Club History

The Cumberland County Riding Club was founded in 1959 which was the brainstorm of Mary Clifford. A President's Plaque hangs at the Clubhouse dating back to the first President, Byron Pride, and the plaque is updated and maintained annually by the members. In 1961, discussion were held regarding the purchase of a clubhouse, though it was not until 1964 that the current grounds and building were purchased from Paul D. Merril, who once operated a lumber yard here. The clubhouse building at one time, served as headquarters for Air Force personnel atop mile high Mount Washington in New Hampshire. The trim structure was disassembled, trucked in 8 ft. sections, and reassembled within two weeks by Mr. Merrill and members. A wood furnace provided heat, and loaned church benches provided seating for members through the first few meetings. The CCRC annual MHA May Horse Show began in 1961, and in 1964 the first show of the season was held on the new grounds which the members worked under the lights the night before in order to finish the ring in time for show day. 1965 brought the first CCRC newsletter. "The Rider" is still published and distributed to the members providing a source of information and entertainment to all members. In 1970 , there were enough funds in the treasury for the member to panel the inside of the clubhouse and purchase a heating system, and through the years, the members and their families and friends, worked together to install plumbing,which led to the luxury or restrooms and a kitchen. 1974 brought cause for celebration because the final payment on the mortgage was made!! With economic pressures taking their toll in 1979, the last MHA show was held here, however CCRC went on. Through the years, most of our show equipment has been donated or earned with determination by members who have taken pride and interest in Cumberland County Riding Club. 1991 saw the club getting equipped with a wireless speaker system and 1992 brought the purchase of electronic timing lights for the games portion of the shows. In 1995 building renovation was brought to the forefront of attention when time and use started taking a toll on the structure of the clubhouse and the following January of 1996 Building and Renovations Committee was established with their goal being the appropriating of funds to resupport and restore the Clubhouse. The interior of the clubhouse was refurbished and the ring received new and drier footing that year. In 1998 the show ring was repositions to fit the master plan of renovations and the original wood fence was replaced by a new vinyl fencing which incorporated the desired gaming chute. In 1999, the following members; Francis Haley, Pauline Washburn, Phyllis Harmon & Dorothy Deering, were granted a Lifetime Membership status for being active members with the Cumberland County Riding Club since its founding. Another milestone that year included Denise Teceno and her horse Faylene capturing and retiring the Bea Doughty Memorial Award (donated by the Burgess family) after winning as the High Point Gaming Team for 3 consecutive years. Denise in turn has, as of the year 2000, established the "Ruth York Memorial Perpetual Junior Gymkhana Award " given to a horse and rider who achieve high points in youth gaming and showmanship for that year, in fond memory of her mother. Also in 2000 CCRC re-established a parade team after many years. 2004 finds us rebuilding the club with methods such as fund-raising, fewer but bigger shows and become non-taxed by the town for contributing annually to therapeutic organizations. The Stallion Revue, an event first held in winter 2005 was a huge success and is believed to become an annual event while we are looking for members who want to keep the momentum going and the dream alive, we are in the process of getting our non-profit status and rebuilding or renovating our clubhouse.