We've moved to our new location with 40 acres at the corner of Tower and Rohrsen Roads in Hampshire, IL. This location has a 176x77 indoor arena with an attached 80x60 warm-up arena, a 250x135 outdoor arena, a 75x135 outdoor warm-up arena, 100 stalls in 2 barns, and plenty of parking. The facility will also include a mini-event course. There is a brick patio outside our clubhouse next to the outdoor arena. Both arenas can be viewed from the clubhouse windows. We are very pleased with our new home and look forward to sharing it with you.

Club functions consist of: Trail Rides, Play Nights, Horse Shows, Auctions, Socials, and other family activities.

Regular Meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. on the 1st Friday of every month at the clubhouse.

Director's Meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. at the clubhouse on the 3rd Thursday of every month.

Check our Calendar to see upcoming events.

A newsletter is mailed to members each month and keeps everyone informed of club functions and meetings.

We invite you to become a member of our Club! Click here.

HISTORY

In 1946 a group of about 70 people met to charter their club as Fox River Valley Saddle and Harness Association. They had been getting together since 1938 at someone's house, having lunch, and going on trail rides. The club's emphasis was on family and trail rides, picnics, impromptu horse shows and social functions.

Meetings were held in member's homes and various buildings such as the VFW hall. The first Rodeo, in August 1947, was held at the South Street Stable in Elgin. Wing Park Baseball Field in Elgin was the place of their first open horse show in September of 1949 with 216 entries. The events were so popular, the club decided it was time they purchased their own land.

In May of 1951, the club purchased their first facilities on Route 58, 1/2 mile east of Route 25 in Elgin. Working diligently, in their spare time, the membership completed the fencing, arena, and bleachers about a year later. In July of 1952, the club shortened its name to Fox Valley Saddle Association. By 1958, the membership had built the clubhouse and no longer had to meet in member's homes or rented buildings.

The popularity of the events and the membership continued to grow. They outgrew the 5 acres on Rt. 58 and developers wanted the land, so in 1970 they exchanged for the property on Bowes Road in Elgin. The membership again worked to prepare the new property and held their first show on this property in 1971. They continued to improve the property; in 1985, they completed the steel barn, 1986 the new stall barn was dedicated, and a new wash rack was added in 1988.

The club's popularity and membership continued to grown and in 1996, the club's 50th Anniversary boasted 100 family and 300 individual memberships. The facilities have never seen a dull moment; horse shows, auctions, club functions, as well as other organizations renting the grounds for their own shows and events.

Fox Valley Saddle Association (FVSA) has experienced many changes, and more changes are coming, but the emphasis on family and the love of the horse endures.

Membership is open to all persons interested in horses. Most of our members own their own horses, but this is NOT a requirement. We invite you to attend some of our functions or to become a member. Click here for more information about membership.