At first glance, you might not expect a school superintendent and a student to have much in common outside the classroom. But at the Island Riders Saddle Club (IRSC), horses have a way of bringing people together.
In 2025, Island Riders President and Kasson-Mantorville Superintendent Beth Giese helped lead the club she grew up in, hoping to carry on the shared love of horses she once had with her late father. As the reins are passed this year, to Stacy Boysen that legacy continues. Now a new member and K-M student Cora Holtz has been named the Island Riders Saddle Club’s Senior Royalty for 2026, proudly representing the same organization Beth has been a member of her entire life.
The Island Riders Saddle Club serves riders across Olmsted, Goodhue, and Dodge counties, welcoming anyone who shares a passion for horses and horsemanship. That welcoming spirit is exactly what made this special connection possible.
During the 2026 season, Cora will compete with her gelding, Rex, focusing on Ranch Riding. She’s excited to step into the arena and is looking forward to a year filled with growth, fun, and safe competition. Her dedication to showing and her commitment to representing IRSC make her a natural choice for Senior Royalty.
Beth Giese’s horse story stretches back decades. She has been riding since she was just two years old and now owns Tennessee Walkers and Missouri Fox Trotters. Today, she and her husband spend their summers doing what they love most; traveling the country to ride horses, camp, and explore new trails.
Beth and Cora first met last year when Cora invited the new superintendent to attend her 4-H and FFA competitions. Their shared love of horses sparked a neat "horse" bond, reminding everyone involved that the saddle club is about more than competition—it’s about community, mentorship, and shared passion.
If you are interested in joining the Island Riders Saddle Club, located just outside of Pine Island, please contact them at pisaddleclub@gmail.com. We are accepting new families and members for the 2026 show and trail riding season.
