by Mari Radtke
Before COVID, representatives of Sutherland’s Town and Country Saddle Club came to the Sutherland City Council asking for a rent reprieve and maybe some assistance with their insurance coverage. The club for horse riding competitors was in a difficult position. Memberships were falling, leading to other lagging revenue streams.
Tom Gonnerman of Sheldon has led the organization for as long as today’s young adults can remember. On that night he did get the “Saddle Club” a lifeline and some good ideas. Horse drawn carriage rides at the various community events throughout O’Brien County were a draw and a good source of needed funds. But Anderson Arena, where the Saddle Club holds their events, showed its age.
He met with Jessica Wimmer of Sutherland in 2022. “I was always at the Saddle Club. I grew up there. It is very sentimental to me,” Wimmer said of the facility and the contests it hosts. Even though she now competes out of state she said, “I still want to see it succeed.” She took on the challenge to get Anderson Arena back into showmanship shape and give the Town and Country Saddle Club a renewed sense of pride and accomplishment. She went on to say that she started the fund-raising project because, “I want more events in town, more organizations to come in and host events [at the arena]. A few wouldn’t come. They didn’t like the condition of the arena.”

Two early steps began polishing the old arena gem on Sutherland’s east side along M12 (Vine Avenue) in 2023. First, billboard-like signs displayed at the arena were sold. Second, food donations to supply the concession stand were solicited. Any business or organization can purchase a sign that is displayed at the arena all season for $175 per year. Each sign is produced by local sign-maker, Jared Schuknecht. Donated food to supply the concession stand, helping the concession stand be profitable comes from Sheldon chain stores Hy-Vee and Fareway, according to Wimmer. The no- to lower-cost food makes all the difference.
With a little money to work the group prioritized how to begin the improvements. First a company with specialized equipment, a sand sieve, was hired to sift the arena floor and level it. All rocks larger the a quarter inch have been removed, collected and laid on the drive, improving the entrance. This effort makes a much safer experience for horse and rider.
The old lights were not in good shape. That was next. Repairing the electric wiring and installing new arena lights was next on the list. That project was a great fit for the Northwest Iowa Community College wiring and powerline students. New, bigger, brighter stadium lights are now in place.
Fund-raising effort in 2023 are covering this years improvements. New fencing and posts are being installed. The rotted wooden posts were removed and new steel posts were put in place on Saturday April 20. The old high-tinsel wire fencing is replaced with welded pipe fencing sections that are staged at the arena. Volunteers are putting them up as time and weather permit. Frederick’s Welding of Marcus, Iowa built the fence sections. Gary Lange of Sutherland volunteers his time to work the arena. His time and effort is free every time.
There are also new picnic tables that can be folded and stored away to protect them from the weather, and bleachers for public seating. Other projects planned are improvements to the concession stand, announcer’s stand, and restrooms.
The 2022 first year raised $5100 for improvements made in 2023. Last year’s effort brought $6800 for the current year’s improvements.
And people are noticing. The Saddle Club has gained already in 2024 and the season doesn’t officially begin until Memorial Day. Memberships have increased. More shows are scheduled. There are more and better awards. “Good things people want to see,” said Wimmer. Outside organizations are coming. Elite Edge productions for Tuesday night barrel racing on July 16.
Anderson Arena is open to the public to use for their horse riding pleasure. Users are asked to clean up after themselves and recognize there is no liability.
Town and Country Saddle Club board members are Tom Gonnerman, President of Sheldon; Cloyd Goosen, Vice President of Paullina; Jana Rounds, Treasurer of Primghar; and Betty Gonnerman is Secretary, also of Sheldon. Any board member can answer your questions about Town and Country Saddle Club. Or if you are interested in donating or volunteering you can contact Jessica Wimmer at jessicamwimmer@gmail.com or call 712-261-2658.
The public is always welcome to come join the excitement of horse competitions. Admission is always free.
Scheduled Events:
Monday May 27 MEMORIAL DAY
Saturday June 8 and 22
Saturday July 6 and 27
Saturday August 10 and 24
Monday September 2 LABOR DAY (follow ing Sutherland’s Labor Day Parade)
Saturday September 21 and 28
Saturday October 12 Season Finale