Vernon District Riding Club – RDNO – COVID-19 ReStart Grant Funds
The Vernon District Riding Club (VDRC) has received funding from the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) to assist in much-needed upgrades to its irrigation system.
“The Vernon District Riding Club is very grateful for the financial support from RDNO Area ‘B’ Director Bob Fleming and Area ‘C’ Director Amanda Shatzko for much-needed improvements to our facility,” states Sherry Demetrick from the VDRC.
The current irrigation system is manually operated, so each sprinkler head must be turned on manually. This process is labour-intensive and inefficient. Automating the irrigation system will require significantly less water as the water will be programmed to come at night when evaporation and wind are minimized. It will also allow them to operate the sprinklers remotely to respond to changing weather conditions. Appropriate irrigation is essential to maintaining safe footing in horse riding rings, so this project will improve the state of the riding surface and contribute to the longevity of the footing materials.
“I am pleased to support the VDRC, a great organization that has supported equine training and staged events over many decades for the benefit of residents, both rural and urban, throughout our region,” states Director Fleming.
“I’m happy to contribute to the much-needed infrastructure upgrades at the VDRC site. It will allow the Club to continue to offer inclusive programming and space for horse enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds,” states Director Shatzko.
The VDRC is a club with members of all ages and equestrian disciplines. The Club provides a place to share a common passion for all aspects of equestrian sport. VDRC has been part of the Vernon and North Okanagan community since 1955, operating as a registered non-profit society. Since its beginning, VDRC has provided a safe location to ride, learn, teach, and attend organized horse shows and clinics. The Club regularly hosts lectures and equine-related social activities. The VDRC is also home to the Vernon Pony Club, a youth organization that teaches horsemanship and riding in the English disciplines.
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