Southlands Riding Club (SRC), a non-for-profit equestrian riding club based in Southlands, Vancouver, B.C., is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.

“We’re incredibly lucky to have such an idyllic urban equestrian community just minutes from Vancouver’s Downtown core, offering an escape from the city for everyone wishing to connect with nature and horses,” said Whitney Santos, president of Southlands Riding Club. “To celebrate nearly eight decades of the club, we’re unveiling a revitalized brand that speaks to our warm, connected and evolving community and we welcome riders and non-riders to celebrate with us at one of our many events this year. Everyone is welcome to experience this hidden gem!”

The 75th anniversary celebrations include numerous community events at the SRC Clubhouse throughout the summer and toward the end of the year. On Sunday September 16th, SRC will host the annual Southlands Country Fair, a single-day event welcoming more than 500 visitors from across the Lower Mainland to participate in family-friendly fun including pony rides, petting zoo, hay-wagon rides, food trucks, artisan vendors and games for children.

“It’s an incredibly exciting time for SRC. We have a schedule of equine events including clinics from international riders and a horse show calendar that continues to develop and grow in popularity,” said Santos. “We have big plans for the years ahead and we look forward to welcoming many more riders and competitors to our amazing facility over the next 75 years.”

In addition to community and equine events, SRC is proud to house a number of non-for-profit equestrian organizations, including the Vancouver Pony Club, the Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities, The East Van Community Horse Centre Society, the Vancouver Equine Rescue Society and PTSD programming. It established the SRC Rescue and Rehabilitation Program in October 2015, enabling the Club to make a meaningful difference in the lives of horses and ponies in need of a second chance.