The Bit and Spur Saddle Club is trying to raise money to restore its historic clubhouse.

Board member Ellen Ness says, "The club started out in 1925 as a polo club and developed over the years into what we have now which is shows."

More than ten years later, the clubhouse was built on the land west of Eau Claire, near Elk Lake.

Ellen Ness says, "The clubhouse is a full log structure that over the years is in need of repair."

And while club board members are looking to modernize and add handicap accessibility, it's not looking to get rid of the dance floor.

Ellen Ness says, "The floor is hardwood floor with Uniroyal tires underneath to make it a good dance floor. It has a little bit of spring to it."

Board member Melissa Werner says, "I'd love to see dinner dances go on here again, and celebrate the horse."

Member Ellen Ness says the board is trying to get the club back to what it once was.

Ellen Ness says, "This club was the club to show at in a 3 state area."

And Ness says it even had a few celebrities stop in and show horses.

Ellen Ness says, "We've had a history of famous people coming here.

Dr. Charlie Mayo and his wife and daughter came here and showed. That was just one of many."

One rider has rode horses at bit and spur for the last 12 years.
She says the club helps keep kids out of trouble.

Rider Heidi Krenz says, "They learn responsibility from the horses. They learn how to be winners. They learn how to be losers. Hard work pays off."

Members say the clubhouse is a wonderful place to come.

Melissa Werner says, "The history of the clubhouse is just unreal. The more I look into it and read about it, it's just something we need to grow."

Board members say they need to raise $90-thousand to complete the club's remodeling.

They say their goal is to have the additions done by winter.