The Wet Mountain Saddle Club has elected a new man at the helm.

Longtime Valley resident and Custer County High School Ag teacher Tom Flower took office as president of the club in January.

He has been on the board for a number of years and was president in the 1990s.

Flower said he decided to step up to the plate once again and take on the responsibility.

His number one goal as Saddle Club president is to change the group’s overall direction.

Flower noted that for a number of years the club has been known as the ‘rodeo club’ because each July it sponsors the Westcliffe Stampede and not much else throughout the year.

“While the rodeo will still be our number one event, I want the club to be known for overall equestrian/horse-related activities,” said Flower

To that end, Flower said he and others are looking into the Saddle Club  hosting a number of cookouts and trail rides, among other activities.

Also high on Flower’s priority list is to increase membership. “You don’t have to own a horse to be a Saddle Club member,” said Flower. “You just have to like and promote the Western lifestyle.”

Annual dues are $35 for an individual, $50 for a family and $500 for lifetime family membership.

There are also numerous membership perks such as free admission to  the Stampede rodeo, free use of the arena and a discount on renting the Saddle Club building.

Flower and his wife, Cindi, moved to the Valley in 1986.

In addition to teaching ag classes at the high school, Flower is the FFA sponsor. His wife is a paramedic.

Rounding out the Saddle Club board are Scott Camper, George Adams, George Koons, Peggy Case, Dorothy Nepa, Allan Milberger, Treasure Merchant, Sam Stoltzfus, and ex-officio Jasmin Zein.

– Nora Drenner