History of Fox Valley Saddle Association (FVSA)
In 1946 a group of about 70 people met to charter their club as Fox River Valley Saddle and Harness Association.
Since 1928,they had been getting together since 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 purchase 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.
History is part of: About Us