The Clifton Horse Society
The Clifton Horse Society: P.O. Box 183
Clifton
703-250-6188
Established in 1976, the Clifton Horse Society serves the needs of those interested in horses in Fairfax County and the surrounding communities. Most club members are horse owners, but membership is open to all horse lovers. Although founded in Clifton, the society's hundreds of members now include people throughout Virginia, in other states, and overseas. Activities cover every base including recreational, social, educational and service.
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES — Organized monthly trail rides with fast and slow groups are on local trails or those within a short trailer drive of Northern Virginia. Other mounted events throughout the year have included horse/fun shows, Judged Pleasure trail rides, the Fairfax Fourth of July Parade, and Christmas caroling on horseback in the Town of Clifton.
SOCIAL — Activities include spring and fall social parties, Knowdowns (a "Trivial Pursuit/Pictionary" type of event) and Christmas caroling. Although this is not a children's riding club, social activities frequently include the whole family.
EDUCATIONAL — CHS sponsors clinics on horse care, training, vetting, safety, trailering, purchasing and maintenance of tack, and other aspects of quality horsemanship.
SERVICE — In cooperation with local park authorities and landowners, the club maintains trails and develops new ones. Funds raised support worthy causes such as Therapeutic Riding and scholarships for those pursuing equine studies.
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP — Provides camaraderie with others of similar interests and fosters sharing, learning, and meeting new friends. CHS' monthly newsletter, Lead Line, includes articles about horse care and horsemanship, trail and pasture maintenance, other articles of interest, classified advertisements, and a calendar of CHS events and other area horse organization's activities. Members also receive a club roster with members' telephone numbers and addresses (postal and e-mail). Yearly dues are $20 for individual or $30 for family membership.
For more information or to get a complimentary copy of the Clifton Horse Society's monthly newsletter, write to CHS, P.O. Box 183, Clifton, VA 20124. Call Mary Flowers at 703-250-6188. The Web site is cliftonhorsesociety.org.
Broad Run Riding School
*The Broad Run Riding School offers riding lessons for children and adults, plus special classes offered for people with disabilities. Lessons are held year-round, and there are four one-week summer camp programs. Openings for the Aug. 1 and Aug. 15 summer camp are still available. Scout badges, as well as pony rides, birthday parties and special events are all available as well. Broad Run has an 80x150-foot all-weather ring.
The school is at 6393 Stoney Road, Midland, VA 22728 (near Opal). Call 540-439-0499. Ruth A. Lyngard is the owner and she may be reached at 703-819-3777 (pager).