San Martin Horsemen's Association is a family oriented horse club dedicated to the enjoyment of horses and the promotion of horsemanship. It is one of the largest horse clubs in California, with members of all ages and interests. 

The San Martin Horseman's Association (SMHA) was formed over 39 years ago, in 1968, to promote horses and horsemanship. Over the years, this all volunteer organization has grown to be one of the largest horseman's clubs in California. 

SMHA promotes horses and horsemanship through horse related activities. There are pleasure rides, of course. There are also horse shows, parades, NATRC competitive trail rides, quadrille, events, gymkhanas and playdays, horse and rider clinics, horse camping trips and just about any activity that means fun with horses. 

We also socialize. We have general meetings on the second Friday of each month. These feature programs of interest to the members, such as how to care for and handle horses, safety and first aid, and packing for trail rides. We also have barbecues, ice cream socials and the installation dinner dance at the end of the year. SMHA also strives to be a good member of the community by working with state and local parks to keep trails open and maintained, sponsoring charity rides and holding a yearly canned food drive. 

SMHA is an all volunteer organization. Each year, the membership elects an executive board to help coordinate the activities. The activities are organized by committees, such as Pleasure Rides, Horse Shows, etc. The board meets each month to prepare for the next months activities. These are published in the monthly newsletter, "The Eventer", which describes upcoming activities and includes a calendar of events for the year. SMHA is open to all who enjoy horses, whether you own one or not. Come and enjoy the meetings and trail rides. Come to the activities, to participate or just to watch. We look forward to seeing you! . 

Why Join SMHA?

Do you like horses? Do you and your horse need some new things to do and places to go? Do you like getting to know other people who like horses, too? Then perhaps you should check out San Martin Horsemen's Association.  SMHA has been serving the community and horsemen for over 30 years. You have probably seen them in the 4th of July Parade in Morgan Hill, or perhaps at the Grand Nationals at the Cow Palace. Maybe you saw the fantastic 12 Man Ride the Quadrille unit put on for San Martin School's 100th Anniversary.  Or maybe you've followed a horse trailer that says, "Please don't ride my tail."  Where ever they go, they sure grab your attention.  But there is a lot more going on behind the scenes, with many activities for youths and adults of all riding styles and disciplines.  You don't even need to have a horse! 

San Martin Horsemen's Association has been here to enlighten its members and the community about horse and rider safety, environmental issues, veterinary tips. It has also been there to support County and State Park & Recreation trail maintenance and actively support the 4-H and most equine activities in the area. 

On the second Friday of each month, the Association has its General Meeting in the Grange Hall at 40E. 4th Street, Morgan Hill at 7:00 PM.  There is always a program of interest to the horse minded, and always great food and deserts to share.  They also have monthly pleasure rides at different locations like Dinosaur Point, Mt. Madonna, Henry Coe State Park and Salinas River Beach.  There are ice cream social pleasure rides, and the Halloween Poker ride where horse and rider can come in costume and win prizes for their imagination and ingenuity.  There are camping trips at Point Reyse and Jack Brooks.   San Martin Horsemen's has also been putting on the grandaddy of all the NATRC Rides at Gilroy Hot Springs each May for the last 29 years. 

The Association has at least one CSHA sanctioned horse show each year, and team penning, roping and cutting clinics as often as possible.  There are Gymkhanas (games on horseback) every month from March through October.  These are great schooling opportunities for kids and adults alike. 

There is a Parade unit that participates in several parades, including the Salinas Rodeo, every year, and the Quadrille (horse "drill teams" - precision movements by four or more horses and riders, set to music) unit that competes and performs at many events in the area.  There is really something for everyone and their horse. 

How To Become a Member

It's easy to become a member of SMHA.  Just fill out a Membership form, sign  a Release of Liability and send in your money. ( download pdf of Membership and Release of Liability.)

If you don't have Adobe Arcobat to read pdf files follow this link: free Adobe Acrobat

OR

Download EXCEL version of the membership form and fill it out on your computer, sign the Release of Liability and send in your money. ( download EXCEL membership form and Release of Liability.)

Membership fees are: $35  Family
                                  $25  Single (adult individual)
                                  $10 Junior (individual under 18 years of age)

Mail to:  San Martin Horsemen's Association
PO Box 275
San Martin, CA 95046

**You must sign a Release of Liability before you can take part in any club activities!!**