Welcome to the Gymkhana Horse Club and show grounds!
The Gymkhana Horse Club is located in western Hamilton County, near Cincinnati, Ohio. We are conveniently located close to the Hamilton-Cleves exit off west I-74 / I-275. Our 10.5 acre facility is located near downtown Miamitown, Ohio, across the Great Miami River bridge, on Harrison Pike.
Our outdoor arena is one of the best in the area for competition riding. The 150'x300' arena has a tubular steel enclosure, this provides a safe and sturdy rail. An arena watering system has been incorporated into this rail system for dust control. The riding surface is the perfect, and natural, combination of sand and soil. This makes the footing ideal for competition riding. We also have available, an arena public address system and electronic timing system. In addition, an updated lighting system was installed in 2010.
Our facilities include a kitchen, serving hot food and cold drinks, inside and outside rest rooms, and arena seating. A large parking area is bordered by tall trees, providing shade during summer months.
How it all began...
About 1940, several horse enthusiasts, who lived near the Westwood area of
western Cincinnati, got together Sunday mornings to go trail riding. They rode
English style, and eventually formed a loose knit club, that met at the West
Fork Riding Center. This was near the corner of Montana Ave. and West
Fork Road. They rode in the nearby parks of Mount Airy Forest and
McFarlan Woods. These founders of the Gymkhana Horse Club included: Andy Young, Jack Jacobs, Lee Wallhouse, Charlie Hooper and Les Berkel.
As more local riders began joining these early members on their weekly trail
rides, they decided to organize into a formal club. The Gymkhana Horse
Association was officially chartered in May, 1959. The club would hold shows in the fields behind King Bee Leasing, located at the corner of Springdale Road and Colerain Ave. This 100 acre property was eventually sold and is now the site of Northgate Mall. Then in the late 1960's, most of the grounds of the West Fork Riding Stables were purchased by the State of Ohio, for construction on Interstate 74.
The horse club members decided to find a permanent location for the club.
After investigating several properties, they decided to purchase the clubs
current location. The club is located in the southwest corner of Colerain
Township, across the river from downtown Miamitown Ohio. In January
1970, the current 10 acre facility, became the permanent home of the
Gymkhana Horse Club.
Mission Statements:
• Promoting a friendly, social environment
• Encouraging education and investigation in matters pertaining to the study of horses
• Providing a meeting place for its members
• Seeking cooperation between local and state park boards in securing the improvement of the parks and their trails and the development of the parks as it relates to horses
• Promoting good sportsmanship along with good horsemanship
Horse shows, rodeos, mounted shooting, fundraising events and more!
