Riders remember

4-H Club pools resources for memorial to ardent supporter at fairgrounds’ horse arena

By Amie Johansen | amie@charlescitypress.com

Dean Riden was a major advocate of FFA and Floyd County 4H. He regularly donated a saddle, lead ropes, brushes and his time for the benefit of young 4H-ers. After his passing last Christmas, the 4H Riders club along with the Double C Saddle Club decided to work together to create a memorial in his honor, 4H Riders President Lee Hoeft said.

According to Hoeft, the groups pooled their resources and called Pat Doyle to do a carving of a saddle inscribed with Riden’s name. The saddle carving is placed outside of the announcer’s box located next to the horse arena. A brief ceremony between events dedicated the saddle in Riden’s honor.

Sarah Riden, Dean Riden’s widow, thanked Hoeft and made her own donation on her husband’s behalf — Pal. Pal is a fiberglass, full-sized quarter horse.

“Pal was bought several years ago down at Waverly,” Sarah Riden said. “He’s become the mascot for trying on saddles, bridles…children sat on him.”

Pal was a familiar sight at The Halter Shop — the Ridens’ business in Charles City. He  even did some modeling in front of a cart in the Floyd County Museum. Now, he will be displayed along with a plaque supporting Riden’s dedication to 4H in the horse announcer’s box at the Floyd County Fairgrounds.

“This horse was made to be shared with the 4H,” Sarah Riden said.

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