That a riding club is much more than riding lessons becomes clear during a conversation with the Riding Association’s chairperson Greta Lilliehöök-Hägg and Kusen’s chairperson Tindra Sahlström.
– Above all, it’s a community with others who have the same interest and, of course, a chance to be around horses, says Greta. We want the stable to be a hangout after school where you take care of the horses and chill in the cafeteria. We have a hired recreation leader who helps with homework and other things needed before the day’s riding lessons begin.
Tindra explains that Kusen makes sure to organize activities for its members several times a month. They have movie nights, organize agility for horses, and have their own version of Fort Boyard. A few weeks ago, they celebrated Halloween with tacos, a ghost walk, and a sleepover.
The most popular activity of the year is Halloween with tacos, a ghost walk, and a sleepover.
– There were so many who wanted to come that we had to have a registration stop for it to be feasible, says Tindra. It was a fun evening for those who were there and nice to see the sense of community.
Some time ago Kusen’s board conducted a survey and received a lot of responses. Some responses indicated that harsh words are used in the stable and that there are members who feel excluded.
– I would like to claim that our most important task is to create a good atmosphere and continue working on the safety efforts we have started. We really want to tackle things happening behind the scenes and actively work against bullying and harassment. NO ONE should feel left out or receive derogatory comments, says Tindra emphatically.
Their work has paid off, and for the third year in a row, Kusen has been named “Youth Section of the Year” by the Södermanland Equestrian Federation.
– It’s obviously great fun, and they truly deserve the award, says Greta. I am impressed by their creativity and sense of responsibility. All the work they put in now will be beneficial to them later in life. Those who have been involved with horses at a young age often take on leadership roles in the workplace as adults.
Tindra has been riding since she was little and has been a member of Kusen ever since. For the past five years, she has been on the board. Now she is 18 years old and has been the chairperson for a year. She feels that the position can be combined with studies and having her own horse.
– Sure, it is a lot of work, but we are nine people on the board who help each other. Then we have a group of younger members we call Trollsvansarna, and they are already learning about board work so they can take over when we step down.
Running a riding association is costly. The horses need stabling, feed, and daily care. Besides employed stable staff, many young people work extra in the evenings and on weekends. At times the association has struggled with financial difficulties.
Tindra Sahlström, Chairperson of Kusen
– Sponsors are important to us because the funds they provide can help us keep registration fees for our activities low or, in some cases, have no registration fees at all. This way, activities become accessible to everyone regardless of economic situation, explains Tindra.
– Our sponsors also make it possible for us to keep the facilities in good condition. Sponsor funds go towards new flooring, repainting, or buying jumps. We also have various collaborations. Before the pandemic, for example, we started an integration project that we had to pause, but we hope to resume soon.
The riding association is based at the Trolldal riding school, located south of town. Since public transport to Trolldal is poor, adults who drive are almost a necessity. But that doesn’t stop many from wanting to go there. Currently, there’s a queue to become a member of the club, and pony riding trials on weekends are immensely popular.
Do you want to know more about KRF? Check out katrineholmsrf.se.