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Millarville Musical Ride in need of new members

Group has events booked in upcoming months without enough riders to co-ordinate a proper performance.
SA - Longview Parade Millarville Musical Ride
The Millarville Musical Ride needs more members to fulfill upcoming commitments.

The busy season is nearing for the Millarville Musical Ride, but the organizer said the group is in need of more members to bring her vision to life. 

Donna Buckland has been the organizer of the ride for more than 20 years, joining after watching her daughter and niece ride with the group in a competition at the Calgary Stampede. 

"They came in second, a team from the states came in first and the Calgary Stampede Showriders came in third. So that’s where it all started," she recalled. 

"After that is when I got involved." 

But, the group risks having to cancel its spring and summer parade and event commitments if it can't get more people. 

Buckland said they currently have five people committed to the cause and a minimum of eight is needed to complete the ride. However, she'd really love to have 14, so she could co-ordinate with 12 riders and have a few spares for sickness and the like. 

"We’ve already got four or five bookings so I want to make sure that I don’t have to call them and say, 'Sorry, but this is the way it goes,'" she added. 

The group is open to riders of all ages and skill levels, after moving away from the youth model around 2006. 

"We've had everyone from beginners to very seasoned riders," said Buckland, adding that the minimum requirement is for a rider to have control of their horse. 

Members need to commit to weekly practises and events throughout the coming months and are responsible for transporting their horse to and from locations. The group has made matching uniforms and had the help of a home economics teacher to design and make their chaps and saddle covers. 

The ride used to practise out of the Millarville Ag Grounds, but after policy changes was unable to do so. Buckland credits Hillside Acres barn manager Susanne John for allowing them to practise at her facility. 

"Hillside was very generous and very accommodating, they’re wonderful to us there," said Buckland. "I’m so happy we’re there." 

The organizer said her favourite part of being involved with the musical ride is seeing the members improve. 

"They become better riders and they don’t even know it because it’s not just following the horse in front of you – sometimes you’re the lead, sometimes you’re not, sometimes you’re in the middle or on the side," she said. 

"When you see them succeed and they’re very happy, it makes me happy. That’s why I do it – plus to make good friends." 

She added that the group feels more like a family than a club or organization. 

"It’s a great group, we all help each other and I’ve met some wonderful people through doing this and have great friendships to this day," Buckland said. 

Individuals interested in becoming a rider in the Millarville Musical Ride are encouraged to contact Buckland as soon as possible, given it takes time to co-ordinate the group. She can be reached by phone at 403-710-9167. 

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