The Gerald Bridle and Saddle Club has begun its new season and has lots of new activities on their agenda. 

Saturday, March 19, was the first offering of equine massage at the club’s arena in City Park. 

Jayme Dintelman owner of JME Equine Services of Rosebud was on hand to provide the therapeutic massage. 

Dintelman studied with the Northeast Indiana Equine Sports Massage & Rehab facility in Decatur, Ind. The course touches on equine anatomy and physiology, massage and stroke sequences, signs and symptoms of muscle and joint soreness as well as behavioral issues related to them, basics of saddle fitting, rehabilitation therapies and evaluation of a horse. Dintelman has been doing this work for about a year. 

Each massage takes around 35 to 45 minutes to complete. The techniques used are similar to human massage, but designed for horses. 

Dintelman says massage can help injured muscles and joints but can also prevent such injuries. 

This clinic is just one of many new things the saddle club will be exploring this year as well as maintaining other long-standing events. 

One of the long-standing events was held the following day when the group hosted its annual Coggins clinic.

The next event scheduled for Saturday, April 2, is a cornhole tournament. The club hopes to raise money to fund more repairs and upgrades at their arena. 

Sunday, April 10, will be Cowboy Church held at the arena at 10 a.m., another new event. 

Friday Night Barrel Races are planned for April 22 and May 13. 

Another new event will take place Friday, May 20, when the club plans to host a Family Fun Night at the arena. Club treasurer Trisha Kleekamp describes it as a big block party with some free food for all who attend. There will also be pony rides, games and other activities. All events are open to the public. 

The group’s main event is still their annual rodeo, this year to be held Friday, July 15 and Saturday, July 16. 

For more information about all these events, visit the club’s Facebook page, Gerald Saddle Club.