Horseback riding is a serious hobby with a heavy investment of time and money. However, joining a local horse organization offers a natural community which expands our investment helping us fully enjoy our serious hobby. “Horses aren’t a casual hobby for most of us,” says Brie Nicholson of RE/MAX Success. “Horses shape our days, our routines and priorities.” Brie recently joined Atascadero Horsemen’s Club and discovered a natural community ready to embrace her horse-riding passion.
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Joining a Local Horse Organization Builds Community
Joining a local horse organization provides opportunities to ride with others which builds camaraderie. Brie shares what motivated her to get involved with a local club: “My horse lives on my property. So, I don’t naturally have a built-in group to ride with, as some might if they are at a boarding facility. It can sometimes be difficult to be motivated to ride alone, so the camaraderie that riding in a group setting provides really appealed to me.”
Brie went on to explain how easy it was to fit-in. “In a world where most of our communication is done through screens and quick messages, it’s getting harder to find genuine in-person connection. Joining a local riding club gives you a place where that connection happens naturally. You’re surrounded by people who already understand a huge part of your life without you having to explain a thing. When you walk into a group where everyone shares that same lifestyle, the friendships come easier and the community feels stronger.”
Local Horse Organizations Provide Connection
For Brie, joining Atascadero Horsemen’s Club expanded her riding options and connected her to other similarly passionate people. She says, “You get access to rides, events, and opportunities that you simply wouldn’t have on your own. This means more time in the saddle and more ways to enjoy your horse. You also get to connect with people who share the same interests and goals, which makes the whole experience more fun and motivating. There’s a lot to learn from being around other riders, whether it’s trail knowledge, horsemanship tips, or just seeing how others approach their horses. It all adds up to a richer, more connected horse life.”
Looking Forward to the Next Ride, Keeps Horse and Rider in Shape
Once a great ride with a local horse organization is experienced, a rider is motivated to keep his or her horse in shape for the next ride. Brie is taking her own young horse out on club rides to give him exposure. This encourages her to keep him in shape for the next ride. “I’ve also spent the past couple of years putting in the work with my young horse,” explains Brie. “I’m getting him exposed to new things and helping him turn into a solid, good citizen. He’s finally at a place where our rides feel fun and drama-free. Now I want to give him more chances to see the world and enjoy new adventures. Riding in beautiful places with a horse you trust and enjoy is such a great reward for all the work put in.”
Atascadero Horsemen’s Club
The Atascadero Horsemen’s Club is all about bringing riders together. It was founded as a family riding group, and the heart of the club is still the same today. The mission is to create fun, safe opportunities for members and guests to ride as a group, enjoy organized events, and explore trails throughout our area. The club also works to promote and maintain local horseback riding trails and stay involved in community service. It’s really a place where people who love horses can connect, ride, and give back.
Membership in Many Local Clubs is Waning
Atascadero Horseman’s Club was established in 1964. So, it’s definitely one of the oldest clubs in our area, if not the oldest. Brie reached out to a few other clubs and found a consensus among the clubs: “After chatting with AHC and a few other trail riding clubs in our area,” responded Brie, “the feeling is that membership has tapered over the past several years. One thing folks mentioned is that fewer young riders are stepping in. The longtime members are the backbone of these clubs, and they’d love to see younger horse people discover the community they’ve built.”
Join a Local Horse Organization
Supporting a local horse organization helps keep that space alive. It gives riders of all ages a place to belong and to keep this equestrian lifestyle thriving here in our county. It’s a simple way to invest in something that matters to all of us: real connection, community, and the future of our local horse community.
Here’s a general list of some of the local horse organizations in SLO County:
Vaqueras del camino (VDC) – Women’s riding group that promotes relationships with like-minded horse loving women. They participate in camping trips and events and well as fundraising for the community.
Central Coast Conquistadores– Brand new local mounted shooting group associated with CMSA (Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association)
Brass Oak Driving Society – Their mission is to encourage, educate and inspire its members in the world of carriage driving.
Ride Nipomo – Trail riding group in South County that works together with hikers, bikers, and equestrians to save the trails for future generations.
Backcountry Horsemen of California–Los Padres Unit– Serves SLO County Region- Preserving access for pack & saddle stock on public lands. They participate in trail maintenance, riding events, and volunteer efforts.
Surf Riders Saddle Club – Brand new club based on Arroyo Grande focused on helping members become better riders and make connections.
Central Coast Polo Club – Founded to provide the Central Coast community the opportunity to learn all about the sport of polo.
Railhead Riders/Paloma Creek Riders – This is a gymkhana riding group that is part of the California Gymkhana Association District 14. They hold local shows on a very regular basis.
To get your favorite local horse organization on this list contact Brie Nicholson:
Brie Nicholson, REALTOR®
RE/MAX Success
DRE #02282361
📞 805-505-5736
📧 brienicholson.realestate@gmail.com
🌐 bnicholson.remax.com
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