Most students, as they enter high school, have some kind of passion or interest outside of the classroom. For many it’s a sport, for others band, chorus, or theatre.  For some, however, the interest turns to four-legged equines. To the less savvy in this area, that would be horses.

When high school rolls around, the same little girl or boy who doodled ponies on notebook pages and watched Saddle Club religiously as a kid is more focused on doing than dreaming. The North Penn Knight Riders club gives them the opportunity to do just that, offering multiple rides each year, trips to the Pennsylvania Horse World Expo, participation in the annual Mardi Gras Parade, and its latest event, the Heavenly Horses planetarium show.

In its most recent outing, the Knight Riders trotted into the Planetarium for some pre-show refreshments followed by an engaging presentation on the equine constellations of the sky and the fascinating mythology surrounding them.  From Pegasus to Monocerus to Equuleus, the horse enthusiasts of North Penn saw them all.

But beyond fun club meetings like these, the Knight Riders can find opportunities to ride that wouldn’t normally be available to them. Club President Shannon Hamilton pointed out that although opportunities for aspiring equestrians, whose sport can often be expensive and inconvenient, are few and far between, the Knight Riders offer the privilege of riding to anyone who wants to join in.

“I like that we as club members get the opportunity to ride even though some of us may not have experience,” said Hamilton. “For me also, it was because lessons were too expensive for my family to afford, so it allowed me the opportunity to get involved in something that I’ve always wanted to do.”

For this reason, club events are geared toward all levels of equine experience. On many outings, members who have just mounted for the first or second time can glean valuable tips and tricks from those who have almost a decade of riding under their belts. Additionally, to allow all levels of equestrians a chance to ride at their own level, the Knight Riders have plans to split riders into two groups for an option of a faster or a slower paced ride on the next trip to Red Buffalo Ranch.

Updates like these are  a regular part of the Knight Riders’ agenda: the club is constantly working to grow and improve, revamping their planned excursions every year.

“Being President is fun,” said Hamilton. “I have help from the other officers, too. We all work as a team to think of new ideas or things we could do to improve the club.”

As a result of this dedication to a great all-around club experience, the Knight Riders have a full schedule for the upcoming months and are eagerly anticipating the rest of a fun and eventful year.

“As of right now we are looking forward to traveling up to Harrisburg to attend the Horse World Expo in the next couple of months, as well as the Red Buffalo Ride and the Fog Mountain Farm Trail Walk later towards the end of the year,” said Hamilton. “Overall the club is a great way for individuals who love horses to express their interest, have fun, meet new people and ride.”