Special Events
Our goal for the River Valley Lodge and Campground is to provide a quality camping experience for you and your horse. For some, that means peace and quiet. For others, that includes organized events and the potential for a large gathering of horsemen, horsewomen, and horses.
This Special Events page will highlight an organized event open to anyone who would care to participate.
We hope to provide opportunities for everyone to enjoy, either quiet or a busy day of activities. You make the choice.
We want Happy Campers and Happy Horses!
Coming
in 2010: 20 additional covered stalls, 10 additional electric camping
spaces, and a dump station!
Please continue to check this site for future scheduled events, clinics, and organized trail rides as we expect to have additional unique events in the future. On the other hand, we will definitely still offer quiet weekends for your relaxation. Listed below you will find a summary of the currently scheduled events and the details of each event will be added as they become available. You can start making your reservations for the events after February 16th, 2010.
Please Visit with us at the Following:
March 5th - 7th at the Illinois Horse Fair in Springfield, IL.
March 12th - 14th at the Nebraska Horse Fair in Lincoln, NB.
April 9th - 11th at the Iowa Horse Fair in Des Moines, IA.
April 17th - Girl Scout Horse Week at the Arena
Call Stacy Parrish at 319.561.0217 for details.
April 24th - The Ranch Horse Show Series Starts
Yes, April 24th is the first of the Ranch Horse Show Series. These events will be held the 4th weekend of each month starting in April and continuing through October. The exact details will come later but we can tell you now that each Ranch Horse Show will have arena events including cattle events as well as River Valley Extreme Trail Ride competition. And yes, there will be a dance at each and every Ranch Horse Show!
May 14th - 16th - Saddle Up for St. Jude
Details will come later but last year it was a fun time for a great cause and we expect it to be bigger and better this year.
June 4th - 6th - Cowboy Fun Colt Starting Challenge
This is always a huge event and looked forward to by many. With a $2,000 first prize this year it will no doubt be bigger than ever. All the details will come later, but all interested trainers should call Gary Wessels at 309.368.6948.
June 11th - 13th - Pony Express Ride
This will be the first year for this event but it looks like it will be a BIG one! Although the final details are not available, we can look forward to a Horse & Mule Fun Show, a Trail ride/ poker run, a hog roast, a Saturday night dance, and more.
It should also be noted that this weekend is also the Annual Strawberry Festival in Farmington which includes something for everyone.
June 19th - 20th - The Kristi Clinic
Kristi Smith is a Licensed 3 Star Parelli Professional. This event was very educational to attend last year and we certainly expect it to be the same or better this year. Stay tuned for details or give Kristi a call at 319.430.2149.
September Area Rodeo & Festival
Although neither of these events are held at River Valley it would be a great place to set up camp as both the Rodeo and Festival are in the immediate area.
First is the well known Tri-State Rodeo at Fort Madison which is September 8th through the 11th. The following weekend (September 17th - 19th) is the ever popular Mule Festival in Kahoka, MO.
Both of these event are approximately 20 miles from River Valley so it would be a great place to camp.
Oct. 1st - 3rd - Bentler Family Memorial Fall Ride
Okay, this is the "biggie" and the one that everyone waits for.
Although this event is always a huge success, this year it will even be bigger. Why, you ask? Well, the band this year is no less than Clint Clymer & the Outlaw Gypsies from Colorado.
Don’t let the cowboy hat fool you. This is definitely not a 2-steppin’ line dance band. Clint Clymer and the Outlaw Gypsies serve up their Funky-Tonk mix of Rock, Country, Rhythm and Blues with sincerity, style and energy. Front man Clint Clymer leads this 4-piece power house with his distinctive, soulful vocals and is backed by the stellar playing and harmony vocals of Lead Guitarist Joe O’Bryan, Bass Man Tim Hempstead and Percussionist Ikaika Pekelo.
As you all know, this is a "must be there" event so mark your calenders now.
Longhorn Cattle Available all Summer Long
Just a quick note to let you know that Longhorn cattle for team roping and sorting practice are available. Call Carolyn at 319.878.3888 for details.
Wagon Rides Available all Summer Long
Horse drawn wagon rides in the unique wagon shown below are available. Call Jim at 319.750.2990 to schedule a ride for your group to a local restaurant or other local destination of your choice.
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