Holly and eventually the grandkids Jason, Dustin, Matt and Nate.”
She added, Tony Banitt and his brothers Todd and Kerk along with their Dad, Rick, and their uncle, Howard were involved back in the 70's and 80's. Rick and family moved to Nevada but Tony is back as president of the club with his family.
Leanne Ronning of Welch explained that she “grew up in the saddle club. People were willing to teach you.” Later her children, Jesse, Ryan and Jerah got involved.

Dorene Maroquin, Welch, added that most of the members at that time had little kids. So besides riding horses at the shows, they had games for the kids who didn’t ride, like water balloons.
Leanne also recalled the Pajama Fun Show where they were riding in their PJ's! And how they pulled their horse trailers with their cars because they didn’t have pickup trucks.
Jerry & Rose Pederson, Cannon Falls, were very active through the years and now they include their son Mike and his daughter Allison.

Mary Molenaar, Cannon Falls, raised horses for many years and was an avid trail rider until an accident on one of those trails curtailed her activities. But you will see a big smile and hear many stories of her favorite outings with her horses if you ask. Here she is waving from her first parade after her accident. Leanne Ronning is at the left on the white Appaloosa.

The club’s biggest on-going effort was building their arena at the Cannon Valley Fairgrounds and in 1998, the 120 by 300 foot arena was moved to its present location above the grandstand. It also has a warm-up area for the horses, and a 12 x 24 foot building that includes the food stand, entry booth and announcing stand. (Cannon Falls Beacon).
The club received support from many individuals, businesses and organizations in building the new arena. The panels and gates were donated by Jim and Bonnie Simon in memory of their daughter, Jami.

This year the club is working to add lights to the arena. Some of the horse shows are lasting into the evening and lights would add safety and the ability to accept the increasing number of horses. A grant from the Minnesota Horse Council for $5000 has begun the effort to raise the approximately $15,000 needed.

Present officers are President, Tony Banitt; Vice President, Barb Dralle; Secretary, Rustianna Mechura; Treasurer, Troy Mechura; Board of Directors, Margo Reichert, Dorene Marroquin, Don and Colleen Fogle and Cheryl Tollas.
Through their efforts they have created a new website: http://www.cannonfallsridgeriders.com/ and have brochures at the Chamber of Commerce.

Because of contributions by companies like the Cannon Falls Beacon, Cannon Trailer Sales, Cannon Valley Fair Board, CVR Country Supply, Sir Speedy, etc. the club is growing and plans to be part of future generations sharing friendships and their love of horses.

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Saddle club meetings and shows still have the generations taking part.

Meeting. Front row: Cheryl Dahl, Cheryl Tollas, Lexi Banitt, Queen Jenna Dralle, Leah Banitt. Back row: Julia Dahl, Brian Dahl, BOD Margo Reichert, Vice President Barb Dralle, BOD Colleen Fogle, President Tony Banitt, Beth Banitt, BOD Don Fogle.


Show. At the Cannon Falls Ridge Riders arena at the Fair Grounds. Front row: Lexi Banitt, 2007 Queen Jenna Dralle, 2007 Jr. Prince Tate Mechura, 2007 Jr. Princess Alaina Dettling. Second row: Beth Banitt, Cody Banitt, Rose Pedersen, Leah Banitt (in front), Allison Pedersen, Dorene Marroquin, Rustianna Mechura holding Mason. Back row: Tony Banitt, Jerry Pedersen, Mike Pedersen and Steve Dettling.





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