Boots and Saddle Riding Club

History

"Boots and Saddle was organized in 1938 as a Non-Profit Corporation under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by a group of horsemen for the sole purpose of promoting closer fellowship among horse lovers.

In order to accomplish this a headquarters was established for dissemination of knowledge in the care and maintenance of horses, for the furtherance of equitation, and to offer membership by invitation through existing member's associates, friends, family, etc.

To achieve these ends, stables were leased in the Parkway near the Trexler Fish Hatchery. This site was selected due to its natural advantages and easy access to the Parkway.

The Bridle Path in the beautiful Lehigh Parkway extends more than 14 miles along both sides of the Little Leigh [River]. It is glorious at any season of the year, but probably the most exciting in fall when there is a nip in the air that is exhilarating to both horse and rider.

We owe [the trails] existence to many people. First of all, the Parkway land originated from many old families in the surrounding areas; the region along the creek to the south of the Boots and Saddle [barn] was at one time the Rathburn Farm, that around the Fish Hatchery was set up in early days as a Watershed, and the [section] across from Boots and Saddle was contributed by General Trexler. The actual Boots and Saddle property, whose barn at one time was for sheep, was purchased from the Trexler Estate. General Trexler also left provisions for assistance in keeping up the Parkway and the Bridle Path "from original application 1950.

With a Club steeped in such tradition and rooted with much love of horses, we respectfully request that the application in it's entirety be completed at the time of submission. As a private Club, we take great pride in preserving it's history, the exquisite grounds, family atmosphere, and promotion of the love of horsemanship.