About Us
Southside Saddle Club participates in annual charitable events benefiting many organizations such as Florida Sheriffs Boys Ranch in Live Oak, the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine, 4-H Youth Clubs and Roadhever Boys Ranch in Palatka. Southside Saddle Club supports teenage work programs working with local high schools to provide students an opportunity to gain work experience and also supports Duval and St. John's County community service work programs. Southside supports the Northeast Florida Cattleman's Association by working and participating in their annual Cracker Day Event.
In March, 2009, we completed our clubhouse and concession stand, as well as improvied our arena and facilities in general. As a not-for-profit organization, we rely mostly on donations to help us attain these goals so that we may continue to support the community and the children and families in the St. John's County area. In addition to our Friday night rides, we hold barrel racing jackpots, 4-H events, equine clinics and more to help us earn the monies necessary to achieve our goals. Without sponsors for these events, we would be unable to continue to do the good that Southside Saddle Club has done so proudly over the years. While a lot has been done to complete our building and improve our facility, there is still a lot more to do. Continued support by sponsors and others is still greatly in need. We welcome monetary and/or equipment donations. Time and talent can be donated as well. Please help us to continue to support the community and most importantly, the children of St. John's County by pledging monthly donations for the events we plan to hold in the year 2009. All inquiries, donations or pledges for monthly events can be directed to our Club Secretary, Trish Frering at p-frering@comcast.net. You may also call the club directly at (904) 287-6007. Please leave a message on our voice mail and we will be sure to return your call promptly. Again, we thank you for your support and wish you health, happiness and prosperity this coming year.
Southside Saddle Club was established in the mid-1950's as a family-oriented organization that would support various horse activities. In 1975, Southside decided to incorporate as a not-for-profit organization. Around that time, the club purchased five acres in Mandarin on which to build their new facility. The foundation of the club has always been barrel racing and speed events.
In the late 1980's, it became obvious that the club would soon outgrow their Mandarin location. So, in 1993, Southside began a search for "just the right" location - one that would support the various equine activities that the club wanted to pursue. This search culminated with the sale of the Mandarin property to the City of Jacksonville and the purchase of 40 acres on Greenbriar Road in Northern St. John's County. Today, the club is over 50 families strong and continues to enjoy many equine activities.
