Houston area riders/reriders (Willow Glen)

[SmokeyCB]

I usually don't post on here, but I've enjoyed reading the different threads for a few years now. I am a re rider.

The reason I'm posting now is to let anyone who used to ride with the late Diane Groves and/or at Willow Glen Equestrian Center know that there is a new Facebook group called Willow Glen Equestrian Center Alumni that you may want to join.

I was one of Diane's first students around the Houston area (I believe) in 1978 and was one of the first boarders when Willow Glen opened in 1980. She was a wonderful instructor for me and I am very sad that she is no longer with us.

A friend that I used to ride with there started the Facebook group recently. A few of us who were there at the beginning are starting to reconnect and I'm sure there are others who have wonderful stories and memories and pictures they would like to share.

[SmokeyCB]

bump

[Luv2Show]

Thats awesome. I will go join right away. I miss Diane and the WGEC days and shows.

Didnt Lyle Lovette buy that place? I know he lives down the street and heard he bought it to keep them from putting apartments close to his house. I had hoped someday it would again be run by a horse person and give many more great memories to hunter people.

[SmokeyCB]

Thanks for joining the group!

I don't know if Lyle Lovett bought it or not. That wouldn't surprise me though. I know when I rode there, Lyle's uncle(?) Calvin lived down the road and was friends with Diane and Olen.

The facility is still standing, I've heard. I have not been by there in a while
('03 was the last time I went by there, when Olen was still alive).

It would be really nice if someone used it as a boarding/training/showing facility. It's such a nice place.

[Luv2Show]

I agree. It is only 5 miles from my house and I drive by often. It is still standing - just not being used. :)

[Blinky]

The place is becoming a shambles which is a real shame.

[Luv2Show]

that makes me sad :cry: maybe though...GSWEC got pretty bad before it was 'saved'. perhaps there is a chance? it would be so nice to see that lovely facility going again.

omg...LOL. flashback memory. the ONE time i fell off during a show was at WG! it is too funny. in a darn hack class! my horse tripped at the trot in the indoor and went to his knees hard. i landed on my face and stomach next to him in the dirt. i was directly in front of the judge! i stood up, looked at the judge, curtsied and said "I promise to keep my horse from praying during the next class". Judge died laughing. It was awesome!

[SmokeyCB]

Wow, that's good that you kept your sense of humor after falling off during a show! Also good that you and your horse were ok!

Willow Glen started having shows some time after I quit riding. I do remember going there and watching one with some friends I used to ride with there. It must have been around 1988.

[SmokeyCB]

Bumping this up again.

More people have joined and posted pictures and comments from their time at Willow Glen. :)

If you ever had anything to do with Willow Glen Equestian Center in the Houston area, check it out the Facebook Group "Willow Glen Equestrian Center Alumni"!

[ProzacPuppy]

My daughter rode with Diane up until her death and I have to say that she was one of the best trainers in the world not only for her knowledge and ability but for her attitude about it all. She wanted the riders to enjoy the experience and for the horses to enjoy it as well. We miss her everyday and I know my horse misses the apple treats she gave him during lessons while she sat in the little review stand.

[Christine238]

I was one of the early boarders at Willow Glen too! Right around 1979 or so. What a great facility. We were there for a good while but then had to move as boarding fees went above our family's budget. Diane and Olen built that place from the ground up. They were both lovely people. I found out just a few years ago from my mom, that she had loaned my mother money to buy a horse for me as my dad would only pay so much. Mom paid her back every week by taking a little bit out of the "grocery money". When I found this out, Diane had already passed away. Wished I could have went back as an adult and thanked her. That horse was very special to me!

I also fondly remember going to horseshows at Willow Glen as a kid. I rode in the jumper classes.

Is this facility still empty? What a shame if it is. Such a nice place.

Christine