Keystone Saddle Club was founded in the mid to late 1950s, though we cannot come up with an exact date. Some of the original founders were, Neil Roth, Toss Miller, Bill Greer, Darryl Pancher, Bill Heddleson, Paul Ditcher, Bud Poole, John Aldergate, Jr Williams, Jim Singer, Flip Lamb, and Bill Baker. The club was formed by a few families that wanted to gather together to enjoy their common interest in horses, trail riding, square dancing and eventually putting on horse shows.

Their meetings were held at Thornwood Park Shelter in Dennison. The first property used for a show grounds was along the river between Uhrichsville and Tusky. They were allowed to use this property that belonged to Delmer Bear. The group also gathered for evening trail rides to Camp Tippecannoe among other places. They would arrive at their camp and the women would set up a buffet style dinner. After dinner they would do square dancing which was taken very seriously. The women made beautiful dresses with layers of crenlens and the men wore shirts that matched the dresses. Music for the square dancing was provided by a group called the Star Promanaders. After the dance the riders would spend the night at camp and ride home the following day.

The next property used by the club was purchased in 1966 and was located on Deersville Avenue in Uhrichsville. The club was never able to use this property because it was so wet. After 4 years, the state bought this property to widen SR. 800 so the club got their money back which allowed them to purchase the property used today. The property at Newport was purchased for $2,500 from Paul Mishler.

The arena we use today was set up to be used for cattle roping and cattle chutes were set up at the far end. This is why the arena is as big as it is today. After a few years, members lost interest in cattle roping and Keystone joined the Muskingum Horse Association and began putting on pleasure and contest shows. The current eat stand and announcer’s booth were constructed in 1971.