About Us

Did you know that the first FMSC shows were held at Ivanhoe Park in Fort Madison on the BASEBALL diamond? Meeting minutes and show bills dating back to even before 1951 paint the picture of these unique beginnings. After gaining success and rapid growth in numbers the club moved to a corner of the big Tri-State Rodeo Arena where they hosted many large shows, amateur rodeos and even trail rides. These shows were two day, two performance where thousands of people came to see not only the typical horse show classes but specialty classes as well; open fine harness, roadster pony, three and five gaited pleasure and parade horse classes. 

After some time passed these shows were moved to the equestrian property owned by Junior and Martha Boeddeker where the shows continued in popularity. Wanting to see the club have a long-term "place to call home", club member Don Sunden approached the Fort Madison Parks Board about granting them a prime-spot next to the Tri-State Rodeo Ground. With ties to the western sport of rodeo and our shared western heritage the city of Fort Madison saw the potential to breathe even more life into the Rodeo Park and approved the lease of the property. The National Guard was called in and massive amounts of dirt was moved to accommodate the space, which happened to be on top of the old city landfill. 

Through the passion and dedication of the board members at the time the FMSC finally had their place to call home. These individuals included; James Richart, Gregory Denning, Marilyn Harris, Junior Boeddeker, Ronald Hardin, James Martin, Robert Denning, James King, Roby Hilbert and Dossie Stinnett. 

Now in 2024, we are celebrating 50 years of incorporation and close to 75 years of operation! The FMSC is going as strong as ever on our 'home-ground'and we carry the same spirit as our founders; forging valued relationships in our community while celebrating and preserving our western heritage for generations to come!