NewsSidesaddle Riders to Form a New Association in Ontario

Sidesaddle Riders to Form a New Association in Ontario

January 4, 2010, Hillsburgh, ON – The latest meeting of the group that will be known as the Ontario Sidesaddle Association (OSA) was held on November 20, 2009 at Rustic Meadows in Hillsburgh, Ontario.  Those attending this meeting and the two previous meetings are dedicated to forming an association of sidesaddle enthusiasts in the Province of Ontario.  The mission of the group, as formalized in its newly drafted bylaws is:

• To promote and encourage the art of sidesaddle riding in the Province of Ontario and across Canada where applicable;
• To develop, educate and encourage the use of suitable and proper standards of performance and judging;
• To educate the members and spectators in the safe training and exhibition of sidesaddle riding;
• To provide education, guidance, fellowship, and camaraderie to all sidesaddle enthusiasts.

A key step in establishing the new group was determining the categories of membership.  The group decided that in order to best serve the sidesaddle community in Ontario, six categories of membership will be available:

• Founding Member
• Lifetime Member
• Regular Member
• Youth Member
• Friend Member
• Corporate Member

Eligibility criteria and privileges for each category of membership were confirmed and documented.  The Founding Member category is dedicated to those individuals who have or plan to participate in the ongoing activities of the group as it works through the various stages of development and registration as a non-profit organization in the Province of Ontario, and who are willing to assist in the continuing growth of the association.  This category will only be available for the first year, until December 31, 2010.  Membership dues for a Founding Member have been set at a one-time fee of $200 and will carry all the rights and privileges of a Regular Member, as well as the distinct honour of being recognized for contributions to establishing one of the first groups of its kind in Canada.  OSA invites everyone to join us in the exciting venture.

The group’s next steps will be to begin the process of registering as a non-profit organization, and to develop the collateral that will help achieve its objectives.  This will include a website, resource library, and a points program among others, as well as the design of a logo for the association.

The next meeting is scheduled for January 31, 2010 at 1:00 p.m., and will once again be hosted by Joanne Milton at Rustic Meadows, 5712 County Road 24, Hillsburgh, Ontario.  For more information please contact Joanne Milton (info@rusticmeadows.com / 519-855-6865) or Sharon Borda (rosie.aside@gmail.com  / 519-927-1752).