Flatlanders Dressage & Combined Training Association, Inc.
Geauga Horse & Pony Association
Great Lakes Appaloosa Horse Club
Hoosier Quarter Pony Association
Knox County Horse Park
Lake Erie Mounted Vaqueros
Massillon Saddle Club
Miami Valley Horse Show Association
Michigan Trail Riders Association, Inc.
Mid-Eastern Farriers Association
Mid Ohio Dressage Association
Mid-Ohio Marauders
National Pole Bending Association
Northern Ohio Dressage Association
Northern Kentucky Horse Network
Northern Ohio Miniature Horse Club
Northern Ohio Outlaws
Ohio Appaloosa Association
O.H.I.O. EXCA
Ohio Foundation Quarter Horse Assoc.
Ohio Haflinger Association
Ohio High School Rodeo Association
Ohio Horseman’s Council
Ohio Gaited Horse Trailriders
Ohio Morgan Horse Association
Ohio Paint Horse Club
Ohio Quarter Horse Association
Ohio Ranch Horse Association
Ohio State Buckskin Association
Ohio Western Horse Association, Inc.
Ottawa County Horse Foundation
Ohio Valley Team Penning Association
Pinto Horse Association of Ohio
Premier Mount N Trail
Pure Gold Stables
Tri-County Trail Association
Tri-State Rodeo Association
Wayne County Saddle Club
Western Reserve Carriage Association
The Corral Staff
Editor Bobbie Coalter
Advertising Sales & General Manager Joe Coalter email joe@thehorsemenscorral.com
Club Sales & Circulation Manager
Art & Composition Director Michelle Ross email michelle@thehorsemenscorral.com
& PHOTOGRAPHERS
Features: Kelley Bitter, Rob & Tanya Corzatt, Robert Eversole Bryan Farcus, Lisa, Kiley, Terry Myers, Sarah Vas
Guest Writer: Nikki Alvin-Smith
THE HORSEMEN’S CORRAL is published monthly by Horsemen’s Corral, 8283 Richman Road, Lodi, Ohio 44254. (ISSN 0164-6591). Published as Periodicals at the Lodi Post Office USPS 889-180 with additional entry points of Cleveland, OH 44101 and New Philadelphia, OH 44663. Periodicals postage paid at Lodi, Ohio, and additional entry offices. Subscriptions may only be purchased through Horsemen’s Corral member clubs. Single copies, $3.00 at select distributors. For subscriptions, address changes, and adjustments, write to: Horsemen’s Corral, P.O. Box 32, Lodi, Ohio 44254. Manuscripts, drawings, and other material submitted must be accompanied by a stamped self-addressed envelope.
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MAILING ADDRESS & PHONE:
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OFFICE: 330/635-4145
Geauga Horse and Pony Association
2024 Show Season was a Huge Success
PRESIDENT, Lisa Formica
1st VICE PRESIDENT, Rachel Formica
2nd VICE PRESIDENT, Dustin Sutter
TREASURER, Shauna Gingrich
SECRETARY, Kelli Burns
WEBSITE, www.ghpa.us
by Hannah Muellner
Well that was a fast show season! Thank you to everyone who participated in our shows. We
had our last open and contesting shows in August and they were a huge success!
The Geauga County Fair was Labor day weekend. Many of our youth members from Tails and Trails and Saddles and Spurs participate in the fair each year, Ohio’s oldest. It takes much work and effort from our many volunteers in order to get ready for the fair. Thank you to the Geauga County fairboard and the GHPA board of directors!
The food booth is one of the
biggest fundraisers for GHPA. Brad and Dale have done an amazing job running the booth for many years. Some of the many things they do for us are keeping inventory up, ordering ingredients, and cooking the food. They even teach everyone how to run the booth when it comes time for the fair. We’re so incredibly grateful for them! We recently approved a new freezer purchase as an improvement for the food booth. Third generation member, Dustin Sutter, keeps our arena
The Last Ride
“So when we do make that last ride that is inevitable for us all to make, to that place up there, where the grass is green and lush and stirrup high, and the water runs cool, clear, and deep—You’ll tell us as we ride in that our entry fees have been paid. These things we ask.—Amen.”
~Excerpt from ‘A Rodeo Cowboy’s Prayer’ by Clem McSpadden
in perfect condition throughout the year and during the fair. We’re always looking for new volunteers for our committees! If you’d like to help out, watch our Facebook page and website for meeting reminders. Some of our committees are scholarship, banquet, grounds, education, and youth groups. There’s always a way you can help out!
Thank you to Big Dee’s and Schneider’s for their continued generosity throughout the show season!
CAROL MORRISON
Carol Morrison (b. Mary Carol Cook, Lakewood Ohio) crossed the veil to the other side on July 23. Surviving are her beloved husband Jeffrey and cherished daughter Patricia; siblings Sue Bradley (dec.), Kathy Cashbaugh (dec.), Connie Bockwich, Les (Lisa) Cook, Tom (Cynthia) Cook, her favorite, good ol’ Bob Cook, plus grand-dogs Ankle and Thumper.
Carol spent her most recent 24 years in Ashland. She served 10 years as a director of the Ashland Paint and Plain Saddle Club, and well over 15 years volunteering with 4-H and on the 4-H Horse Committee. Every 4-Her touched her in so many ways, and each gave back in love more than she could possibly have given them. Longtime Ashland 4-H family, Phoebe and John Spidel, welcomed Carol into their family upon her arrival in Ashland, a kindness that means more than we can ever say. Carol was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Wayne County and resident of Blossom Lane, which she considered her bonus families.
Visitation and a memorial service was held at Heyl Funeral Home in Ashland on Aug. 10. In lieu of flowers, Carol requests a donation to your favorite charity (no MAGA).
Email submissions for The Last Ride to: michelle@thehorsemenscorral.com
Ride In Sync
Non-horse people think that riding a horse means you put your butt in the saddle then kick to go and pull to whoa. But they don’t know how to ride. Just like I think golfing is just whacking a ball with a club, but people who golf know that there is much more to the sport. Proper riding is a detailed athletic sport made more complicated by the fact that we have to partner with a 1,200 plus pound team mate.
Proper rider body position starts with an athletic stance that is common to many types of sports. An athletic stance is one that is feet apart, knees bent, toes turned out, with equal weight in each foot. The upper body is positioned over the hips, with the shoulders square, neither leaning forward or backward. Think of your hips as a bucket of water, if you roll hips forward you will spill out the water. Your head should be looking forward, not looking down or cocked left or right. If you do this, you can feel
The Athletics of Riding
by Terry Myers
how balanced you are. This is the same stance used in many sports, including basketball or volleyball. In basketball, you are ready to move left or right to guard the basket. In volleyball, you are prepared to quickly move left or right, to go after the ball.
An athletic stance is nothing but a balanced stance and can be mimicked when in the saddle, giving you balance when riding. If you are not balanced in the saddle, your horse cannot be balanced. To prove a point, next time you ride, put your horse in a nice trot and feel your horses rhythm. Then count the feet as they hit the ground. You should have a fairly even count. Then lean forward and tilt your head to the inside. You will see your count change and the rhythm of the stride change.
When I was young, way back in the ‘olden’ days, we were taught to ride with toes forward, which causes you to pinch in the knees and hollow out your back.
Any time you hollow out your back, your pelvis tilts forward (dumping out that bucket of water we talked about). This makes your horse’s job much more difficult, causing them to be forehand heavy. But by turning your toes out, you can wrap your legs around your horse.
Don’t squeeze with your knees. When you squeeze with your knees, usually with toes forward, you become a giant pimple ready to pop off your horse! By turning toes out, the seam of your pants will be ahead of the contact of your horse. If the seam of your pants is in contact with your horse, you will be squeezing with your knees and actually begin to lose contact with your seat. Since you don’t want to fly off your horse and look like a yard dart, learn to turn your toes out, wrap your legs around your horse and sit deep in the saddle. What does deep in the saddle mean? Stand up in the stirrups, sit straight downward, then roll back on the pelvis so that you are sitting on your pockets. As the old saying goes, sit on your ‘W’s’ which is the W design on the pockets of Wrangler jeans. Back to our athletic stance… what happens if you are in an athletic stance and you lean forward? You will fall on your face. On horseback, your horse is nice enough that when you lean forward he doesn’t let you fall. He will however, move out of balance because you are out of balance. Here’s a new flash...you don’t need to lean forward to make your horse go faster! Instead, sit deep in the saddle and use your legs. Leaning forward puts the rider so far out of balance that they are very vulnerable to being thrown from their horse.
For many years, the 4-H books
have said the basic body position includes the alignment of the ear, shoulder, hip and back of the heels. You should be able to draw a line all the way down. Similar to any sport or athletics, to develop good riding skills you need to ride consistently and frequently. A good golfer does not get that way by golfing once a month. Tiger Woods did not develop great golfing skills by playing every now and then. Proper rider position and good riding skill have to develop over time and become second nature to the rider. Once your seat and body position is balanced, you can begin to improve the movement and performance of your horse.
Questions about this or any of our articles can be emailed to us, myers5000@aol.com.
Terry Myers is a national clinician and champion horse trainer with a depth of knowledge developed from over 50 years in the horse industry. Myers has been a popular clinician at multiple expos in the U.S. and Canada. To learn more about Myers’ Ride-InSync methods as well as clinic and training services available, visit www.tmtrainingcenter.com or on Facebook.
Join OPHC for a Trail Ride Scheduled for October
PRESIDENT, Tim Snapp
VICE PRESIDENT, Tim Dawson
TREASURER, Jill Davis
SECRETARY, Heather Collins
WEBSITE, www.ophc.org
The APHA Eastern National Show has a three-year contract to be held at the WEC in Wilmington. We can all look forward to this commitment from APHA as a club. We hope you had great success and brought home some buckles!
The Amateur Show is coming up in Eaton, Ohio, at the Preble County Fairgrounds on Sept. 7 and 8. It is now a four judge POR format. This facility is top notch too!
Don’t forget about the OPHC Trail Ride Oct. 11-13 at Mohican State Forest. Bring your show
horses for a break from the ring this year! See the ophc.org website for more information.
The Buckeye Bonanza Bash was a huge success in July! We had many positive comments, and we plan to return there in 2025. Everyone appreciated the T-shirts and enjoyed the amazing facility. The Bonanza Show was the last part of the Midwest Connection Series. The Midwest Connection Series points include the Indiana PHC Early Bird Paint-O-Rama show from April, the Great 8
Buckeye Equestrian Association
Zone-O-Rama from May, the Michigan PHC Back to Memorial Day Paint-O-Rama, and the Ohio PHC Bonanza show. Point standings are available online. Big prizes like saddles, other divisions, and class awards are being awarded as well. A date and facility for the Midwest banquet is TBD. Look for dates next month for this, the general membership meeting, and the OPHC awards banquet. Hope your upcoming fall season is fantastic!
Ruta Mazelis Masterson Clinic Scheduled in September
PRESIDENT, Patricia Andio
VICE PRESIDENT, Susan Smith-Gordan
SECRETARY, Jennifer Milliner
TREASURER, Sally Kish
FACEBOOK, Buckeye Equestrian Association
Ruta Mazelis Masterson will be at Pure Gold Stables, 3325 OH45, Salem, Ohio 44460, Saturday, Sept. 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is a workshop that introduces
horse owners, competitors, trainers to various techniques on equine health through the lens of equine bodywork. The workshop incorporates lessons Ruta learned from her practice of the Masterson Method and equine massage as well as insight from human physical therapy, sports medicine, and the impact of trauma. In simple terms, “What if ‘bad’ or challenging horse behavior was likely related to pain, restriction, or both.” Ruta’s goal is to show how the interconnectedness of
the equine body, as well as the restrictions developed for earlier life experiences, influence the horse, and therefore rider in the present. She will demonstrate various techniques and share interpretations of the horses’ responses so that participants can look for these in their own horses. You will learn several techniques that can be used immediately to begin a personal bodywork journey with your own horses in the various activities and sports you enjoy. The cost of the clinic is $110.
Stalls are available for $25 for the day. If you cannot bring your horse please consider auditing this clinic for $40. I know I would not miss this opportunity. Questions, call Susan SmithGordon, 724/301-1414 or email: smithgordonsusan@gmail.com. She will send you the application to attend. Don’t wait as there is a limited number of participants. For the love of horses and riders.
~Sally Kish
PRESIDENT, Jonda Cole
Added Money Classes at the Fall Round Up
VICE PRESIDENTS, Marc Beck, Cinda
Bame
SECRETARY, Jenna Duvall
TREASURER, Eric Haudenschield
WEBSITE, www.owha.org
Hello fellow Corral readers, I’m not sure about you but this summer has flown by and yet again another Ohio Western Horse Association (OWHA) show season is coming to a close. All the OWHA Board members hope that you have had a show season full of memories and were able to reach the goals set forth earlier in the year. We here at OWHA are feeling blessed this year as Mother Nature has been on our side more than last year. We are very grateful to those who have come to support our family-friendly organization. Unfortunately, the 6th Annual Karlee Hooker Memorial
Speed Show was cancelled on Aug. 3 due to arena and parking conditions from heavy rain the night before and will not be rescheduled. Many of our members and friends look forward to this special show to celebrate Karlee and her absolute love of horses. Please watch for show details next year and plan to attend such a memorable show.
The 2024 show season may be coming to an end but before it does, we are going to have one last hurrah. Please plan to attend the 2024 Fall Round Up from Sept. 13-15. This year OWHA has moved the show North. It will be held at the Hancock County Fairgrounds in Findlay, Ohio. Friday night will be added money speed events including $100 added open poles and $200 added open barrels along with jackpot barrels. Saturday and Sunday will be the pleasure show with many added money classes including $100 added open walktrot. As always OWHA will have the Youth team tournament placing first through fifth. Many
of the youth classes are $25 added money. And there are classes from open, 40 and over to youth, assisted and unassisted! The showbills and Youth team tournament information can be found on our Facebook page. We look forward to seeing old and new faces!
OWHA would like to take a minute to lift up a few of our OWHA members in prayer. First, is little Hyden Cole, the infant son of Tanner and Savannah Cole and the grandson to our OWHA President Jonda Cole. On July 11 he aspirated and went into cardiac arrest. He was rushed to the hospital for treatment and then quickly transferred to Columbus Children’s for more care. Hayden is one tough little cowboy and after several weeks in the hospital figuring out his seizures and a heart procedure later, he is slowly recovering. God has a plan for this little cowboy and his family sure loves seeing his little smile again! The second OWHA family we would like to keep in our thoughts and
prayers is the Taviano family for the unexpected loss of Wyatt’s horse, Goose. We will miss seeing this team in the speed events at OWHA shows.
Remember feel free to contact our OWHA Board members for any information and questions. See you at Fall Round Up!
Western Reserve Carriage Association Drivers Enjoying Venues in Northeastern Ohio
Summer weather has provided excellent driving opportunities in July. Three turnouts participated in the Carslie drive on July 21. The Howe Meadow drive July 28 had seven turnouts navigating the Cuyahoga Valley with the challenge of a cones course. As fall approaches it is time to look at members interested in serving on the Board. Anyone
interested can reach out to JoAnn Murr.
Any member interested in hosting a drive can reach out to a Board member for more information.
Check our website for more information about Western Reserve Carriage Association (WRCA) drives and other events, westernreservecarriage.com.
WRCA EVENTS
SEPT. 22: Potluck Drive, Woods Edge Shelter, Swine Creek Park, Middlefield, Ohio
SEPT. 29: Drive at Mountain Glen Farm, Painesville, Ohio
Thinking back 20 or so years ago, who would have imagined that we would have all this information at our fingertips? Just click-on to the web, or tune-in to the social network and like magic the answer to all your problems! Right?—unfortunately, not. In today’s world we are actually being bombarded with so much information that we can’t decide which answer is the best. With our horses it even becomes more chaotic. For every question we can find just as many ‘does’, as we find ‘don’ts’. With this, doubt will inevitably flourish. Then, perhaps, as things become more complicated it may lead us to readily accept just about any approach in order to reach a conclusion.
Lately, it seems that we tend to lean toward the ‘all natural’ approach for everything—from ‘soda-pop’ to shoeing. As to not offend anyone in particular, I will simply say that to trim and/or shoe a horse, properly, requires an intimate understanding of each horse as an individual. Therefore, a generalized approach, derived from an analysis of other horses in other situations is not always applicable, nor is it practical. We must consider all the variables that surround a particular horse. In my personal view, people shouldn’t tell people if a horse needs shoes or not, instead horses should tell people. Obviously, this requires that we do all we can to observe our horses in their current conditions before we decide to shoe or leave them barefooted. Yes, it is true that the study of wild horses in their environment will give us a basis for what healthy feet should look like. But, let’s face it, most of our modern horses are given different challenges—ones that may require a different approach.
In those times of need…
Quite often in my shoeing practice, I receive calls or texts from
concerned horse owners and they want to know whether or not their horse needs shoes. I am always concerned that, without knowing the entire situation, I may not give them the best advice. Whenever possible, I will arrange a visit to see the horse. Though there are many horseshoeing books that offer you evaluation/observation tips regarding the issue of shoeing a horse [or not], it was in a text written by Dr. Doug Butler and Jacob Butler, The Principles of Horseshoeing, (P3), that I found the most detailed explanation. Butler begins his discussion regarding the application of horseshoes with this straightforth statement: “The aim of [physiological] horseshoeing is to minimize the harmful effects of the horseshoe, and to take advantage of its useful effects.”
He then continues by specifying: “The horseshoe is a beneficial tool [For the reasons listed below] it will...
1) Protect the horse’s foot from excessive wear and resulting tenderness when its continuous use is necessary.
2) Provide traction when necessary for safety and/or speed on slippery surfaces.
3) Correct or influence the stance and/or gait of the horse.
4) Correct or improve ‘abnormal’ and pathological conditions of the feet and or legs.”
By now, you may be asking yourself, how does this apply to me and my horse? Well, simply stated, anytime you place horseshoes on a horse it should always serve to promote/maintain strong feet, strong legs and strong gaits.
Therefore, the decision to shoe [or not] should be one that is based on an evaluation of a few principle concerns. Together, you and your farrier should examine the following:
1. Quality of the horse’s hooves (i.e. the presence of any deep cracks or extreme distortions of the wall). Flatter-footed horses can easily become tender if on hard ground and shoes can help prevent bruising.
2. Position of the limb-to-hoof axis. Often referred to as the ‘natural angle’, this strong supportive alignment should always be sustained when shoeing, regardless of the intent or style of shoe that is being used. The three phalange bones that are closest to the ground are the Long pastern, Short pastern and Coffin bone. They should be in a chiropractic alignment, of sorts, which results in a maximum advantage for the horse to utilize his weight-bearing capacity to its fullest ability. If the horse’s digital bone column alignment is sacrificed, he will be susceptible to various hoof/leg problems (i.e. Collapsed/‘over-under run’ heels, Long toe/low heel syndrome, Contracted heels, Club footedness, Limb length disparity, etc.).
3. And last, the consideration of his workload. Certain jobs the horse may be asked to perform may require a particular type of shoe. For instance, a Trail horse will need traction for those slippery spots. He may need all four shoes if the trail is extremely uneven. He might also require preventive pads in the event that he is asked to travel on rough surfaces. Conversely, a Reining horse is frequently asked to perform quickly and slide for a distance. He will need non-traction type hind shoes.
Some practical points…
• By the natural weight distribution of horses, front ends normally carry 60 percent of the horse’s load, while hind ends carry 40 percent. This often results in the need for more supportive help by shoeing front feet. Perhaps, hind feet will only need a rebalancing trim.
• Pasture kept horses and their buddies may be safer without shoes or front shoes only, if kicking is a common habit.
• A break from shoeing during the off-riding season can be beneficial, in order to allow stressed-out, over-nailed hooves to regenerate.
• Mares that are about to foal should be left bare foot in hind to reduce the risk of injury to the newborn.
• Horses with chronic shoe pulling problems often suffer from short, tight fitted shoes, which over time will weaken a foot by contracting the heels (drawing them closer together).
• Keeping shoes on at ‘any cost’ may prove to be too big a price to pay! Perhaps, these horses would be better off without shoes?
Knox County Horse Park
Join Knox County Horse Park in September Parades
PRESIDENT, Donny Cline
VICE PRESIDENTS, Travis Ross and Claude Robinson
TREASURER, Pam Niner
SECRETARY, Madisyn Weekley
CONTACT, KCHP.mtv.ohio@gmail.com
FACEBOOK, Knox County Horse Park Inc
Hello from KCHP! The season is in the halfway point with three shows left and if you haven’t shown this season there’s still a chance for high point.
Knox County Fair took away from our July show. The next show was Aug. 17. I do say the shows have been very good with adding the pleasure classes. A
break between classes gives everyone a chance for a bite to eat and relax. It also gives contesters a chance to get there if they aren’t into trying the pleasure classes. I want to thank all the sponsors again and most of all the trustees and the officers for all they do; Claude, Travis, Pam, Ken, Madisyn, John, Colton, Shelby, Anna, Rannay, and Sue. We also have two ladies who dedicate a lot of hours, Linda and Janet.
Please follow us on Facebook and the website to keep up to date. We will be doing a few parades, the Fredericktown Tomato Show parade on Sept. 7 and the All Horse parade in Delaware on Sept. 8 and Chesterville Heritage Day parade Sept. 14.
Thank you for reading.
~Donny
Shoe or Not Shoe? (continued)
Whether to shoe [or not] is a decision that is best made in cooperation with your farrier, vet and trainer. I choose to hold on to the belief that when we all work together the decisions we make can only get better.
For more than 30 years, Bryan has been combining the skills of horseshoeing, teaching, and riding. He is a Certified Journeyman Farrier through the Brotherhood of Working Farriers Association (BWFA) and also holds a certification in Equine Massage Therapy. Bryan’s other accomplishments include both a Master of Arts degree with a specialization in equine education and a Bachelor of Science degree in business. Over the years, Bryan has been an instructor of Farrier Science programs at two equestrian colleges and a guest instructor for others, as well. These days, he continues his teaching by offering various ‘horsemanship for horseshoeing’ programs. Upon invitation, Bryan presents demonstrations and group discussions on basic hoof care and horsemanship, to promote the advancement of equine education. Bryan is also the creator of a select line of ‘FarrierFriendly™’ products and currently authors a series of ‘FarrierFriendly™’ articles that appear in horse magazines and websites throughout the U.S. Bryan currently works with horses and their owners in Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. You can visit him at www. farrierfriendly.com or on Facebook: Farrier-Friendly by Bryan Farcus.
For Related Reading/Resources:
• www.butlerprofessionalfarrierschool.com
• www.yourhorseshealth.com
• www.myhorsematters.com
• Dr. Doug Butler and Jacob Butler, The Principles of Horseshoeing (P3)
• Lyle Bergeleen, “Hoof Talk”
Thank You to All Who Supported AP&P Shows in 2024
PRESIDENT, Emily Scott
VICE PRESIDENT, Brett Hammesmith
SECRETARY, Amy Cluse
TREASURER, Terri Rafeld
EMAIL, paintandplaininfo@yahoo.com
WEBSITE, www.
ashlandpaintandplain.com
by Chesna Wertz
Hi everyone! I hope you all have been enjoying a summer full of horse showing, friends, and prepping for the fall season! It’s hard to believe as of this writing, it’s mid August already. The summer absolutely flew by, and the mornings are starting to get a slight fall ‘crisp’ in the air.
On Aug. 10-11, we held our fourth and final show of the season, under judge Roger Altman. There were several new faces in attendance, along with
many of our regular exhibitors. Thank you to everyone who came and showed with us! It was a beautiful weekend, with lots of lovely horses. AP&P also provided an ice cream social on Saturday, as well as free coffee and doughnuts on Sunday morning. We also gave out weekend high point awards to the following exhibitors.
Congratulations!
SMALL FRY: Madelyn Duran 13 & UNDER: Piper Henthorn 14-18: Zoie Quillen
19 AND OVER: Kalyn Carroll WALK TROT 10-18: Lola Cecil WALK TROT 19 & OVER: Lisa Miller
We are sad to inform our club members that one of our beloved directors, Carol Morrison, passed away on July 29. Carol was a volunteer at heart. She volunteered for Ashland Paint and Plain for over 15 years and helped Ashland County 4H for over 10 years. We will always remember Carol for her ability to make us laugh, volunteering with no complaints, and her witty commentaries. Proceeds from both $500 walk trot classes
at the August show will be given to Carol’s favorite charity in her memory.
A big thank you to everyone who came and supported the AP&P shows during the 2024 season! We wish everyone the best of luck at the upcoming fall shows, including the NOHSA World Show, Tough Enough To Wear Pink, and the All American Quarter Horse Congress!
Keep a look out on our Facebook page for details about the awards banquet in January 2025 for our 2024 season high point winners!
The Equine Specialty Hospital provides advanced diagnostic, sports medicine, and surgical services for horses, mules, and donkeys of all breeds and disciplines. Board-certified surgeons provide care by appointment or emergency admission. The hospital is staffed 24 hours a day, allowing continuous monitoring of critically ill patients. You may have your veterinarian call and refer your horse, but a referral is not required for elective or emergency services.
Diagnostic Services
• Lameness diagnosis
• Digital X-Ray
• Digital Ultrasound
• MRI
• Nuclear Scintigraphy
• Videoendoscopy
• Dynamic Endoscopy
• Gastroscopy
• Myelography
Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Center
• Cold Compression Therapy
• Therapeutic Laser
• Shockwave Therapy
• Platelet Rich Plasma
• IRAP
• Stem Cells
Medical Services
• Neonatal & Adult ICU
• Neurologic Evaluations
• Ophthalmic Evaluations
• Respiratory Evaluations
• Perinatal Care for High Risk Pregnancies
Surgical Services
• Laparoscopic Surgery
• Arthroscopic Surgery
• Fracture Repair
• Colic Surgery
• Soft Tissue Surgery
• Laser Surgery
—Uterine Cysts
—Upper Airwave
—Skin Tumors
• Dental/Sinus Surgery
Other Services
• Podiatry Center
• Isolation Facility for contagious diseases
• Fully padded stall with dynamic sling support
Neonatal ICU
Colic Surgery
Arthroscopy
Adult ICU
Sling Support
Digital Ultrasound
Flatlanders Dressage & Combined Training Association, Inc.
Flatlanders Learn About Conformation
PRESIDENT, Beth Metzer
VICE PRESIDENT, Mary Lou Paxton
TREASURER, Lisa Gross
SECRETARY, Jill Christopher
EMAIL, fdcta@aol.com
FACEBOOK, www.facebook.com/ groups/FDCTA
by Heather Bonifas
The Flatlanders enjoyed our monthly meeting together on Aug. 6; our usual second Tuesday of the month. Thankfully the majority of the rain had passed as we all made our way to Alison Schmidbauer’s stable for another excellent program. The talk to be given would focus on equine conformation and how it related to the intended use of the horse. Let me first explain what conformation is and why it matters significantly to the usability of an animal for any specific task. If one Googles the common definition of the term, conformation, they would find a simple explanation: the shape or
structure of something, especially an animal. Thank you, Mr. Google, but that is not very helpful. Pulling information from another source, the idea of conformation would be how the collective parts of an animal work together in harmony to allow it to perform any task. All tasks require specific muscles and bones and supportive structures to work in harmony. More specifically, angles of the bone structure filled in by the muscles make any job very easy or not for any animal. For example, an animal (horse) that has long elegant legs would be far more suited for dressage, jumping, or racing rather than logging and hauling loads.
As many members gathered in her stable, she pulled out one of the four horses to be used as an example. The first incredibly beautiful animal was a 15-yearold Oldenburg bay gelding named Romeo Valissimo . Standing quietly in his cross-ties, Alison began presenting and discussing all aspects of his impressive conformation. He is used exclusively for dressage, but
enjoys a hack in the open fields around the property often. From his uphill build (higher in the withers than his hind quarters) to the long, strong, well shaped legs that end in solid large feet, he is well equipped for his job. His hind, croup and chest are well fleshed out to give him the power and stamina needed to perform intricate and physically demanding tasks of dressage.
Ferdi was the next in the cross ties. An unusual cross of Hannovarian and Appaloosa, he stood impressively large and quiet while we all looked on. As Alison reminisced over his prepurchase veterinarian check of the comment, “You’re not buying him for his looks”. Although not as graceful looking as the first in line, this 24-year-old bay gelding still possesses the proper form for the function. The correct slope of the shoulder and hip were evident when drawing the imaginary line through them to form a triangle where the top point forms an angle precisely where the rider would sit atop him. Also, as his stable mate Romeo sports, he is well balanced throughout. The imaginary thirds of the animal (nose to shoulder, shoulder to croup, and croup to buttocks) all were well matched. What really made him spectacular in Alison’s eyes was his exceptionally quiet and kind temperament.
Switching gears, Alison pulled out a real cutie pie, her little red roan pony named Jasper. Having come to the stable thin and having some undesirable muscling in the neck and throat latch, Alison had a project with him from the start. Being part Welsh Pony and possibly Paint, this 14H pony moves very well thanks to some good hours and a proper feeding program. His shapely neck and body reveal how good bones, time and excellent training can bring out the hidden gem of some horses. Unlike the two previous
horses, Jasper needs to wear shoes in the summer working months to support his white, somewhat softer hooves. With his compact back, straight legs, good ‘thirds’, and slightly short neck, Jasper paints a pretty picture of strength and stamina. Last in the line-up was Alison’s newest purchase, F.S.Breezy Blue Zulu (Breeze). Being a mere 3 year old, this blue roan American Quarter Horse is still expected to grow. His juvenile uphill build is expected to change as he begins his training program. Only haven been worked in-hand thus far, his muscling is filling in around his quality form. His nottoo-thick neck angles properly into his chest, head and neck fit well together, short back, wellmuscled rump and chest all fit together to make a potential star. Alison pointed to his lovely legs, one of which has a slight deformity called bench knee that does not affect his soundness or movement. We can’t wait to see what becomes of this young guy. Thank you, Alison, for an informative and entertaining presentation!
To end the evening, we moved inside for the business portion and meal. Two new faces were among us, Michelle Clay and Lyn Giles. Welcome to the party, ladies. We hope to have you both as members. We made introductions for them, but all of us benefited by getting to know each other even better.
If you’d like to join in on the fun, look for us on Facebook or email: FDCTA@aol.comer
Lexington Equine Medical Group Names Kentucky Horse Council as Beneficiary of Inaugural Hunter Pace and 5K at the Park
Lexington Equine Medical Group partners have named the Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) as the beneficiary of proceeds from their inaugural Hunter Pace and 5K, which will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington on Sunday, Sept. 8. All funds raised will be earmarked specifically to assist with KHC efforts in Eastern Kentucky.
The 5K will begin at 8 a.m., with participants trail running over the hunter pace course—jumping the jumps is encouraged! The hunter pace will begin at 11 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m. Awards will be given in the jumping, non-jumping and family/pleasure categories, as well as to Best Costume, Best Tailgate and Best Thoroughbred Team (to be eligible, at least half
of the horses on a team must have a Thoroughbred Incentive Program number).
A hunter pace is designed to mimic the feeling of being on a hunt without the hounds; teams of two, three and four riders will travel over a marked course that includes woods, water and open fields. Riders can choose to participate in one of three divisions: jumping, non-jumping and family/pleasure, where riders ride at their own pace over the marked course. Riders are encouraged to jump any obstacle they choose; no penalty is incurred for not jumping jumps.
The team that finishes closest to the optimum time (set by officials) without going over will be the winner in each division.
“Lexington Equine Medical
group is excited to offer runners and riders of all disciplines and abilities the opportunity to spend time at the Kentucky Horse Park,” said Rocky M. Mason, DVM, one of the founders of the 13-doctor ambulatory veterinary practice. “We are looking forward to hosting an event to bring awareness to and raise funds for the KHC, and more specifically, the welfare of horses in Eastern Kentucky. The equine community in the Bluegrass is a powerful one, and one we are all so lucky to be a part of; we can’t wait to see what bringing everyone together for a day of fun and sport can accomplish for horses in need.”
Runners and riders will be able to purchase food from Toasties Gourmet and High Horizons Coffee Shop and Cafe food trucks; beverages from Maiden City Brewing Company and Country Boy Brewing will also be for sale. Photography will be provided by Rachel Milewski Media.
The race and pace will be held rain or shine. Questions? Email lemghunterpace@gmail.com
Learn more about the Lexington Equine Medical Group Hunter Pace and 5K at the Park and register here: lexingtonequinemedical.com/ hunter-pace-5k
Can’t run or ride, but want to support the work the KHC does? Donate here: kentuckyhorse.org/ Donate
ABOUT THE KENTUCKY HORSE COUNCIL
The Kentucky Horse Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and development of the Kentucky equine community through education and leadership. The KHC provides educational programs like large animal emergency rescue training and livestock investigation training; networking opportunities through the Dinner and Discussion series; personal liability insurance through individual and family memberships; and financial assistance programs for horse owners in need through the Save Our Horses (SOHO) fund. Learn more at kentuckyhorse.org
• 1100 Baby Colts on September 19 & 20 including two sons of WOODY BE TUF
• 6 Colts by a son of Wimpys Little Step Several loud colored draft cross foals
• 3 Yearling Sons of Jess Topaz 6 year stud x Jess Topaz
• 15 Mares bred to Ruby Buckles Studs from Smith Ranch, TX
• 6 Mares bred to son of Play Gun
• 3 Sons of Hash Tag
• 13-Year-Old Stud by Paddies Irish Whisky yearling son of Metalic Cat
• Yearling son of Smart Hick Boon
• Daughter of Walk Thru Fire
• Daughter of Eddie Stinson bred to son of Shining Spark
• 7-Year-Old Palomino by Show Me The Buckle
• 2 Daughters of Ivory James
Thursday-Friday 9:00 AM • Saturday 8:00 AM
Michigan Trail Riders Association, Inc.
MTRA October Color Ride
Fall is coming and Michigan has a lot to offer trail riders. The MTRA (Michigan Trail Riders Association) has it’s annual Color Ride scheduled for Oct. 3-11. The ride will start North at Stoney Creek Trail Camp, 2326 Stoney Creek Road, Afton, Michigan. Come ride with us and experience beautiful fall colors from Afton heading South to Walsh Road Trail camp in Lewiston, Mich. Arrival day is Oct. 3 with the ride starting on Oct. 4 and ends on Oct. 11. (Eight nights and nine days).
To register for this ride you must be a member of the MTRA. It’s easy to join, just go online to mtra.org and apply. Regular/ family membership is $35 and senior membership is $30. Camping is $14 a day if
you register before Sept. 18. Additional online fees do apply, but you can register by
Wayne
mail by downloading printable applications from our website. We hope to see you soon!
Hello Saddle Club members and friends. Our show season at The Hollow is winding down. There are still some shows yet to come. Our Wayne County Fair is fast approaching. It will be our fairs 175th year and will kick off with a parade though Wooster and past the grandstand. The Saddle Club will have a Contest Show at the horse arena during the fair on Saturday night, Sept. 7. The details are being worked out, watch for announcements on our Facebook page.
SEPT. 6: Friday Night Buckle Series, this is the last show before the Finals on Sept. 27. This has been a great run for this year. The arena has been at its very best. We have dedicated tractor men who take great care to achieve this. Matt Shaaf and Collin Benek, thank you!
SEPT. 21: W.C.S.C. Open Contest Point Show (the last for the season). Everyone running for points will need to get their volunteer hours in before the end of the season. There is plenty to do around the club, not during horse shows. Contact a Board member and we can help you to fulfull your hours.
SEPT. 27: Finals for the Friday Night Buckle Series.
OCT. 13: W.C.S.C. Fun Show. Come have some fun. Ten fun classes, one thin dollar a class and a chance to win some cupcakes and prizes. Start time 1 p.m.
Our last Pleasure Show for the year was Aug. 24 with judge Sarah Jackson. The Pleasure Shows have been well attended this year. Sponsors have been so generous to help with the added money classes. We couldn’t have them for every show. Next year will bring some changes to the showbill. As vice president of the pleasure shows, it has been a learning year for me. I received the best help, advice, and guidance. If I am re-elected, next year will be better. We will allow vendors at all the shows. We loved having everyone. Please support them when you can.
Black Swamp Driving Club
Several Drives Left in 2024 to Attend
PRESIDENT, Sharon Hayhurst
VICE PRESIDENT, Angela Hohenbrink TREASURER, Ann Bell
The time is flying by! The Black Swamp Driving Club is rolling right along. We have enjoyed several drives already, and looking forward to more! Here is a list of upcoming events.
SEPT. 21: Hites Log Cabin drive, potluck at noon, Kenton, Ohio. Julie has provided more information regarding this drive. The address is 8980 TR 189, Kenton, Ohio. Step back in time enjoying an historical house and a log cabin from the early 1800’s. Great gardens and outbuildings to visit. It’s also a pumpkin farm! Maybe pick your own or select one that’s already picked. Potluck is at noon. Electric and restroom available. Don’t let the
weather stop you from coming. Inside dining if necessary. You may arrive early to enjoy the farm. Horses are welcomed. Country roads to drive on. Any questions contact Julie. Hope to see you!
OCT. 5: Parker Bridge drive, Upper Sandusky, Ohio. Potluck at noon, drive will follow. Contact Julie Emmons with questions.
OCT. 26: Halloween party at France Lake. Contact Julie Emmons or Roger Higgins Jr. with any questions.
NOV. 9: Annual banquet at the Good Hope Lutheran Church in Arlington, Ohio. More details to follow.
We had a good time at the Ghost Town event. This event felt like the Old West! There were gun fights, costumes of that period, ladies with their fancy dresses. We took a stroll through a frontier setting. Shops, saloons, and a general store too! There were a lot of other period looking buildings and exhibits along the way too. Julie Emmons gave carriage rides and the kids enjoyed riding the
mini pony that she has as well. Mark Newman had his carriage and sleigh on display too. Visitors could see first hand the carriage and the workings of the unit. He also had assessories for both the carriage and the sleigh. There was a great turnout of members that came to this event. It was truly a great time. We still have some events coming up so mark your calendars to come and support the clubs activities. If anyone has
questions regarding any of the events, I can give you the contact person. My email address is higgy122@gmail.com. I do not have any additional information on the annual banquet. I will report that to the club as soon as I get the information. This will wrap up this month’s article. As always there is an open invitation to come and see what the club is all about. Come join us. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
• ‘20 red roan gelding by Bonnets Blue - ranch broke
• ‘18 palomino gelding grandson Mr Genuine San - team sorting, ranch rodeo
• ‘16 bay gelding grandson Playgun - ranch, rope
• ‘17 blue roan gelding by Starlight Birdman - ranch, rope
• ‘21 bay gelding by Smarkles - ranch, rope
• ‘05 sorrel mare by a Streak Of Fling - in foal to Shot Of Jack Cash
• ‘21 palomino gelding grandson of CD Lights - ranch
• ‘10 bay mare granddaughter of Shining Spark - broke, broodmare
• ‘06 sorrel gelding Skippa Star x Zan Pan Jack - head horse
• ‘18 dun gelding by CRR Hurrican Cat - ranch
• ‘21 bay gelding by Yellowsmoke Of Tetas - futurity entry
• ‘12 sorrel gelding by Catty Hauk - solid team rope horse, cuts a cow
• ‘21 sorrel gelding grandson CD Lights - ranch horse
• ‘16 dun broodmare by Remember The Song - in foal
• ‘16 bay gelding by grandson of Doc Hollywood - ranch, team rope
• ‘19 chestnut gelding by Cactus Rondo - ranch, rope
• ‘20 sorrel gelding by Cactus Rondo - ranch, rope
• ‘20 chestnut gelding by Cactus Rondo - ranch rope
• ‘14 chestnut gelding by Cactus Rondo - ranch rope
‘19 bay mare Friesian Cross —ridden 6 months
‘18 palomino gelding grandson Mr Genuine San team sorting, ranch rodeo
‘21 brown gelding grandson Captain Hook — ranch, rope
‘22 sorrel mare granddaughter of Tee J Blue Fingers started, shipped, drug calves
The Owen family at the Ghost Town event.
WTackling Backcountry Packing: The Logical Next Step from Trail Riding
by Robert Eversole
ant to escape civilization but find the idea of venturing into the wilderness with a pack mule overwhelmingly complex?
Tales of horses, hitches, and rocky trails making a diamond hitch seem anything but your best friend? Are stories of spectacular wrecks adding to the impression that packing is an art best left to those born into it? Don’t believe any of that. The basics of packing are straightforward skills anyone can learn and apply to venture into the backcountry. Achieving mastery, while impressive, isn’t necessary for safe and enjoyable journeys into the high country.
“The skills needed to attempt perfection come through time and practice; they come with mistakes and low-quality work. One should embrace the mediocrity inherent to learning.” I like this unattributed quote from the interwebs. This perspective reminds us that perfection in packing, like any skill, is a journey filled with learning experiences. Go forth and make mistakes.
Of course, it’s advisable to reduce mistakes whenever possible, and to that end, I offer the following:
Balance is King
A common cause of train wrecks when packing is the shifting of an unbalanced load. Experienced packers can load a kayak on one side of a mule and bags of concrete on the other with barely a concern. While undoubtedly impressive, I recommend something different to any beginning packer. I’ve been packing for years and wouldn’t consider attempting such a thing. Instead, remember the mantra of “equal weight, equal size, and equal weight distribution.” Pack each pannier or manty to distribute weight equally. The weight on each side should be within ounces of each other. Before leaving the barn, I write the weight on each piece of cargo to help me balance the loads. Having weights on each piece of gear will be a huge help when packing up to head home from camp.
Saddle Type Doesn’t Matter
It may be profane to say it, but it’s true. Whether you’re using a crossbuck or any of the many flavors of Decker pack saddles, the type of saddle is far less important than ensuring it fits your animal. We hear incessantly about proper saddle fit for our riding stock but much less for our pack animals. That’s a shame. Our pack animals have a much harder job than we give them credit for. Riders can adjust themselves as they make their way down the trail. A load of camp equipment cannot. Make sure you give your critters a fair deal by providing them with a saddle that fits. If you can’t find a pack saddle that fits, use a well-fitting riding saddle and pannier bags made to fit a riding saddle. Riding saddle panniers are inexpensive, easy to use, and an excellent way to dip your toes into the world of packing.
For more information on trail riding and horse camping, please visit us at www.TrailMeister. com. TrailMeister is the world’s most extensive guide to horse trails and camps and a resource for information to keep your rides enjoyable and safe. The best-selling book “The ABCs of Trail Riding and Horse Camping” features 180 more topics for the active or aspiring trail rider. From how to train your horse for the trail to how to use that GPS. Get your copy on Amazon.
Premier Mount N Trail
PRESIDENT, Kelly Chapman
VICE PRESIDENT, Stephanie Tarr
SECRETARY, Justin Miller
TREASURER, Susan Croft
EMAIL, premiermountntrail@gmail.com
WEBSITE, www.premiermountntrail.com
by Carly Amon
The Premier Mount N Trail (PMT) fundraiser show at KalVal Saddle club in Scotts, Mich., was a huge success! With fun patterns and activities, it was a great time for everyone and their
PMT FUN-draiser a Success
equine pals. All of us here at PMT would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone at Kal-Val for making this show fantastic. We plan on continuing this event annually, and hope to see you around. Happy riding from all of us here at Premier Mount N Trail!
Tackling Backcountry Packing (continued)
The Pannieris Your Friend
From motorcycles to mules, panniers are bags or boxes carried in pairs and designed to carry camp gear. Derived from the French ‘pannier’ or ‘breadbasket,’ these soft—or hard-sided cargo containers are easy to carry. Panniers can be used with any pack saddle and come in soft canvas or rigid bear-resistant flavors. The sturdy bear-resistant containers are dual-use, as they make a handy improvised camp table.
For any load, but panniers specifically, remember these three things:
Balance: The two panniers must be virtually identical in weight, within ounces.
Secure the Load: Keep the loads from moving. Otherwise, a spook could turn into a buck, and the movement of the panniers will likely accelerate the animal’s panic. A basket or box hitch (both easy to learn) can secure the panniers for the same purpose.
Pack Smart: Pack noisy items
between soft ones to reduce rattles that might bother your animal.
Common Sense
Most of the time, packing a load requires common sense more than anything else. Think carefully about what you are doing and watch your loads. If you’re having problems, stop and address them right away. Unload and repack if need be. A wreck only takes a second to happen. The worst thing any aspiring packer can say is, “We’re nearly there; it’ll be OK.”
I hope this has expanded your options for escaping civilization. There’s nothing better than venturing into the high country with a pack animal in tow. The skills to learn are well within the grasp of anyone who wants to experience the sights, scents, and sounds of the wilderness. For more information on trail riding and camping with horses and mules and the world’s largest guide to horse trails and camps, visit us at www.TrailMeister. com.
10 Tips for Buying the Right Round Pen
by Lisa Kiley
Round Pens can be a great training tool year-round, from starting a young horse under saddle to practicing liberty moves in a secure space. They can be great for starting a young rider to gain confidence or a safe place to exercise a fresh horse before a ride. Round pens have so many uses and can be a great tool for anyone who has horses at home. There are a few things that you should look for to find the most appropriate fit when it comes to selecting the round pen that is right for your farm.
Safety. The point of getting a round pen is to create a safe space to work your horse. However, not all-round pens are made the same. If you are in the market for this great training tool, it pays to make safety your number one priority. The round pen should be strong, durable, avoid opportunities for a horse to get caught up and be the appropriate size for the job.
Size. The most popular round pen size is 60’. This size is comfortable for both groundwork and some riding. If you are working with younger or unbroke horses, you may want to opt for a smaller size to start but avoid anything smaller than 40’ because it just doesn’t provide enough working room. Round pens can also be built bigger, 80’ is a great size if you are planning on using it regularly for riding.
Height. Most standard panels are 5’ in height. This is perfect for most applications and standard horse work and training. However, if you are working with rough stock, using the panels with cattle, or have exceptionally large horses, you may want to consider choosing a 6’ panel. Some rescue programs can even require 6’ panels if you are adopting unhandled horses.
Materials. While round pens can be constructed of wood and made into a permanent fixture, mobile panels are usually preferable due to their flexibility of design. The most popular material is metal. If you are looking for a panel that will avoid rusting for years to come, consider aluminum or a hot dipped galvanized material. When looking at hot dipped galvanized panels, you will want to make sure the panels have weep holes ensuring that the galvanization is on the interior and exterior of the panel. Aluminum will go the longest without showing rust.
Strength. The weight of the panels is usually the best indicator of strength, even more so than gauge. Metal panels should be a diameter of around 1 and 3/4”. If a metal panel is light and has a small diameter, it can pose a safety risk for the horse because if they are able to
bend the panels, they can get tangled up in them and injure themselves. So, the more likely the horse will be pressing on the panel the heavier it should be. However, if the panel is aluminum, it will be light weight but still have heavy duty strength.
Construction. Take note of the pinning system. A rodeo latch is the safest option because it is designed so that the horse will not snag a halter or other equipment. On the other hand, a J-Pin has an open space that could allow a horse to get a halter or bridle caught. The way the panels meet at the top is also important. Look for a square top panel so that each panel will fit closely together, this will help horses avoid getting a hoof caught up which is a concern with the rounded panel.
Gates. Panels in a round pen are typically 12’ and come with a 4’ or 6’ walk-thru gate. A 6’ gate is preferred for the additional space it gives to allow the horse and handler through. If you know that you are going to be frequently riding through the gate, you may want to invest in getting a latching system that allows you to easily go through while mounted.
Footing. Unless you are just using the round pen for a turn out area, you will want to invest
in good footing for the round pen. Think about placement of where your round pen will be. It is best if you can get it in a higher spot where you can get good drainage. Make sure you have a solid base and add 2-3 inches of sand, enough to provide cushion, but not so deep that it will be difficult to work in.
Think Outside the Circle. Round pen panels are very versatile for many uses around the farm. They can be used as arena fencing, mobile turn out areas, and partitions in barn interiors for horses or other livestock. If you are correctly securing the panels and using wall mount brackets or installing posts to give them stability, there are a lot of different options for these mobile panels.
Maintenance. The length of time your panels will last has a lot to do with how they are used. Panels used outside and left outside will see the most weathering/rusting over time. If you want to increase the longevity of your round pen panels, store them inside when they are not in use. If this isn’t an option, you may want to invest in hot dipped galvanized or aluminum that will stay rust free for years to come and hold up best against the weather.
Lisa Kiley is a lifelong horse enthusiast who has worked in the equine industry and shown horses for many years. She is a proud member of the Cashmans Horse Equipment Team. Cashmans Horse Equipment, located in Delaware, Ohio, has been providing top quality products to the equine and agricultural community for 40 years. They have a commitment to sourcing environmentally conscious merchandise and items made in the U.S.A. Cashmans strives to educate customers and provide products that put safety first so you can enjoy more time with the horses you love. www.cashmans.com
Ohio High School Rodeo Association
NATIONAL DIRECTOR, Nikki McCarty
PRESIDENT, Brian Corsi
SECRETARY, Holly Rowe
PHONE, 614-432-0177
WEBSITE, www.ohiohighschoolrodeo.org
by Hannah Boyes
We are excited to share that this year’s National High School Finals Rodeo was a very successful trip for many of our Ohio High School Rodeo athletes.
OHSRA Attends Nationals
After the long haul across the country to Rock Springs, Wyo., our contestants prepared to enter into some tough competition. This year’s Nationals rodeo had record-breaking numbers with 1,829 contestants and 52 different states and provinces
attending, making it one of the largest rodeos in the world. Each one of Ohio’s qualifying athletes competed in two rounds of each event they qualified for, with the hope of making it to the shortgo. The ‘short-go’ consists of the top 20 contestants, who get to compete for a third time.
Congratulations to Spur Montag, Evan Corzatt, Owen Gardner, Hunter McLaughlin, Addison Webb, and Jaelee Winkleman for making it to the short-go! Spur Montag ended with a total of 207.5 points, earning him 9th in the aggregate for Saddle Bronc. Evan Corzatt finished 8th overall in tiedown roping, and Owen Gardner took 19th place in Steer Wrestling. Addison and Jaelee, the only allgirl team to compete in the shortgo this year, came in 17th in team roping! In trap shooting, Hunter took 19th place. These athletes have done a great job representing Ohio; congratulations on all your success!
While all of our qualifying athletes were working hard in Wyoming, our dedicated board members were working hard planning a fantastic 2024-2025
season. Ohio athletes kicked off the first rodeo of the season at the Ohio State Fairgrounds in Columbus on Aug. 4. The next rodeo is scheduled for Sept. 7-8 at the Champaign County Fairgrounds in Urbana, Ohio. Followed by our multi-state rodeo with Team Michigan, Oct. 1920 in Swanton, Ohio. Interested in becoming a member? We are always welcoming new athletes in grades 5-8 in our junior high division and grades 9-12 in our high school division. Check us out at ohiohighschoolrodeo.org or our Facebook page, Ohio High School & JR High Rodeo Association.
Hunter McLaughlin in trap shooting.
Equestrian Events, Inc., Selects Derek Braun and Split Rock Jumping Tour to Produce and Manage Kentucky CSI5* Invitational Grand Prix
Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), a non-profit, charitable organization that supports the development of equestrian sports through the staging of events at the highest level, has selected Derek Braun and his Split Rock Jumping Tour (SRJT) team to produce and manage the Kentucky CSI5* Invitational Grand Prix for 2025. The Invitational will be held at the 5* level for the first time next year (pending FEI approval), making EEI the only event organizer in the world to host both a CCI5*-L and CSI5* in the same week.
EEI is best known for producing the annual Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian (K3DE), the nation’s premier eventing competition and one of only seven annual 5* three-day events (CCI5*-L) in the world, as well as the Kentucky CSI Invitational Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute on the same weekend. In addition, EEI is hosting the United States Eventing Association (USEA) American
Eventing Championships in 2024 and again in 2026-2028.
“This year’s show jumping event was the best yet with its new CSI4* status, expanded schedule, and the most impressive list of entries we’ve ever had,” said EEI Executive Director Erin Woodall. “With the event’s new elevation to 5* status, we are thrilled to renew our partnership with Derek Braun and his Split Rock Jumping Tour team, and we look forward to making the event even better in 2025.”
The idea of holding a CSI in conjunction with the Kentucky Three-Day Event was originally conceived by Braun who brought it to EEI. He and his Split Rock team have managed the event since its inception as a CSI3* in 2018. In addition to the $225,000 Invitational Grand Prix, which packs Rolex Stadium with thousands of cheering fans and features some 40 international riders on Saturday afternoon following the eventing’s crosscountry phase, the 2024 event hosted a $35,000 1.45m Welcome Speed Cup Ranking Class on
Friday following the completion of dressage and a $35,000 1.45m Special Two-Phase during the lunch break on Saturday.
“Our goal has always been to make this the best grand prix in America,” Braun said. “With it becoming a CSI5* next year, there is no doubt that it is positioned to do that. We’ve proven that we have a winning formula, combining a worldclass show jumping competition with the biggest three-day event in North America. There is absolutely nowhere else that has a crowd and atmosphere like what we get at Kentucky. It gives me chills to see the sell-out crowd and hear the fans stomping and cheering. We are excited about continuing our relationship with EEI and about what the future holds for this event!”
ABOUT EQUESTRIAN EVENTS, INC.
Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI) is a non-profit charitable Kentucky corporation that was established initially to produce the 1978 World Three-
Day Event Championships at the Kentucky Horse Park. Following the success of those championships, EEI established an annual event that evolved into the world-renowned Kentucky Three-Day Event, which draws nearly 90,000 spectators to the Kentucky Horse Park each year. EEI added the Kentucky CSI Invitational Grand Prix in 2018, the Lexington CCI4*-S in 2021, and also produces other events. EEI supports several local and equine charities and over the last 20 years has donated more than $1.1 million to various charities. For more information, visit www.eq-events.com.
PRESIDENT, Jimmy McDonald
TREASURER, Shurina Tucke
SECRETARY, Shae Marshall
PHONE, 330/260-8833
WEBSITE, ohioexca.weebly.com
by Shae Marshall
New Winter Events Coming Soon
The summer season has come to an end, and we would like to thank everyone for attending, participating, and volunteering this season! We would like to thank our sponsors: Prickly Hill Co., KRS Horsemanship, Lost Mule Co., Feisty Web Creations, and ShaeMar Snaps for making this season possible! We also would like to thank this year’s clinicians: Kayla Bossler—KRS Horsemanship, Leon Rabor— Lost Mule Co. and the wonderful Terry Myers, for all the amazing
Mid-Ohio Marauders
PRESIDENT, Tim Calvin
horsemanship, obstacles, and cow horse clinics.
We are working hard on some new winter events! Those events will include Pop Up Exhibition Races, Fix A Races, and other practices/competitions, no
membership required!
The banquet for OHIO EXCA award members will be held Oct. 19, location TBA.
To keep up with winter events and banquet information check our website, www.ohioexca.com.
Mid-Ohio Marauders Ohio State Fair July Shoots
VICE PRESIDENT, Missy DeForest
SECRETARY, Judy Foster
TREASURER, Laurie Maris
PHONE, 740/206-7214
EMAIL, midohiomarauders@gmail.com
WEBSITE, www.midohiomarauders.com
by Steve Keech
The Mid-Ohio Marauders had another very successful shoot at The Ohio State Fair! The crowd was amazing, a packed house to cheer on the competitors.
OHIO STATE FAIR SHOOT I
SATURDAY RESULTS
LIMITED WRANGLER, Nathaniel Hewitt
LIMITED RIFLE, Missy DeForest
OPEN RIFLE, JD Hughes
LIMITED SHOTGUN, Missy DeForest
OPEN SHOTGUN, JD Hughes
and Tim Calvin.
OPEN CAVALRY, JD Hughes
RESERVE SENIOR COWGIRL, Amie Cline
SENIOR COWGIRL, Renee Calvin
RESERVE SENIOR COWBOY, Tim Calvin
RESERVE COWBOY, Robert Bernhardt
OVERALL COWBOY, JD Hughes
RESERVE COWGIRL, Jen Casey
Overall Overall, Stacy Thacker
OHIO STATE FAIR SHOOT II
SUNDAY RESULTS
LIMITED WRANGLER, Raielon Evans
RESERVE SENIOR COWGIRL, Amie Cline
and Nicholas Hall.
SENIOR COWGIRL, Renee Calvin
RESERVE COWGIRL, Jen Casey
OVERALL COWGIRL, Stacy Thacker
RESERVE COWBOY, JD Hughes
OVERALL OVERALL, Tim Calvin
OHIO STATE FAIR SHOOT
WEEKEND DIVISION WINNERS
WRANGLER, Raielon Evans
LIMITED COWBOY, Nicholas Hall
LIMITED SR. COWBOY, Mike Maris
LIMITED COWGIRL, Olivia Boysel
LIMITED SR. COWGIRL, Laurie Maris
EXPRESS COWBOY, Cole Caster
EXPRESS SR. COWBOY, JD Hughes
EXPRESS COWGIRL, Amanda Rinz
EXPRESS SR. COWGIRL, Amie Cline
MASTERS COWBOY, Rob Bernhardt
MASTER SR. COWBOY, Tim Calvin
MASTER COWGIRL, Stacy Thacker
MASTERS SR. COWGIRL, Renee Calvin
We also celebrated a couple move ups. Congratulations to Hollianne Windle from L3 to L4 and Stef Hasse from M1 to M2! Look for the move-up dances on social media.
Check out the CMSA website for complete results, https:// cmsaevents.com/events/event.ph p?id=13342&show=points&gro up=Revolver&type=Overall
If you are interested in joining the Mid-Ohio Marauders, the central Ohio club for CMSA, please visit us at Midohiomarauders. com or on Facebook at Mid-Ohio Marauders.
As another friendly, safety reminder, to try to prevent any incidents that result in serious injury to both riders and horses as a result of poor arena etiquette, please abide by smart arena etiquette and help the less experienced riders learn the rules of the arena. See you soon!
UPCOMING EVENT
SEPT. 20-22: Club Shoot at Madison County Fairgrounds
Cole Caster, Amanda Rinz, JD Hughes, and Amie Cline.
Mike Maris, Laurie Maris,
Rob Bernhardt, Stacy Thacker, Renee Calvin,
Ohio State Fair Wranglers.
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WHY BUY FROM HARRISON TRAILERS
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Keeneland Supplements 10 Horses to Book 1 of September Yearling Sale
Keeneland has announced that 10 horses—colts by Authentic, Constitution, Into Mischief, Maclean’s Music and Uncle Mo along with fillies by Authentic, Curlin, Gun Runner and Not This Time— have been supplemented to Book 1 of the September Yearling Sale on Sept. 9-10.
Opening day of the sale will include these five supplements:
Hip 177 is Limelight, a colt by Authentic from the family of multiple Grade 1 winner and $5.3 million earner National Treasure. Consigned by Bridie Harrison, agent for Peter E. Blum Thoroughbreds, the colt is out of stakes-placed Night Time Lady, by Midnight Lute, a half-sister to stakes winner Carmel Road. Limelight also is from the family of stakes winners Inspired, Silver City, Elope, Initiation, Elysian Field and Ultimate.
Hip 178 is a filly by Curlin who is the first foal of the winning Tiznow mare Party Line Vote, a half-sister to multiple graded stakes winner and multiple Grade 1-placed Daddy Is a Legend. Ballysax Bloodstock, agent for Grantley Acres, consigns the filly, who is from the family of Canadian champion Eternal Search and Grade 2 winner Private Creed.
Pomeroy and to the dam of multiple Grade 1 winner Contested and stakes winner and sire Mosler. He is consigned by Buck Pond Farm (Douglas S. Arnold), agent.
Hip 181 is a colt by Into Mischief who is the fourth foal out of Grade 1 winner Sippican Harbor, by Orb. Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent, he is from the family of Grade 3 winner Cinemine and stakes winners Flick and Awesome Result.
Hip 179 is a daughter of Gun Runner who is a half-sister to Give It a Whirl, winner of the Aug. 4 Bald Eagle Derby at Laurel Park. Her dam is stakes-placed Chic Thrill, a daughter of Smart Strike who is out of Canadian champion Catch the Thrill. The filly is consigned by Paramount Sales, agent.
Hip 180 is a colt by Uncle Mo who is the third foal out of the War Front mare Requested, a half-sister to multiple Grade 1 winner
Five horses have been supplemented to Session 2 on Sept. 10:
Hip 367 is a colt by Constitution out of stakes winner and multiple graded stakes-placed Galina Point, by Saffir. A half-brother to stakes winner Overbore and from the family of Grade 2 winner Kara’s Orientation, he is consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent for WinStar Farm Bred and Raised.
Hip 368 is a colt by Uncle Mo out of listed stakesplaced mare Spring Eclipse, by Unbridled’s Song, and a half-brother to stakes winner Bet She Wins. He is from the family of Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Angel of Empire, Grade 2 winners Softly and Conquest Big E and Grade 3 winners Til Forbid, Bellamore and Coragil Cat. St George Sales, agent, consigns the colt.
Hip 369 is a colt by Maclean’s Music and a full brother to Grade 3 winner and Grade 1- placed Estilo Talentoso. Out of the Afleet Alex mare Bazinga Baby and from the family of Grade 2 winner Freedom’s Daughter, he is consigned by Four Star Sales, agent.
Hip 370 is a filly by Authentic and the first foal out of 10-time winner and multiple stakes winner Lucky Stride, by Declaration of War. From the family of international champions Giovanni Boldini and La Galerie, she is consigned by Bluegrass Thoroughbred Services, agent for Willow Oaks Stable.
Hip 371 is a filly by Not This Time out of the winning Into Mischief mare Breaking Beauty, a daughter of German Oaks (G2) and German One Thousand Guineas (G2) winner Que Bellea and a half-sister to graded/group stakes winners Osidy and Quetsche. The filly is consigned by Hunter Valley Farm, agent.
Keeneland’s September Yearling Sale, internationally recognized as a source of Thoroughbreds who excel in the sport’s most important races, has cataloged 4,406 horses to be offered over 12 sessions from Monday, Sept. 9 through Saturday, Sept. 21. Visit https://catalog. keeneland.com/ for the online catalog, which will include walking videos of yearlings and links to the websites of consignors participating in the 81st edition of the auction.
See theworldsyearlingsale.com for more information about the September Sale, including the success of sale graduates.
Since its first race meet 88 years ago, the Keeneland Association has devoted itself to the health and vibrancy of the Thoroughbred industry. The world’s largest Thoroughbred auction house, Keeneland conducts six sales a year, in January, April, September, October and November. Graduates of Keeneland sales dominate racing across the globe at every level. In April and October, Keeneland offers some of the highest caliber and richest Thoroughbred racing in the world. Keeneland hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in 2015, 2020 and 2022. Uniquely structured, Keeneland is a privately held company with a not-for-profit mission that returns its earnings to the industry and the community in the form of higher purses and millions of dollars donated in support of horse industry initiatives and charitable contributions for education, research, and health and human services throughout Central Kentucky. Keeneland also maintains Keeneland Library, a world-renowned public research institution with the mission of preserving information about the Thoroughbred industry. To learn more, visit Keeneland.com.
View From the Cheap Seats
Give it a Rest, Will Ya!?
by Sarah Vas
Itry really hard not to engage in volatile social media debates surrounding equine issues. If I do, I’m very careful to choose my words wisely and focus on the sensible facts and solutions to a problem. But frankly, I think it’s high time we all let a few topics rest.
Top on my list of Let It Rest topics is the helmet debate. I’m fairly certain that the majority of horse owners trotting around the planet today have all had their miles of equestrian activities sans helmet. I can attest that I, myself, have had plenty of ‘close calls’ whereby afterwards, I undoubtedly thanked several lucky stars for keeping the Universe from splitting my naked melon wide open. And listen, I didn’t even own my first ASTM regulated helmet until I was in college and only because the school’s equine program required one. Over the years, I’ve
vacillated between strict helmet use and conscious bare-headedness. As age and motherhood crept in, my mind shifted closer to selfpreservation but I am still guilty of pause at my helmet case every now and again. Nobody can deny that helmets make perfect sense but until it becomes a crime not to wear one, the different cultures and collective peer pressure within our sports subsets will continue to rally from opposite sides of the helmet-wearing choice. Yes, I agree. There are plenty of folks we secretly want to see their skulls stomped in by a rogue horse. But name calling and public shaming anyone on either side of the helmet topic has got to end. I see the helmet debate as more of a Think Globally, Act Locally kind of solution. Generally speaking, this kind of tide only turns when influence is of a positive nature, not a parent-
bashing, name-calling witch hunt. Another issue that needs to be a non-issue is the choice to keep a horse as a pet only. There is absolutely nothing wrong about any ‘jobless’ horse that is wellcared for and loved by the owner. Riding, competing, taking lessons, participating in any form of equestrian activity labeled as a hobby or discipline does not define an equestrian. What defines someone as a true equestrian is the choice of lifestyle. And we all can agree that choosing to own a horse means that horses are part of your life, no matter how big or small that piece is compared to the rest of your non-equine existence. For that matter, we should be applauding those owners who have chosen to remain contributing members of our industry just by way of the collective financial support required for the upkeep of a single horse. I am fairly certain most horses don’t care about their gym memberships so, stop ranting about a horse being wasted because the owner doesn’t do anything with it. Let’s promote good animal husbandry before we get bent about anyone’s horse ‘just standing around’.
My next concern is breed prejudice. Of course we all have our preferences in size, color, type, and traits. But to publicly bash an entire breed based on your own preferences or experiences? For every breed trait, there are thousands of individuals in any breed that go completely against their societal categorization. Arabians are crazy. Then why does this breed work so well in therapeutic riding programs? Ponies are evil. Then how does the same hunter/jumper pony get sold or leased to rider after rider with the sole purpose of teaching the ropes to these budding equestrians? Appaloosas are dumb. Quarter horses are dead heads. Thoroughbreds are hot and reactive. Really? I think what we all mean to say is “I personally prefer (insert breed here) because (insert positive attributes and reasonable explanations here).”
This mindset goes for disciplines, grooming preferences, trailer styles, saddle brands, feed ingredients, and training programs just to name a few.
Basically, we all need to remember that the equine world is just like anything else. There’s textbook and then there’s real life application. Barefoot versus shod? Case by case basis. 24/7 turnout is the only right way to keep a horse? As a born and bred Northeast Ohio native, I can assure you that there are plenty of environments whereby 24/7 turnout comes with its own set of other unique issues, obstacles, and health problems. The beauty of our chosen domesticated mammal is their adaptability. And for every adaptable horse, there’s another individual standing to the left or right that is the glaring exception to the rule. And it is here where we all could use frequent rollbacks; where the breadth and depth of the equine industry has been its saving grace. There’s something for everybody in this big world of horses. To pop off and pass judgement on anything not directly in line with your own lane is as petty and harmful as a bully on the playground. So, I hope to remind us all to play fair. Be supportive of the whole while upholding your own positive participation in the industry lifestyle, whatever that little corner of it may be. And if you truly want to be heard, first consider whether what you are condemning is actually needing change. Is the animal in pain, abused? Is the animal truly suffering or is the care being adapted to suit the animal’s well-being? Also, there’s a huge difference between taking on a whole segment of our industry
Country Living Close to City Amenities
24481 Barrett, Olmsted Township, Ohio 44138
Welcome to a meticulously maintained horse facility, enhanced with careful attention to every detail since its purchase. Located in Olmsted Township. Walking distance to wonderful MetroPark bridle trails. Some of the updates done by the sellers... Equestrian Features: 16-Stall Barn with 800 hay storage in loft plus another 150 in a hay stall. Wiring updated, LED lighting, extra plugs, and stall fans. New roof on both barn and arena includes light panels in roof ridge providing natural lighting. Indoor and outdoor arenas for versatile riding/training options. Ample pasture, round pens, and turnouts. Wash rack equipped with both hot and cold running water. All essential equipment is provided with the sale, including a tractor and implements. Main House: 1748 sq ft. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths. Gas fireplace, woodburner, newly renovated kitchen, carpet, and bathrooms. Guest House: 690 sq ft. 1 bedroom, living room, kitchen. New kitchen and updated bath. This private property is accessible by appointment only. A scheduled showing with a real estate agent is required. Do not enter the property without an agent. Pre-approval / proof of funds required before viewing the property.
For more information and pictures visit https://now.mlsmatrix.com/matrix/shared/T5vkZT6Wg0c/24481BarrettRoad
Quite a Few Events Left for 2024 Show Season
PRESIDENT, Leanne; VICE PRESIDENT (CONTEST), Shae. VICE PRESIDENT (PLEASURE), Jeff; SECRETARY, Francine; TREASURER, Kathy
Hello, everyone, I hope that you are enjoying your summer! The 2024 show season seems to have rushed past, and September is here. There are still quite a few events left for the show season, and, the year end awards banquet with annual officer elections.
First, please note a change in dates. Due to an unforeseen schedule conflict, the Sept. 1 Contest Show has been rescheduled for Sept. 29. This is the last date for contesters to complete your volunteer hours for year end award eligibility. The last Pleasure Show date of
the year, and the last date to complete peasure volunteer hours, is Sept. 15. This show is a double point show due to the June 23 show cancellation. This showbill also includes ranch classes open to all, in whatever show attire/equipment you may have. Long sleeves (shirts with a collar), long pants, and boots are the only requirement for the ranch classes. Only have a hunt seat saddle, and English clothing? You can show in MSC ranch classes with whatever clothing or equipment that you have! No need to remove banding or braids. Only the horse’s movement and the rider’s horsemanship is judged. (Ranch style clothing and equipment is not required.)
There are still a few fun shows before the show season is over: Sept. 8, Sept. 22, and Oct. 20. The Sept. 22 show is a separate showbill for the Super Fun Show. Please see the Facebook page for the showbill.
The 2024 Year End Awards Banquet and Election of Officers will be held Nov. 7 at Nickajack Farms. The banquet is by reservation only to ensure that there are enough seats, and food, for everyone. (This is a buffet meal with desserts. The desserts are lovingly created by Loretta, with assistance (when available) from chef in training Robert, Lucas, and extended family.)
If you have volunteer hours to complete for year end award eligibility, but the show dates don’t work with your other commitments, please let us know. There are several projects that could not be completed at the showgrounds on spring clean up that can still be done. Please contact Leanne, or message the Facebook page. We have a list of opportunities that may match your schedule.
previous experience is needed. All cattle sorting events are held at Circle Y Arena. Additional dates may be added.
The 2024 MSC fundraiser this year is a handgun raffle. Tickets are $10 each, or, six tickets for $50. The winning ticket will be determined at the November year end awards banquet. Winner need not be present to win. The gun will be held at Fin, Feather, and Fur for the lucky ticket holder.
If you use Tribute products, MSC is collecting the proof of purchase labels and can earn $0.25 per proof of purchase, or, $10 per pallet if you purchase in bulk.
Reservations forms (due by Oct. 20) can be found at the shows, and on the Facebook page. There is limited seating for the banquet based on the capacity of the Nickajack site. Donations are being accepted for the raffle and silent auction items. Items can be services from your business (riding lessons, manicures, etc.) or, physical items/baskets.
If you have enjoyed the Cattle Sorting at Circle Y, or would like to attempt sorting, please watch the MSC Facebook page for any upcoming dates. Open to members and non-members, no
Give it a Rest
Continued from page 40
and shaming your barn mate for using a running martingale in a reasonable manner. Make very sure that you understand you’ll only change the course of equine history by truly getting involved, not just by rail birding from the sidelines. And it takes willing to go in 100 percent to truly shut down some facet of this industry. Otherwise, I assure you that your own positive example is your best influence. Live your equine lifestyle in a way that others would admire and desire. Don’t denigrate, educate. And if you have to look over your
Please watch the MSC Facebook page and website for updates on upcoming events. MSC will have a photographer take family photos, photos with your horse or pets, and possible seminars similar to the recent Buckeye Nutrition seminar. If you have any suggestions for the 2025 show season, please let us know. The current Trustees and Officers has already started working on 2025 events. What would you like to see at MSC in 2025?
Good luck to all of the MSC riders at fair! Until the next show, MSC hopes that you have good rides and amazing adventures in September, and in the wonderful fall weather.
shoulder to see who’s watching, you already know you’re doing it wrong.
Sarah Vas, a second-generation horse woman, writes about her decades of adventure and mayhem in the equine industry. Her experience encompasses multiple breeds and disciplines. A humble storyteller and educator at heart, her Cheap Seats column is often infused with the spirit of her two favorite philosophies. Laughter is the Breath of Life and Poverty is the Real Mother of Invention.
The Cowboy Perseverance Ranch
Crack Open The Shell
by Rob and Tanya Corzatt
ABible verse I read recently to our lesson students had a great impact on me. Prior to reading the verse, there had been things I had been noticing and experiencing with people that I felt were clues, all very different, to something deeper going on in their lives. I want to be able to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit to know how and if I am able to help them. When looking up verses for the week, this one was brought to my attention. Proverbs 2:1-5, “My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will find the knowledge of God.” Yep, this is exactly what I would love to have
more of, wisdom, understanding and insight. I began a Google search of the word ‘insight’ and came across a cute and pretty powerful analogy. Inside an egg, a baby chick is consumed by its own little world. That is all it sees and is the only reality it knows. When the baby chick diligently pecks and pecks at the shell it begins to crack and eventually falls away. When the baby chick is exposed to the outside world it is astonished-where has all this been before? It was there the whole time of course. The baby chick just couldn’t see it. The same can be very true for us. We can be walking around in this shell of what we only tangibly see and touch and many times it is all within our own little world. We need God to give us spiritual insight into the sacred things of the spiritual world. But what is the definition of insight? My favorite definition states that it is a clear, deep and
sometimes sudden understanding of a complicated problem or situation. Webster’s definition states; employ diligently or with close attention. When I paid closer attention to the actions and the things people were saying, I believe the Holy Spirit was giving me a little insight. Some of the clues I was seeing with these wonderful people were very different. Some were pretty easy to distinguish, and others were much more complicated.
One of the easy clues was when a friend of the family reached out to me and directly asked if I had a devotion for that week. I told him of course I did and texted him the verse along with a biblical explanation. He was very thankful and wanted me to continue to share verses with him. I am making a more conscience effort to share our devotions, or other impactful messages I may run across, with him weekly. One response he gave me was that he felt it was not a coincidence that every one of these verses can relate to something currently going on in life.
But not all clues have been as direct or obvious. There have been others that had become quiet and distant. I knew this was not their normal behavior and when we would meet up it was unusually awkward. In this situation it deeply hurt because I didn’t know how to intuitively approach this situation. On the flip side of that there have been others that were overly zealous, almost acting a little too joyful as if to be hiding their true inner emotions when we knew there had been incredible, emotional pain. In these particular situations I definitely needed more insight to help me gain wisdom and understanding in order to handle things more appropriately. But how does anyone do that?
One of the first and most important things to do is pray. Talk to God! I read a lot and had people share with me that I should set aside quiet time to pray so that I could hear and feel the Lord’s guidance. I totally believe that but in all honesty I struggle with quiet time. Rob and I get up very early, 5 a.m., to start our feeding regimen and then the day is very busy with training horses, lessons, feeding, etc. We are usually not back in
the house until around 7:45 p.m., with the exception of lunch. My prayers are not always with my head down and hands folded. Much of the time I will walk around the barn and talk to God. At breakfast or lunch, I will pray about whatever the Holy Spirit has brought to my heart. When I run errands, I will turn my radio off and talk to God while I’m driving (with my eyes open of course). Continue to reach out to God and communicate in prayer with whatever method works best for you.
Another important method to gaining insight is reading scripture. The scripture I shared at the beginning of this article is not what I had intended for my devotion that week. I googled verses according to emotions I was experiencing and wanted to discuss that week, but as I continued to read past the recommended verses, this verse really spoke to me for many reasons. The young man I have been sharing scripture with put it very well when he said that the verses can relate to something going on in life at that time. This verse really did! I tell people that the Bible is our manual for life. When we read and memorize scripture it becomes our spiritual weapon that can take us out of our shell and reset our mind and heart.
Also, a good church sermon can be beneficial for better insight because it can bring to light things we may not have thought about. If Rob and I cannot attend a service in person, we will livestream our church’s service or listen to the podcast. Occasionally, I will google podcasts that relate to what I am feeling or going through at that
S Please turn to page 50
Tanya and Rob Corzatt
Corral Calendar
SEPTEMBER 2024
SEPT. 1 — Massillon Saddle Club Contest Point Show, 12680 Sally St. SW, Massillon, OH. FMI: Leanne Louive, 330-8444041, massillonsaddleclub@gmail.com, rideatmsc.weebly.com
SEPT. 1-2 — Pinto Horse Association of Ohio Summer Sizzler, Champions Center, 4122 Laybourne Rd., Springfield, OH. FMI: www.ohiopinto.net
SEPT. 5-16 — Michigan Trail Ride Association September Ride, Oscoda River Road Camp to Lake Huron to Empire, Lake Michigan. FMI: mtra.office@ gmail.com, https://www.facebook.com/ groups/124891957546197
SEPT. 5-6 — Winding Road Stables Littles Silver Buckle Speed Show Series (5th) and Open Silver Buckle Speed Show Series (6th), 5:30 p.m., 17600 Pitts Road, Wellington, OH. FMI: 440-309-6567
SEPT. 6 — Wayne County Saddle Club Friday Night Buckle Series, 4200 Overton Rd., Wooster, OH. FMI: Leanne Louive, 330844-4041, waynecountysaddleclub.com
SEPT. 6-8 — Bowser Barrel Clinic, THE Show Arena, 1640 CR B, Swanton, OH. FMI: 419290-3700, www.theshowarena.com
SEPT. 6-8 — Miami County Horse Association 5 Rides To The Prize, Miami County Fairgrounds, Troy, OH. FMI: miamicountyhorseassociation@gmail.com, https://www.facebook.com/MCHA4H
SEPT. 6-8 — National Open Horse Show Association World Championship Show, C Bar C Expo Center, Cloverdale, IN. FMI: www.nohsa.net
SEPT. 6-8 — Ranch Horse Association of Michigan Show, Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds, 9122 US Hwy. 31, Berrien Springs, MI. FMI: Sam Holwerda, 616-8901190, samholwerda@yahoo.com, www. miranchhorse.com
SEPT. 7 — Spur For The Cure Trail Ride, Inside Cuyahoga Valley National Park, 1075 Truxell Rd., Peninsula, OH. FMI: www.centerracoop.com/spur-for-the-cure
SEPT. 7 — Scavenger Hunt/Poker Run/ Mt. Trail Year End Awards & Fundraiser Dinner, Creek Side Horse Park, 7369 Mottice Drive SE, Waynesburg, OH. FMI: creeksidehorsepark@gmail.com, www. creeksidehorsepark.com
SEPT. 7 — Mid-Ohio Dressage Association East Meets West, Four Star QH Farm, 10156 Marysville Rd., Ostander, OH. FMI: showsecretary.com
SEPT. 7 — Erie County OHC Poker Ride, 9 a.m., Edison Woods Metro Park, Berlin Heights, OH. FMI: 419-750-8285, https://www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100064262456397
SEPT. 7 — Don’t Break The Bank, Mercer County Fairgrounds, 1001 West Market St., Celina, OH. FMI: Baily, 567-644-5761
SEPT. 7-8 — Premier Mount N Trail Obstacle Competition, 31575 Schneider Rd., Hanoverton, OH. FMI: www. premiermountntrail.com
SEPT. 7-8 — Ohio Paint Horse Club Amateur Club Show, Preble County Fairgrounds, Eaton, OH. FMI: ohiophc@ gmail.com, www.ophc.org
SEPT. 7-8 — Southern Ohio and National Quarter Pony Association Open Horse Show Series, 9 a.m., Bob Evans Farm, 791 Farmview Rd., Rio Grande, OH. FMI: Jocelyn Wilson, 740-590-7267
SEPT. 7-8 — 30th Annual Central WV Mule and Donkey Show, Holly Gray Park, Sutton, WV. FMI: 304-532-5206, WVCentralMule@ gmail.com
SEPT. 7-8 — Daybrook Saddle Club Show, 1650 Days Run Rd., Fairview, WV. FMI: John Ocheltree, 304-313-2040, https://www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100063582788953
SEPT. 8 — Massillon Saddle Club Fun Show, 12680 Sally St. SW, Massillon, OH. FMI: Leanne Louive, 330-8444041, massillonsaddleclub@gmail.com, rideatmsc.weebly.com
SEPT. 8 — All Horse Parade, 3 p.m., begins at Delaware County Fairgrounds, 236 Pennsylvania Ave., Delaware, OH. FMI: 740362-3851, www.delawarecountyfair.com
SEPT. 8-9 — Making Memories Open Charity Horse Show, WPQHA Show Complex, 3670 Harlansburg Rd., New Castle, PA. FMI: Janie, 330-550-8485
SEPT. 11 — Bath Pony Club Cross Country Schooling Show, 5-7 p.m., 151 Remsen Rd., Medina, OH. FMI: deanna13@sssnet.com
SEPT. 12 — Tri State Boot & Saddle Club Exhibition & Jackpot (Barrels & Poles), 6 p.m., 14930 Old Lincoln Highway, East Liverpool, OH. FMI: Facebook: Tri-State Boot and Saddle Club
SEPT. 13-14 — Wanted For The Crime of Barrel Racing, THE Show Arena, 1640 County Road B, Swanton, OH. FMI: 419290-3700, theshowarena@yahoo.com, theshowarena.com
SEPT. 13-15 — Michigan Foundation Quarter Horse Registry Show, Midland County Fairgrounds, Midland, MI. FMI: 517-331-6085, michiganfqhr@gmail.com, michigan-fqhr.com
SEPT. 13-15 — Michigan Paint Horse Club Fall Color Classic Show, Ingham County Fairgrounds, Mason, MI. FMI: abshowmanagement@gmail.com, www. miphc.com
SEPT. 13-15 — Indiana Equine Foundation Charity Horse Show, Boone County Fairgrounds, 1300 E 100 S, Lebanon, IN. FMI: Darla Bridges, 812- 446-0502, redpegasusranch@hotmail.com, www. indianaequinefoundation.com
SEPT. 14 — Premier Mount N Trail Obstacle Competition, Home Therapeutic Riding Center Inc., 2590 N. Walnut Rd., Rochester, IL. FMI: www.premiermountntrail.com
SEPT. 14 — Auglaize County Horseman’s Council Denim and T’s Horse Show, Auglaize County Fairgrounds, 1001 Fairview Dr., Wapakoneta, OH. FMI: Dietrich Rinehart, 419-204-3871
SEPT. 14 — Under The Oaks Open Show, 9 a.m., Crawford County Fairgrounds, 610 Whetstone St., Bucyrus, OH. FMI: Trisha, 419-563-5170
SEPT. 14 — Wes Morelock Memorial Open Western Show, 9 a.m., Boone County Fairgrounds, 1300 E. 100 S., Lebanon, IN. FMI: Katie Teeters, 317-997-9449, cowgirl41756@embarqmail.com
SEPT. 14 — Mt. Eden Saddle Club Horse Show, 7:30 p.m.,11199 Mt. Eden Road, Mt. Eden, KY. FMI: Sharon Gilbert, 502-7389741, www.mtedensaddle.weebly.com
SEPT. 14 — West KY Jackpot Saddle Series, 201 Dalton Rd., Fredonia, KY. FMI: 270-8719957
SEPT. 14 — Mill Creek Lions Club Fun Show, 3 p.m., Lions Memorial Park, Lewisburg, KY. FMI: Mike Merrill, 606-301-3616
SEPT. 14-15 — Champions Center All Breed 2024 Show, 8:30 a.m., 4122 Layborne Rd., Springfield, OH. FMI: 937-324-4353, www. championscenterarena.com
SEPT. 14-15 — Bainbridge Saddle Club Open Horse Show, 8:30 a.m., 3038 North County Road 450 West, Greencastle, IN. FMI: Kasey Summerlot, 765-720-2201, www.bainbridgesaddleclub.net
SEPT. 15 — Massillon Saddle Club Pleasure Point Show, 12680 Sally St. SW, Massillon, OH. FMI: Leanne Louive, 330-8444041, massillonsaddleclub@gmail.com, rideatmsc.weebly.com
SEPT. 7, 2024
I 9 AM Start
I $35 per rider
I Groups of 1, 2, 3
I Poker Run— collecting on the trail
I Scavenger Hunt receive a list of riddles and find the items on the trail
I Timed for a tie breaker
I All added together for the winner
I Pizza Party for lunch
Corral Calendar
Continued from page 46
SEPT. 15 — Angels Haven Horse Rescue Fun Show, Lewis Road Riding Ring Show Grounds, Cleveland MetroParks, Olmsted Falls, OH. FMI: 440-781-5060, angelshavenhorserescue.org
SEPT. 15 — Steubenville Saddle Club Show, 8675 State Route 152, Richmond, OH. FMI: www.facebook.com/SteubenvilleSaddleClub
SEPT. 15-26 — Michigan Trail Ride Association 2nd September Ride, Empire/ Garey Lake to Oscoda River Rd. Camp, Lake Huron, MI. FMI: mtra.office@ gmail.com, https://www.facebook.com/ groups/124891957546197
SEPT. 19 — The Little Brown Jug, Delaware County Fairgrounds, 236 Pennsylvania Ave., Delaware, OH. FMI: 740-362-3851, www.littlebrownjug.com
SEPT. 19 — All-In-One Barrel Race, Twistin B Ranch, 3435 S. Pleasant Ridge Rd., Scottsburg, IN. FMI: Penny, 812-406-8512
SEPT. 20 — Friday Fun Show, 475 Commerce Drive, Ironton, OH. FMI: Laura Adkins, 304-360-0013
SEPT. 20-21 — Yoder Bros. Fall Horse and Carriage Auction, Isabella County Fairgrounds, 500 N. Mission, Mt. Pleasant, MI. FMI: 989-386-9082, gotoauction. com/2109
SEPT. 20-22 — Tri-County Trail Fall Ride/ Potluck Dinner Weekend, 2662 Downing Street SW, East Sparta, OH. FMI: www.tricotrails.com
SEPT. 20-22 — CMSA Mid-West REgional Championship, Madison County Fairgrounds, 205 Elm St., London, OH. FMI: 740-206-7214, midohiomarauders@ gmail.com, www.midohiomarauders.com
SEPT. 20-22 — Rodeo 419 Show, THE Show Arena, 1540 CR B, Swanton, OH. FMI: 419290-3700, www.theshowarena.com
SEPT. 21 — SS Performance Horses Tack Swap, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 606 County Road 801, Ashland, OH. FMI: Emily, 419-685-0761
SEPT. 21 — Knox County Horse Park 2024 High Point Show, 7500 Thayer Road, Mount Vernon, OH. FMI: 740-627-0096, kchp.mtv. ohio@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/ KnoxCountyHorseParkMountVernonOH
SEPT. 21 — Wayne County Saddle Club Open Contest Show, 4200 Overton Rd., Wooster, OH. FMI: Randi, 330-201-3710, www.waynecountysaddleclub.com
SEPT. 21 — Giddy-Up! Trail Ride Fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Dill Farm, 34015 Beech Grove Rd., Rutland, OH. FMI: Isabel and Michael Dill, 740-742-2849
SEPT. 21 — Hocking County Open Horse Show Series, Hocking County Fairgrounds, Logan, OH. FMI: Chrissy Robers, 740-6032073, hchorseshow@gmail.com
SEPT. 21 — Wranglers Riding Club Show, 3385 State Highway 80 E, Murray, KY. FMI: wranglersridingclubinc@gmail.com, www. wranglersmurray.wixsite.com/wranglers
SEPT. 21 — Henry County Saddle Club Horse Show, 10 a.m., 1700 Castle Hwy., Eminence, KY. FMI: Jackie Furlong, 502595-7141
Buckeye Mini Horse, Donkey, Pony & Horse Mixed Auction
SEPT. 21-22 — KRS Horsemanship Weekend Clinic, Creek Side Horse Park, Waynesburg, OH. FMI: www.krshorsemanship.com
SEPT. 21-22 — Deanna “Dee” Kuzenko Memorial Scholarship Barrel Race Series, 9:30 a.m., 14930 Old Lincoln Highway, East Liverpool, OH. FMI: Facebook: Tri-State Boot and Saddle Club
SEPT. 22 — Massillon Saddle Club Super Fun Show, 12 p.m., 12680 Sally SW, Massillon, OH. FMI: Leanne, 330-8444041, www.massillonsaddleclub.org
SEPT. 22 — Bath Pony Club Cross Country Schooling Show, 5-7 p.m., 151 Remsen Rd., Medina, OH. FMI: deanna13@sssnet.com
SEPT. 22 — 2nd Annual Tack Sale & Craft Fair, 12-5 p.m., 13369 East River Rd., Columbia Station, OH. FMI: 330-741-0737, argmbf@gmail.com
SEPT. 23-28 — IBRA National Finals, C Bar C Expo Center Cowpokes Arena, Cloverdale, IN. FMI: 502-239-4000, shane@ibra.us, ibra.us
SEPT. 26 — Tri State Boot & Saddle Club Exhibition & Jackpot (Barrels & Poles), 6 p.m., 14930 Old Lincoln Highway, East Liverpool, OH. FMI: Facebook: Tri-State Boot and Saddle Club
SEPT. 26-29 — 18th Annual Tough Enough To Wear Pink Horse Show, Champions Center, 4122 Laybourne Rd., Springfield, OH. FMI: Kay Tracy, 740-606-7640, www. tetwphs.com
SEPT. 27 — Wayne County Saddle Club Friday Night Buckle Series Finals, 4200 Overton Rd., Wooster, OH. FMI: Leanne Louive, 330-844-4041, waynecountysaddleclub.com
SEPT. 27 — 7th Annual Daviess County Crossbred & Pony Auction, Dinky’s Auction Center, Montgomery, IN. FMI: Levi Raber, 812-486-6197, levi@dinkysauction.com
SEPT. 27-29 — William Ball Pole Bending Clinic, Crazy Woman Ranch, Lancaster, OH. FMI: William Ball, 859-339-2283
SEPT. 28 — Equine Tack Swap, New London Recreational Park, 2 Blake St., New London, OH. FMI: 419-307-1325
SEPT. 28-29 — Northern Ohio Outlaws Shoot, Wayne County Fairgrounds, Wooster, OH. FMI: www.northernohiooutlaws.com
SEPT. 29 — Premier Mount N Trail Obstacle Competition, Kal-Val Saddle Club, 9853 S. 34th St., Scotts, MI. FMI: www.premiermountntrail.com
SEPT. 29-OCT. 27 — All American Quarter Horse Congress, Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, OH. FMI: 614-5057200, www.quarterhorsecongress.com
SEPT. 30-OCT. 5 — 2024 Congress NCHA Cutting, Preble County Fairgrounds, Eaton, OH. FMI: Chuck Smith, 614-4023189, csmithch@gmail.com, www. quarterhorsecongress.com
OCTOBER 2024
OCT. 3-11 — Michigan Trail Ride Association Color Ride, Stoney Creek to Walch Rd Trail Camp, MI. FMI: mtra. office@gmail.com, https://www.facebook. com/groups/124891957546197
OCT. 3-4 — Winding Road Stables Littles Silver Buckle Speed Show Series (3rd) and Open Silver Buckle Speed Show Series (4th), 5:30 p.m., 17600 Pitts Road, Wellington, OH. FMI: 440-309-6567
OCT. 4 — Friday Fun Show, 475 Commerce Drive, Ironton, OH. FMI: Laura Adkins, 304360-0013
OCT. 4-6 — Preble County OHC State Ride, Hueston Woods Horseman’s Camp, Morning Sun, OH. FMI: Becky, 937-4174359, www.facebook.com/groups/pcohc
Commission Rates is as follows: Each animal $25 plus 10%, Tack 20%, Saddles & Carts 10%, No sales $25. Veterinarian will be available day of sale for Coggins: $30.
Terms
SEPT. 28 — 15th Annual Gallipolis Shrine Club Benefit Trail Ride, 12 p.m., Ohio Horseman’s Council Shelter O.O. McIntyre Park, Gallipolis, OH. FMI: Carl Dewitt, 740645-8303
SEPT. 28 — Lawrence County Horseman’s Association Show, 475 Commerce Drive, Ironton, OH. FMI: Laura, 304-360-0013
SEPT. 28 — Northern Kentucky Horse Network Hamburger Trail Ride, AJ Jolly Park, Alexandria, KY. FMI: Donnie Orth, 859-393-7012, nkhn@nkhn.info
SEPT. 28 — Mt. Eden Saddle Club Horse Show, 7:30 p.m.,11199 Mt. Eden Road, Mt. Eden, KY. FMI: Sharon Gilbert, 502-7389741, www.mtedensaddle.weebly.com
SEPT. 28 — Midwest Saddle & Bridle Association Inc. Halloween Show, 25 N. 450 E., Valparaiso, IN. FMI: 219-241-3037
OCT. 5 — NBHA Show, Treharne Training Center, 49053 Fredricktown Clarkson Rd., Negley, OH. FMI: Rachel, 330-357-9981
OCT. 5 — 83rd Annual Camargo Hunter Trials & Tailgate Competition, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Clippinger Field, Indian Hill, Cincinnati, OH. FMI: www.camargohunt.com
OCT. 9 — Bath Pony Club Cross Country Schooling Show, 5-7 p.m., 151 Remsen Rd., Medina, OH. FMI: deanna13@sssnet.com
OCT. 10-13 — Liberty Festival 2024, Kentucky Horse Park Alltech Arena, 4089 John Henry Lane, Lexington, KY. FMI: info@libertyhorseassociation.com, libertyhorseassociation.com
OCT. 11-13 — Tri-County Trail Halloween Ride Weekend, 2662 Downing Street SW, East Sparta, OH. FMI: www.tri-cotrails.com
OCT. 12 — Ashtabula County OHC Dice Ride, 10 a.m., Cleveland MetroParks Polo Fields, 41324-44998 S. Woodland Rd., Chagrin Falls, OH. FMI: Kelli Brown, 440994-9937
OCT. 12 — Central Kentucky Riding for Hope 26th Annual Tack Sale, 4185 Walt Robertson Road, Lexington, KY. FMI: Isabella, 859-2317066, www.ckrh.org/tacksale/
OCT. 12 — Mt. Eden Saddle Club Horse Show, 7:30 p.m.,11199 Mt. Eden Road, Mt. Eden, KY. FMI: Sharon Gilbert, 502-7389741, www.mtedensaddle.weebly.com
OCT. 16-18 — The Horseman’s Mission & The Horseman’s Mission Select Sale, Harvest Ridge (Holmes County Fairgrounds), Millersburg, OH. FMI: 330275-2877, https://www.facebook.com/ thehorsemansmission
OCT. 18 — The Best Witches Halloween Barrel Race, 7 p.m., The Show Arena, 1640 County Road B, Swanton, OH. FMI: 740641-7435
OCT. 18 — 1st Ohio Shootout at The Fall Cowboy Classic, Preble County Fairgrounds, 722 S. Franklin St., Eaton, OH. FMI: Clayton Lightfield, 513-678-5402
OCT. 18-20 — Pinto Horse Association of Ohio Fall Wind Up Show, Garwood Arena, 2538 Middleton Rd., Columbiana, OH. FMI: www.ohiopinto.net
OCT. 18-19 — Rackin by the River Speed Show, Central Ky Ag Expo Center, 678 S. Wallace Wilkinson Blvd., Liberty, KY. FMI: Ashley, 859-779-0397
OCT. 19 — KCHP 2024 High Point Show, 7500 Thayer Road, Mount Vernon, OH. FMI: 740-627-0096, www.facebook.com/ KnoxCountyHorseParkMountVernonOH
OCT. 19 — Two Minds, One Mission Clinic Building Safe and Trusting Horses with Brain-Centered Horsemanship, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pure Gold Stables, 3325 OH-45, Salem, OH. FMI: 724-456-0237, horseofadifferentcolor.org
OCT. 19 — Wranglers Riding Club Halloween Show, 3385 State Highway 80 E, Murray, KY. FMI: wranglersridingclubinc@ gmail.com, www.wranglersmurray.wixsite. com/wranglers
OCT. 19-20 — Bainbridge Saddle Club Open Horse Show, 8:30 a.m., 3038 North County Road 450 West, Greencastle, IN. FMI: Kasey Summerlot, 765-720-2201, www. bainbridgesaddleclub.net
OCT. 20 — Massillon Saddle Club Fun Show, 12680 Sally St. SW, Massillon, OH. FMI: Leanne Louive, 330-8444041, massillonsaddleclub@gmail.com, rideatmsc.weebly.com
OCT. 25 & 26 — Professional Rodeo, Henderson’s Arena, 800 Van Fossan Rd., Jackson, OH. FMI: 740-988-4700
OCT. 26 — Classical Attraction Dressage Society Fall Fun Show Show, Brecksville Stables, 11921 Parkview Dr., Brecksville, OH. FMI: cadsrider@gmail.com, www. cadsdressage.org
NOV. 29-DEC. 1 — Thanksgiving Weekend Preferred IBRA Show, Oak Grove Equestrian Center, Oak Grove, KY. FMI: 502-239-4000, shane@ibra.us, ibra.us
NOV. 30 — Blessing of the Hounds, 9-10 am., Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, 3501 Lexington Rd., Harrodsburg, KY. FMI: 859734-5411, info@shakervillageky.org, www. shakervillageky.org
Crack Open The Shell
time. It can really help inspire, rejuvenate and motivate me and it is amazing how it can really lift me up and jump start my heart. My friends, when we allow ourselves to crack open the shell and open our eyes to spiritually see what is out there, we will obtain better insight that will ultimately lead to greater understanding and wisdom. A few examples of what our energetic search for greater insight can lead to are love, peace, joy, contentment and forgiveness. Everyone deserves to have that!
As always, may you be blessed on your ride!
(continued)
The Corzatt family owns and operates the Cowboy Perseverance Ranch (CPR) in Marengo, Ohio. CPR is a faith based operation and our mission is to build a strong foundation and relationship with our training horses and students. We are blessed to be able to provide western horsemanship lessons infused with biblical scripture to students of all ages. One student has described her time here as “CPR for the soul!” Visit our website at www.cpranch. wixsite.com/home or follow us on Facebook.
Eme is 13 years old and going into her 2nd year as a solo contract act. She is busy training her 5 year old, Storm, for a new fire roman riding act. Storm will be joining forces with Blitz, a seasoned trick and roman riding horse. Blitz is currently Eme’s trick riding partner for the 2024 season. Eme loves performing, meeting new people and traveling all over the US. Above all, she loves and adores her horses and spending time with them in and outside of the arena.
TRICK AND FANCY RIDER
Eme Martin
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
May 25-26 Gladwin Ranch Rodeo presented by South Point 7pm Ranch Rodeo Productions, Gladwin, MI
JUNE 15 Youth Champion Rodeo, Hudson, IN 7pm www.youthchampionrodeo.com
JUNE 22 2nd Annual Family Fun Night Community Event 3-7pm Belmont County Fairgrounds, St. Clairsville, OH
JUNE 26 2nd Annual Wild West Days Community Event 10am-1pm Organized by Belmont Senior Services and Sarah Martin Belmont County Fairgrounds, St. Clairsville, OH
July 12 Logan County Fair — GLCBRA Bulls & Barrels 7pm Rough E Rodeo Productions Bellefontaine, OH
Information and Sponsorships contact: Sarah Martin, 740-359-0428 emerae.trickrider@gmail.com
JULY 13 Red, White and Blue Rodeo by Rocky Fork Rodeo Co. 10am-5pm Rocky Fork Ranch, Kimbolton, OH
JULY 27 “BE Our Guest” by Step by Step Therapeutic Riders 1pm, 7pm Huntsville, AL
AUG. 3 2nd Annual Buckin’ In The Valley Event 7pm by E & H Cattle Co., Dover, OH
SEPT. 6 Cowboy Corner Fun Show 10am-2pm During Fair Field Days at Belmont County Fair St. Clairsville, OH
SEPT. 7 Youth Champion Rodeo 7pm Hudson, IN www.youthchampionrodeo.com
Martin Trick and Fancy Rider
Western Dressage
Elevate Your Western Dressage: Mastering Posture in the Saddle
by Kelley Bitter
Western dressage, a beautiful fusion of western riding and classical dressage, is all about the dance between horse and rider. It’s where harmony, grace, and precision come together. And at the heart of this dance lies one crucial element: posture. Not only does good posture make you look the part, but it also enhances your performance and well-being. Here’s your allinclusive guide to perfecting your posture, complete with a real-life story, common pitfalls, and practical exercises to get you there.
The Importance of Posture: Why It Matters
Imagine trying to communicate through a foggy window. That’s what it feels like for your horse when your posture isn’t spot on. Good posture is like clearing that fog, allowing for clear, effective communication. It helps distribute your weight evenly, ensuring your horse remains comfortable and healthy. It also gives you the stability and control needed to navigate those intricate dressage patterns without risking falls or injuries.
A Real-Life Story: The Tale of Bent Butt
We’ve all seen it—the infamous ‘bent butt’ posture in western dressage. It’s where riders unknowingly put too much weight on their seat bones, causing their lower back to curve out and their upper body to round forward. This may seem harmless but trust me; it can lead to a host of issues for both rider and horse. Just ask my friend Sally.
Sally had been struggling with her posture for years until she discovered western dressage. Wearing her new show attire, she proudly entered the arena and began her pattern. As she executed a lope, her seat bones took on extra pressure from her unbalanced position, causing her horse to stumble and nearly fall. Sally was mortified and quickly realized how much her posture played a role in the performance
Common Pitfalls: Where We Go Wrong
Now that we know why good posture matters let’s dive into some common pitfalls that can hinder our progress towards it. The first is being unaware of our body positioning. It’s easy to forget about your posture when you’re focused on your horse’s movements or trying to remember the next pattern step. But being oblivious to your posture can lead to bad habits. Another pitfall is relying too much on our horse’s movement to hold us up. While it may feel easier to let your horse do the work, this can lead to a lack of balance and control in the saddle. It’s important to remember that good posture starts with you, not your horse.
Why Good Posture Matters: The Confidence Boost
Aside from the obvious physical benefits of good posture, it also has a significant impact on our mental well-being. Have you ever noticed how much more confident and powerful you feel when sitting tall with your shoulders back and chest open? This is because good posture exudes confidence and self-assurance. As riders, we strive for this feeling in the saddle, and having a strong posture plays a crucial role in achieving it.
Sarah’s Journey: From Slouching to Scoring High
Meet Sarah, a passionate western dressage rider who struggled with her posture. Sarah often found herself slouching in the saddle, which led to a weak seat and poor control. Her horse, Bella, seemed confused and less responsive, and their scores in competitions reflected this disconnect. Determined to improve, Sarah focused on her posture. She incorporated core-strengthening exercises, stretched regularly, and took lunge lessons to concentrate on her position. Over time, Sarah’s posture improved dramatically. Bella became more responsive, their bond strengthened, and their scores soared. Sarah’s story is a testament to the transformative power of good posture.
The Solution: Practicing Good Posture
But fear not! There are simple ways to improve your posture and avoid these pitfalls. First and foremost is being mindful of your body positioning while riding. Take a moment before starting a pattern or movement to check in with yourself and make necessary adjustments. Sally and Sarah both improved their posture and developed better habits with a few exercises. You can do this too. It is also helpful to have someone watching you or video yourself riding so can see improvements. So let’s talk about some common pitfalls and how to address posture issues.
Common Posture Pitfalls: What to Avoid
Even the best riders slip into bad habits, here are some common mistakes:
• Slouching: Leads to a weak seat and poor control. Picture a string pulling you up from the top of your head to sit tall.
• Hollow Back: Over-arching your lower back can cause discomfort. Engage your core to keep a neutral spine.
• Tipping Forward: Disrupts your center of gravity. Maintain a slight lean back with your hips under you.
• Stiff Arms: Tension transmits to the reins, reducing finesse. Keep elbows relaxed and close to your sides.
• Uneven Shoulders: Throws off balance. Regularly check to keep shoulders level.
Exercises and Tips for Better Posture: On and Off the Horse
Improving posture is a continuous journey that extends beyond the saddle. Here are some exercises and tips to guide you:
1. Engage Your Core:
• Off the Horse: Planks, sit-ups, and Pilates are your best friends. Hold a plank position for increasing durations to build strength.
• On the Horse: Imagine bracing for a gentle punch to your stomach to engage your core.
2. Stretch Regularly:
• Off the Horse: Stretch your hip flexors, hamstrings, and lower back with yoga poses like downward dog and pigeon.
• On the Horse: Lift one leg at a time away from the saddle and rotate your ankles.
3. Balance Exercises:
• Off the Horse: Stand on one leg, use a balance board, or try Tai Chi.
• On the Horse: Ride without stirrups at different gaits and transitions to challenge your balance.
4. Mirror Work:
• Off the Horse: Use mirrors to check your posture during practice. If unavailable, record videos to review later.
• On the Horse: Use your shadow or reflective surfaces to selfassess your alignment.
5. Lunge Lessons:
• Focus on your position without reins. Ask your instructor to guide you through exercises like sitting trot, rising trot, and canter on the lunge to identify asymmetries.
6. Shoulder Rolls and Arm Circles:
• Off the Horse: Perform shoulder rolls before and after riding.
• On the Horse: Loosen shoulders by rolling them backward and forward during breaks.
7. Visualize and Feel:
• Off the Horse: Visualize a straight line from your ear through
your shoulder, hip, and heel to encourage tall posture.
• On the Horse: Periodically check your alignment by feeling the even distribution of your seat bones.
8. Get Feedback:
• Regularly seek feedback from a qualified instructor. Consider using biofeedback tools like posture sensors for real-time corrections.
Enhancing Performance Through Posture
Good posture is more than just aesthetics; it’s the key to unlocking your best performance in western dressage. A correctly seated rider allows the horse to move more freely and responsively, enabling precise and graceful movements. This balance is crucial for executing intricate dressage patterns smoothly.
Moreover, good posture fosters a deeper connection and trust between you and your horse. This bond is the cornerstone of western dressage, where harmony and partnership are paramount. Improved posture also reduces the risk of physical strain and injury for both you and your horse, ensuring a longer, healthier riding career.
In conclusion, perfecting your posture in the saddle is a journey that demands dedication and mindful practice. By avoiding common mistakes and incorporating specific exercises both on and off the horse into your routine, you can enhance your performance in western dressage and ensure the well-being of both you and your horse. Remember, a poised rider leads to a poised horse, and together, you can achieve the elegance and harmony that define western dressage. So saddle up, straighten up, and let the dance begin!
Want to learn more? Contact us at Eagles Nest Equestrian Center in Shalersville Ohio. Our coaches are waiting to help you achieve your best ride yet! We are on Facebook and our new website is www. Eaglesnestequestrian.com — offering lessons in western dressage, horsemanship, showmanship, and contesting. Don’t forget to check out my blog at www.theconfidenthorseman.com and visit our Facebook at Eagles Nest Equestrian in Shalersville, Ohio.
Lake Erie Mounted Vaqueros
PRESIDENT, R. David Davis
VICE PRESIDENT, Mike Sheets
SECRETARY/TREASURER, Karen
Foley; PHONE, 330-719-3290
EMAIL, karenld0819@gmail.com
WEBSITE, www.lakeerievaqueros.net
by Karen (Chilipepper) Foley
19 riders and two wranglers on Saturday and 27 riders and two wranglers on Sunday. Everyone had a good time, played corn hole Saturday night and had a blast. There were no accidents at this event. It was a beautiful weekend!
SATURDAY WINNERS
OVERALL CHAMPION & OVERALL COWBOY: George Hampe
OVERALL COWGIRL: Carla Spackman
OVERALL SR COWBOY: Bob Koniak
OVERALL SR. COWGIRL: Rhonda Brown
OVERALL RESERVE: Sylvio Pellegrino
RESERVE COWBOY: Sylvio Pellegrino
RESERVE COWGIRL: Emily Hric
RESERVE SR. COWBOY: Charlie Brown
RESERVE SR COWGIRL: Colleen Kelly
CLASS WINNERS: L1 Lily Farnsworth, L2 Maria Haefner, L3 Emily Hric, L4 Marcy Gruchalak, L6 Carla Spackman,
M2 Ed Haefner, M3 Sylvio Pellegrino, M6 George Hampe, SL3 Nancy Virzi, SL4 Cheri Stady, SL5 Rhonda Brown, SM4 Robert Koniak, SM5 Charlie Brown.
WRANGLERS: WRL Kamille Huff, WRO Kylee Kitzmiller
RIFLE: Bob Koniak
SHOTGUN: Cheri Stady
SUNDAY WINNERS
OVERALL CHAMPION & OVERALL SR COWBOY: Matt Miller
OVERALL COWBOY: George Hampe
OVERALL COWGIRL: Marcy Gruchalak
OVERALL SR COWGIRL: Colleen Kelly
OVERALL RESERVE: Robert Koniak
RESERVE COWBOY: Sylvio Pellegrino
RESERVE COWGIRL: Carla Spackman
RESERVE SR. COWBOY: Bob Koniak
RESERVE SR COWGIRL: Cheri Stady
CLASS WINNERS: L1 Lily Farnsworth, L2 Maria Haefner, L3 Stephanie Berry, L4 Marcy Gruchalak, L6 Carla Spackman, M2 Ed Haefner, M3 Sylvio Pellegrino, M5 James Chambers, M6
George Hampe, SL2 Diana Bernhardt, SL3 Amie Cline, SL4 Cheri Stady, SL5 Colleen Kelly, SM2 Chuck Cline, SM4 Bob Koniak, SM5 Matt Miller
WRANGLERS: WRL Kamille Huff, WRO Kylee Kitzmiller
We want to congratulate all of our winners and thank them for coming out to our second event of the season. The last event of the season will be on Oct. 5 and 6, then on to the awards banquet.
Our meetings are always the first Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. Anyone interested in coming are more than welcome. Visit our web page, lakeeriemountedvaqueros.net, to see where the meetings are going to be held or feel free to call me at 330/719-3290 for any
information regarding our club or about cowboy mounted shooting. I would like to thank Carmen and Nancy Virzi for hosting our August meeting.
Special thanks to our sponsors: Big Dee’s Vet and Tack Supply, CMSA, Lonesome Pine Ammo and Curly’s Ammo, The Horsemen’s Corral, Stagecoach West, Park Side Trailer Sales and Services, Inc., Siracki Realty, Altmeyer’s Trailer Sales, Wendy Shaffer, MMCP, Agile Equine Bodywork, Junction Buick GMC, Kiko Meats, and Jefferson Milling.
Bob Koniak
George Hampe
Marcy Gruchalak
Horizon Structures Presents Series: Tips For Horse Farm Tidy Up In Fall
by Nikki Alvin-Smith
Fall and Spring are typical times to complete your seasonal switch in horse barn storage and equipment. The amount of ‘stuff’ we acquire as equestrians to care and manage our horses is staggering, and of course, it all has to find a place to live.
A tidy farm is a safe farm. And keeping everything in its place, preserves it against damage and loss that can come in the form of moisture for tack or bedding/grain/hay or simply encompass stuff that is awkward to store such as stall fans can be a challenge.
If you have trouble keeping your horse farm tidy, it’s most likely because you don’t have sufficient storage space and/or you don’t have a program in place to follow to keep what you use most front and center for changes of use due to weather or due to training/competition schedule switchbacks. Let’s take a look at the Fall round up.
A Seasonal Switch Can Help
Aside from completing a deep barn cleaning to remove fire hazards such as cobwebs on light fixtures; clear outside areas that will be needed for snow plowing; or park your trailer into a spot out of the way for winter storage, the advent of cooler weather offers time to get better organized. A seasonal switch out of items such as summer for winter horse blankets (use a vacuum sealer for cleaned blankets to minimize storage space needed and label for easy location later) and summer show tack and equipment for winter schooling gear can be stored by using the house basement for shelving or bringing stuff inside if you have the room in your home. But this is not an ideal solution, especially if you don’t have a residence with a clean and dry basement with easy access.
Farm Storage Options
Consider these storage solutions for provision of safe and secure storage space:
Horse Trailers: if it is anticipated that the horse trailer will not be needed except perhaps for an emergency then a horse trailer dressing room offers valuable extra storage space. The main trailer space can be used for easy to move items like hay or bedding supplies.
Sheds: the ubiquitous garden shed has come a long way from our grandparents tiny hovel house at the end of the garden filled with spiders and old tools. Consider purchasing a shed and placing it behind or adjacent to your horse barn where it can offer a handy
tack room or additional storage space. Modern day sheds offer a dry secure space with Polyurea treated floors, windows for light and even small loft areas. Also consider a combo shed option, where greenhouse meets shed space as an area for an office/ conservatory. Larger storage sheds can also be purchased for use as hay and bedding storage overflows for winter needs.
Lofts: the space above a barn is often underutilized and the addition of even a partial loft space can yield a decent amount of square footage for storage needs. Consider a full-sized staircase versus a wall ladder for ease of access and segregate the area between forage storage and tack/equipment areas to secure tack from rodent intrusion and damage.
Shipping Containers: these huge metal crates can cause upset in the neighborhood as some consider them unsightly, and in some areas these are not permitted by zoning restrictions. Relatively inexpensive to purchase shipping containers come in 20’ or 40’ lengths. Easy to secure but watch out for condensation issues which can be mitigated by implementing simple ventilation systems.
Garages: A two-story garage or one with a loft space included above the vehicle storage area can also yield considerable storage space. Again consider access issues and vermin intrusion. The addition of a small modular garage or adding an extra bay to a planned new build garage can be very useful for winter storage of mowing equipment or storage of UTVs etc. For motorized
equipment not in seasonal use pull the batteries and store out of freezing temperatures to extend their lifespan.
Spare Stalls: Let’s be honest, keeping a stall or two free of horses isn’t likely to happen in most horse barns because it is hard to resist buying just one more horse, but if it can be managed the box stall space can make room for 100-120 small bales of hay or shavings.
Shed Row Barns and RunIn Sheds: a great solution for haying and farm maintenance equipment as front stall walls can simply be left off the structure from one or two sections to provide quick hitch up and a dry shelter for valuable machines. Unfinished stalls can always be used on a temporary basis for storage needs and renovated later for stable use once other storage space is available.
Overhangs or Lean-To: An inexpensive way to add shelter and storage space to a structure the overhang feature is useful for a myriad of purposes. Weather intrusion for stored equipment can be mitigated by covering equipment with tarpaulin cover but bear in mind the space is not moisture tight or secure.
Walls For Tools Etc.
Don’t overlook wall space as an expansive area for storage. Walls can be utilized to store mucking out equipment and tools, install saddle racks for tack, and take the weight of winter turnout blankets where they can hang on fixtures to dry out when not in use.
If your tack room space has become out of hand, consider
a full renovation and invest in easy clean flooring, wall storage, bench seating with baskets or shoe/boot storage below etc. There are extensive options available for tiny spaces and a quick look at social media can yield many innovative ideas you can adopt to freshen the space and make it more user-friendly.
Stall Doors and Aisleways
It is not a good idea to clutter up the aisleway in a horse barn with tack trunks and other paraphernalia because they present a hazard to horses and make the aisleway difficult to keep free of debris and restrict access for mucking out equipment. But, if there has been some forethought in barn design then the width of the aisle can easily be widened to make room for a neat line of tack boxes and wall hung cupboards can house medical supplies, bandages, riding gear, horse boots and other necessities.
Visit your local box store for storage solutions that include premanufactured kitchen cabinetry, and a myriad of sizes and styles of plastic containers and shelving. Try to avoid sharp edges on shelves, trunks, containers and cabinetry in horse areas (especially those placed at equine eye height). There are many rubber-based hook options for coat/hat and equipment hanging fixtures on the market.
Tack trunks should be sturdy and rodent proof. Expect that tack trunks will be used as seating space from time to time, so consider carefully their finish and expense.
jUNE
1 Marion, OH HJT BR, CBR GL
8 Crawfordsville, IN PAC BR, CBR GL 14 Bruceton Mills, WV DJ BR IP/AP/GL
15 Paulding, OH RE BR, CBR GL
17 Circleville, OH RE BR, CBR GL
18 Fort Wayne ABP BR, CBR IP/GL
22 Angola, IN DJ BR IP/AP/GL
26 Greenfield, IN TK BR, CBR IP/MS/GL
27 Greenfield, IN TK BR IP/GL
29 Tiffin, OH A-BAR CBR GL
jULY
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5 Marion, OH A-BAR BR, CBR GL
9 London, OH A-BAR BR, CBR GL
10 Wilmington, OH DJ BR IP/AP/GL
11 West Union, OH DJ BR IP/AP/GL
12 Bellefontaine, OH RE BR, CBR GL
13 Dayton, OH DJ BR IP/AP/GL
13 Crawfordsville, IN PAC BR, CBR GL
14 Kendalville, IN A-BAR BR, CBR GL
16 Bucyrus, OH A-BAR BR, CBR GL
17 Oak Harber, OH DJ BR IP/AP/GL
18 Wellston, OH DJ BR IP/AP/GL
18 Lebanon, OH A-BAR BR, CBR GL
19 Hilliard, OH A-BAR BR, CBR GL
22 Valparaiso, IN ABP BR, CBR IP/GL
25 Marysville, OH A-BAR BR, CBR GL
25 Greenfield, IN TK BR IP/GL
26 Goshin, IN ABP BR, CBR IP/GL
27 Tiffin, OH A-BAR BR, CBR GL
27 Louisa, KY KBR BR, CBR GL
30 Xenia, OH RE BR, CBR GL
PRODUCER: (additional producers/events may be added)
A-BAR: A-Bar Rodeo Productions/Pat Ayers
ABP: ABP Rodeo Company/Aaron & Bobbie Platt
DJ: Diamond J. Ranch and Rodeo Co./David Johnson
HJT: Hayden Townsend Rodeo/Hayden Townsend KBR: King Brothers Rodeo/Steve King
RE: Rough E Rodeo Productions/Luke & Lindsey Elton
22-23 Marion, OH FINALS BR, CBR GL to be held at Vets Memorial Coliseum
1st Sanction Rules — GLCBRA Members are exempt from permit fee. GL — Great Lakes Championship Bull Riding Association IP — IPRA • AP — APRA • MS — MSRA GREAT LAKES EVENTS
GLCBRA events eligible for points. Producer may have more, ie Full Rodeo BR = Bull Riding
CBR = Cowgirl Barrel Racing
Lock It Or Lose It
A secured storage area will help prevent theft as well as damage. The ability to lock up tack and equipment and barn supplies removes them from temptation from nefarious people with intent to steal as well as preserving access to only persons that should have it—inquisitive children, naughty puppies and escaped horses come to mind as those that may need to be excluded.
Don’t Forget Outside Clean Up
The exterior of the horse farm also deserves some attention when it comes to putting stuff away and in its place. Blowing plastic skips in winter, implements such as harrows hidden in deep snow or poor access to plow and clean up equipment can combine to make winter horse care harder than it needs to be.
A simple 2”x4” corral built by the back of the barn can keep piles of skips confined and ready for use, turned upside down to avoid filling up with snow and water. Equipment should be stored at gable ends of buildings if outside
rather than under the eaves of structures where snow and rain shed may impact them or render them inaccessible. Clean out all gutters and downspouts and drains and ditches to ensure they are functioning properly.
Dead, dying trees or low hanging tree limbs over driveways, power lines or structures should be pruned back or removed altogether before high wind and/or snow load brings them down. Contact your local power company for tree removal advice wherever trees encroach on power lines. Do not attempt their removal yourself.
Containers of summer plants/ flowers should be stored away from areas required for snow removal or they will become a casualty of ambitious snow clearing attempts.
Check all interior/exterior lights including floodlights are operational and refresh bulbs as necessary and replace batteries in smoke detectors or other alarm equipment. Make sure fire extinguishers are fully charged.
Mark It Up
Add driveway snow markers in regions where snowfall is
expected and remove dead vegetation from around paddock gateways and entrance doors to make snow shovel or snowblower use easier and to prevent metal doors/gates freezing to the ground cover. Larger containers, small shrubs, equipment, other obstacles such as well heads, or hazards such as ditches in the snowplow zone can be flagged with snow markers. Reflective snow markers work best. Use gloves when handling fiberglass markers to prevent splinters. It is prudent to place the markers in before the ground freezes and to leave removing them until after the winter thaw as otherwise they can be impossible to install/ remove without breakage. Avoid using metal markers in areas where vehicles will need access to avoid damage to expensive vehicle paintwork should markers fall or be glanced off/hit by vehicles/plows pushing them out of line. Remember to leave an allowance distance wise off the driveway and parking areas for snow to be piled and extra width around curves and corners. Keep your driveway access open with regular plowing in case emergency vehicles are needed at any time. Many horse farms have long driveways and it can be tempting to leave it snow-covered or minimally plowed if access if sufficient for the owner’s winterstyle vehicles such as pickup trucks. Emergency vehicles often don’t have the same level of height clearance or a 4x4/allwheel drive feature.
ABOUT HORIZON STRUCTURES
One horse or 20, there’s one thing all horse owners have in common…the need to provide safe
and secure shelter for their equine partners. At Horizon Structures, we combine expert craftsmanship, top-of-the-line materials and smart ‘horse-friendly’ design to create a full line of sheds and barns that any horse owner can feel confident is the right choice for their horses’ stabling needs. All wood. Amish Made. Most of our buildings are shipped 100 percent pre-built and ready for same-day use. Larger barns are a modular construction and can be ready for your horses in less than a week. All our barn packages include everything you need –Horizon Structures also sells chicken coops, equine hay feeders, greenhouses, dog kennels, one and two car garages, storage sheds and outdoor living structures and playsets.
Headquartered in SouthCentral Pennsylvania, Horizon Structures, LLC is owned by Dave Zook. Dave was raised in the Amish tradition and grew up working in the family-owned shed business. He started Horizon Structures in 2001 in response to an ever-increasing customer demand for high quality, affordable horse barns. For additional information about the company or their product line, please visit their website at www. horizonstructures.com
ABOUT NIKKI ALVIN-SMITH
Content Creator, PR Partner, Seasoned Writer, Brand Builder, Major Marketer, Journalist, Blogger, Ghostwriter, PR Marketing Specialist/Strategist, British American, Grand Prix Dressage Competitor/Coach/ Clinician. Please visit https:// www.horseinakiltmedia.com/to learn more about her affordable services.
TREASURER Margaret Hite 740/407-6986 treasurer@ohconline.com
Greetings From Your President
Riding season and trail maintenance are in full gear, as reflected in the Gibby Work Days and State Ride at Barkcamp State Park in Belmont County. Held in early August, volunteers from 12+ chapters gathered for a week of trail work, followed by a weekend of relaxation, riding, and enjoyment of their work efforts capped off by announcing a recipient of the annual Gibby Award. The award recognizes an individual or couple contributing to Ohio’s equine industry by
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BELMONT
Belmont county and other chapter members of the OHC were kept busy July 29 through August. 3 at Barkcamp state park clearing and maintaining the many miles of horse trails. This is also a celebration of Wilbur T. (Gibby) Gibson who planned most of the horse trails in the park. Participants could camp with their horses and enjoy the park when not working.
Many local members brought in their own equipment but we also rented a tractor with a bucket and backhoe, a Georgia buggy and a skid steer with a brush hog
working diligently with land managers and volunteers to establish and maintain bridle trails for everyone to enjoy.
The 2024 recipient is Greg Monsanty, Medina County Chapter OHC. He’s a familiar name and volunteer in the NE region for his ‘Midas touch’ on trails at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Medina County Park District, Camp Tuscazoar, Cleveland Metroparks Brecksville Reservation, Richfield Heritage Preserve, and Stark County Park
PRESIDENT Mary Alice Kuhn 330/413-6589 president@ohconline.com
VICE PRESIDENT Nancy Strayer 740/694-1007 vicepresident@ohconline.com
OHC COUNTY LINES EDITOR Martie Ackerman 713/553-9644 countylineeditor@ohconline.com
District. Congratulations to Greg, and everyone who works on bridle trails. We are immensely grateful for your dedication and hard work. Volunteers are the reason we have great trails in Ohio, without them, we’d have a minimal riding season due to the shortage of trails and access to public lands.
The prestigious award is named after Wilbur ‘Gibby’ Gibson, a dedicated volunteer who helped promote trails and riding at Barkcamp and the Ohio
Horseman’s Council. His legacy lives on in the work we do. He led by example and helped change the relationship between ODNR and the horse user groups. This retired coal miner and WWII veteran of the US Navy passed away in 2008 at the age of 96. He inspires many who donate their time and resources to Ohio’s bridle trails. In 2025, OHC will celebrate the 25th year of Gibby.
~Mary Alice Kuhn
attachment. An estimated 375 man/woman hours were invested with eighty tons of gravel used (donated by Egypt Valley Stone). Thursday evening dinner was catered by Schlepps restaurant in Morristown with rigatoni, salad homemade bread and dessert. Saturday evening a potluck dinner, silent auction, 50/50 raffle, music and dancing finished up the week in celebration capped off with the 24th annual ‘Gibby days’ award. This award is presented to an OHC member who has gone above and beyond in dedication to development of horse trails throughout the state. The 2024 award went to Greg Monsanty of Medina County. The silent
auction had many treasures and raised nearly $600. All in all, a successful and productive week here in Belmont County, come enjoy the trails!
~Rebecca Herndon
CLERMONT
Greetings from Clermont County! Our July camp and ride was the best we’ve had this year. I think I counted 13 rigs and probably over 30 people, including day riders. It was obvious we all brought our appetite. Friday night campfire, Saturday potluck breakfast, Saturday ride, evening dinner potluck, campfire again, and Sunday morning ride. Plan to attend our next Camp and Ride Sept. 20-22. Gate opens about noon on Friday, camping is free, water will be available for horses. Camping is primitive, generators are welcome. Most likely potluck Saturday for dinner. We will be sharing the Tim Applegate Horseman’s area with Fairfield County OHC. If you haven’t attended a Camp and Ride with Clermont County you have missed an awesome campout. October Camp and Ride will be Oct. 1113, mark your calendar now!
Clermont County Fair was
another successful fair. We were blessed to be able to present three trail classes with ribbons and trophies. Our 4H kids are the future of our horses in Clermont County. Shelby Cornwell and Cowboy Casanova with Happy Hunters, were the proud winners of our Sr. Trail trophy. Shelby has completed her senior year and ages out of the 4H program. Shelby will be attending Wilmington College in the vet program. Josie Purdy and Duckie with Happy Hunters won the Jr Trail trophy. Josie plans to attend college, majoring in Psychology, will play fast pitch softball in college and hopefully be in a horse program. She told me Duckie came from the race track, only ran three times, and was just too slow. Elena Krier
Greg Monsanty accepting the Gibby award.
Classy the mule and her person Dave Burchett at day camp, 2021.
Shelby Cornwell and Cowboy.
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and her pony, Lacy, won Trail in Hand Age Group Champion. Elena will be in the 9th grade this year. With a huge smile, her comment was, “I love my pony”. Her father told me Lacy was a rescue, she just needed a chance. As we continue to improve the trails at East Fork State Park, additional gravel has been added to the Tim Applegate Horseman area and the day use parking lot. The entire 33 miles of perimeter trail has been cleared of down trees and brush. If you have an opportunity to ride the trails, East Fork State Park offers some beautiful scenery.
Until October, ride safe and God bless.
~LaWana Bogard
CLINTON
Hello all our horseman and woman, we hope your summer is going great! We are finding that riding early to beat the heat and bugs has really been great. Seems the horse flies appear to like 10 a.m. You will see in the photo Amanda Snell doing some trail maintenance by moving a downed tree, the orange rump rug we use during hunting season works great to keep the horse flies off their butts. Our Sunday morning rides are great, but one Sunday everyone was busy and I wanted to ride. So, I told a few people where I would be, what
trails and about how long I’d be gone. Safety first! I headed out, Nakota was nervous, Hopper was back at the barn calling to her which didn’t help her being nervous. I stayed calm, and talked to her, letting her know she was doing a great job! She didn’t spook once even with deer on the trail. It was a bit of a white knuckle of a ride, but I’m glad I did it! Every ride is a training ride, you find things you need to improve or just work on.
Enjoy the rest of the summer, fall will be here soon. Take a kid riding and see the future!
~Sue Lamb
CUYAHOGA
Need new members? Keep in mind there are many people who have a love of horses but don’t actually own one. You might tap into that love by encouraging these people to join your chapter just to be involved with likeminded people and have the chance to be around horses. If your neighborhood or church has a newsletter you can invite participation. Perhaps put a small ad in the local newspaper. We need to keep our membership open and friendly and growing. How about a flyer at your local grocery or drug store. Perhaps a friend or neighbor is just waiting for an invitation. Go for it! Riding has been fun this summer for the tough and dedicated. We are now more than half way to
the end of the year and chapters continue to have organized rides. If you find one that interests you, but are not sure of the details, contact the ride leader. They can give you information on what to expect and you can decide if you want to participate. Old riders, young riders, old horses, young horses, new riders and experienced riders, western saddle, English saddle, any breed of horse— come check us out. Not an OHC member? You can join a ride as a guest for a few rides. You then may want to become a member. Most are small group rides and you can bring a friend. Joan Hedderick, Cuyahoga ride leader, is always looking for riders and may be planning a ride at one of the places on your wish list. Cuyahoga Chapter can also find you someone to tell you about or ride with you on the beautiful trails of Cleveland Metroparks. Coming up for Cuyahoga Chapter is our joint State Ride with the Medina and Summit chapters. Be sure to join us Sept. 27-29 for camping. If your time is limited, come for a day ride, watch the 9 a.m. Cleveland Metroparks Mounted Police clinic for our riders, or come at 5 p.m. for the Saturday festivities featuring a $5 table of wonderful goods, raffles, auction, dinner, campfire, and entertainment. All held at the Cleveland Metroparks South Chagrin Reservation Polo Field. With or without a horse you are welcome. Contact Joani at 330/730-4652 or Molly 330/6030820 for more information. Donations for $5 table or the auction are much appreciated and do not need to be horse related but do need to be like-new or new.
Did you know that OHC is divided into five regions in the state of Ohio? Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, Southeast and Central. You can also join an At-Large group until you find a chapter that fits your expectations for joining our organization. The chapter that you choose will by your primary chapter. Once you have a primary chapter you can join other chapters as a secondary member for a small fee. The chapters in the northern part of the Northeast area, include chapters in Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Lorain, Geauga, Lake, Medina, Summit, Portage and Trumbull Counties. The south part of the Northeast area includes Ashland, Wayne, Stark, Columbiana, Holmes, Carroll and Jefferson Counties. But
we are all dedicated Northeast area chapters. You do not need to live in the county you choose to join. Totally confused but want to join a chapter? Contact NEAsstRegionalRep@ ohconline.com and I (Penny) will try to help you out. I love to further confuse the confused and will give you a warm welcome. Off to ride now and hope you can do the same.
~Penny Passalacqua
DELAWARE
Hello friends! It is hard to believe that we have reached September already. For most horseback riding enthusiasts, the next couple of months are prime riding time. Fall has always been my favorite time of the year to ride. Indeed, if you have not yet ridden at Alum Creek State Park in the fall and experienced the brilliant show of fall foliage, you do not know what you are missing! Our dedicated crew of trail maintenance volunteers have devoted hundreds of hours thus far this year to maintaining and ensuring that our bridle trails are as safe and enjoyable as possible. Should you happen to meet up with one or more of our volunteers during your ride, please extend to them a warm thank you for all the work they do.
Speaking of thank you’s, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to Mr. Robert Kruse, maintenance supervisor ODNR at Deer Creek State Park, for being our guest speaker at last month’s meeting. He gave a very informative presentation updating us on all the improvements made thus far and being planned, especially with regards to the bridle trails. Plans are being finalized regarding guest speaker presentations for our October and November meetings. We strive to offer entertaining, informative and relevant topics of interest to our members. We are delighted to welcome so many new members this year (as of July) to our Delaware chapter! A warm welcome is extended to: Sue Zinni, Ann Osterfeld, Deborah Wallace, Brenda Stevens, Leslie Johns, Jessica Sheppard, Lindsay Perez, Linda VanHorne, Anne Hague, and Sydney Walker. Big news! We invite everyone to join us on Friday, Sept. 6 for our annual ‘Autumn at Alum’ trail ride and potluck. Come and join us for a day of riding, followed by an evening
Josie Purdy and Duckie.
Elena Krier and her pony Lacy.
Clinton County OHC
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of festivities beginning at 6 p.m. with an awesome potluck dinner and dessert buffet. Live entertainment is planned with the duo, ‘Chaz and Nicki’, featuring their upbeat acoustic show with a mix of feel-good classic covers with harmony-rich originals. The evening’s fun continues with our live auction and a 50/50 raffle. Whether you choose to camp over of the weekend, or day ride, or come for the evening’s events only, we welcome you! Join us for the camaraderie and help support our Alum Creek bridle trails. Happy Trails, ~Theresa Burke
ERIE
Greetings from Erie County! It is hard to believe it is September already. The days are getting shorter but it sure feels like summer still.
We have completed the Thornapple trail project! We had a great trail crew who showed up early, ran equipment, and did a tremendous job. I rode the Thornapple trail two days after completion, all I can say is wow! Our cement mounting steps made it to the final resting area with a great stone base. Wait till you see it when you arrive at the Smokey Road trailhead for our annual poker ride on Sept. 7. Check out our ad in the Corral, we will have new poker ride t-shirts in new colors. Be sure to check them out. Sure to be a great time, see you there!
Our monthly campout at Edison Woods was well attended as good weather brought everyone out to ride and camp. Colleen brought her new Paso Fino for her first official trail ride. Less than 11
months ago this horse was not even halter broke. I know where Colleen has been every night. She is definitely off to a great start with this horse!
Some of us challenged the weather report and went to Pleasant Hill during the week to camp. The predicted high temperatures, rain and high winds went somewhere else much to our delight. We really enjoyed going in the middle of the week. Riding, kayaking, bike riding and fellowship filled our agenda. We kayaked early one morning to go find a geocache on an island I didn’t know even existed! We didn’t find the treasure, but it was a fun adventure along the way. Osprey, Eagles, Bluebirds and Red Headed Woodpeckers shared our travels as we rode and paddled our way around. Life is better on the trail!
~Shelley Hayes
FULTON
Fall can’t get here soon enough! I hope it comes early. This summer has been the most
dismal that I can remember with regards to riding and camping. I have gotten no reports and have seen only a few pictures of our members camping in July. I know of no plans in August other than our camping weekend Aug. 9-11 at Reed Road. I know some members are riding as every time I get to the park to ride, I see fellow members on the trails. But I don’t get there often. I almost always see Ron and Ernie there.
Our chapter meeting, chili cook off, Cowboy Olympics and camping weekend was planned for Aug. 9-11. In September, our chapter meeting is planned for Sept. 3 following a corn roast, chicken grill and potluck at Reed Road. October 9-11 we will have our Oaktoberfest weekend camping event at Reed Road with our chapter meeting Saturday evening following dinner.
In my August report, I misspoke regarding our chapter party in January 2025. It will be Saturday, Jan. 4 at Otsego Park. So sorry for the mistake!
Our meetings are usually on the first Tuesday of the month and are currently held at Reed Road Ranglers at 7 p.m. Check our website www.fcohc.com, our Facebook page Fulton County Ohio Horseman’s Council or our Facebook group Fulton County OHC to see what we’re up to in real time. We also try to keep our
page on the OHC state website up to date. Happy trails!
~Kathy Brown
GEAUGA
Wow, I can’t believe I am writing the September article. Summer has flown by and now we are heading into fall. Let’s hope for sunny days and many rides to enjoy the beauty of our trails. Jennifer Currie presented an amazing clinic on different principles of how you and your horse learn in some of the same ways. Simple changes that can bring remarkable results. Brandy and Rob Arotin hosted.
We had a group ride at North Chagrin Reservation (Squires Castle) July 20. Thank you, Donna Lee for coordinating the day. The West Woods mounting block should be completed by now, it is a welcome aid to use for safely climbing on to our horses. Thank you to OHC for awarding this much needed grant to our chapter. It is a fantastic improvement. Check out the GOHC calendar for Sept. 21 ride at West Woods and don’t forget the Halloween ride at Observatory on Oct. 26. “I am still under the impression that there is nothing alive quite so beautiful as a horse.”—John Galsworthy
~Cecilia Hanish
Trail maintenance volunteers.
Guest speaker Robert Kruse.
Erie County OHC
First trail ride.
Working on Thornapple trail.
Rod and Michelle at Hocking Hills.
Youth member Kaiden getting in those trail miles.
Jenn Currie clinic.
West Woods mounting block.
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GREENE
Summer is well under way and many of us have hit the trails with our horses at the parks around Greene County and Ohio. The Greene County Horse Council has put up a calendar of ‘Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy’ group rides with days and dates on the Greene County OHC Facebook page. Please check out the rides and come join us on the trails.
Fair season is upon us and many of our 4H teams are participating in their respective county fairs. We wish them all the best with their animals and projects.
We are planning to ride in the All-Horse Parade in Delaware, Ohio, on Sept. 8. One of our members will drive her horse and antique carriage. This is a great parade and opportunity to see other horse people enjoying their horses.
Greene County Horse Council will host a Southwest Regional Day Ride at Caesar Ford Park on Saturday, Sept. 21. This is a day ride and there will be guided tours of the park trails. A potluck meal is planned that will be served around 3 p.m. More information will be included on the Greene County OHC Facebook page. We continue to improve our trails at Caesar Ford Park by adding mulch and culverts to low and wet places. This helps with controlling the mud. The camping area is a hit with all types of campers. Right now, there are 12 Class A sites with full hookups. Primitive sites are coming soon. We would like to welcome our new members and we are happy
to have you as a member of the Greene County OHC.
Happy trails!
~Cindra Phillips
GUERNSEY
We’re still in the ‘heat dome!’ To make matters worse; our air conditioner died. The furnace is 55 years old, so it didn’t make any sense to just replace the air conditioner. Darla and I are $7,800 poorer for it. Oh well, that’s life. They install the new stuff next week. I did manage, with the neighbors’ help, to put 1,600 bales of hay in the barn during all this heat and it was the nicest hay I’ve made, in the 30 years I’ve been farming. I don’t know what was going on with the atmospheric conditions at Salt Fork, but for several weeks we just couldn’t keep the Orange Trail open. Tree after tree kept falling. A couple of them were monsters. Seemed like all Bob, from the park, did was cut trees off the trail. We had to close the trail twice!
Early July, grandma and the grandkids got in some quality riding at Salt Fork! Left to right: Addison Good, Colin Barton and Marcy McIntyre. Now, Colin, you’re world famous, your picture was in the Corral!
In July, four couples from the club went to Beaver Creek State Park to ride. They were: Darla and I, Don and Marcy, Erin and JB, Bill and Shelly. This was my first time riding at Beaver Creek. I was impressed. Erin, JB and I got to see the Bald Eagles on their nest. That was cool. As a kid I hiked through the same area. It was 1965 and we Boy Scouts hiked the Sandy and Beaver Creek Canal Trail. The hike started in Midland, Pa., and ended in Lisbon, Ohio. It was a 36 mile hike. I remember hiking on the horse trails, too! Here’s the best part, my brother Robert and I hike the entire 36 miles wearing dress shoes and buckle artics! What were our parents thinking? Oh, that’s right, they weren’t! I can tell you this, we
wore the heels out of those boots! Also, I didn’t remember any of the sights as I rode Dee Dee through the trails 59 years later! It was hotter than a billy goat after a nanny, that week! Bill and Shelly’s generator cut out every time the air condition came on. Lucky for them, I’d taken my extra generator and they got to sleep in a cool trailer. Horsemen Helping Horsemen! The last two pictures are of Beaver Creek. By the time you read this, the park will have mowed the Blue and Red Trails. They did the Orange Trail two weeks ago. Also, by the time you read this we will have a picnic table at the 3 mile marker of the Red Trail. Here’s the best part, it’s under some wonderful shade trees! An old-fashioned hitching rail will be added shortly.
If you check out our Facebook page; Salt Fork Bridle Trails, you’ll see 12 horses in 10 Horse Cave. And, no, we’re not changing the name!
Dee Dee and I hope to see you on the trail!
~Lee Randolph HAMILTON
Hello and welcome to sweet September, the gateway to the fall riding season! Before we
launch into new items let’s recap last month’s events. Leading off, outstanding hosts, Sarah and Dick Stuart, graciously opened up their home, barn and pool to club members to singlehandedly resurrect HC-OHC’s annual pool party. Members enjoyed a tasty buffet dinner of barbecue ribs, white chicken chili, cornbread and a waterfall of sides and desserts. Post feasting, our group moved up to the Stuart’s spectacular spotless barn to meeting their famous horses, Capi and Hawkeye; a large flock of hens; a singular rooster; and inspiring cars. Horses and horsepower, what’s not to like? To close out a wonderful evening, Kristin, ‘this is a pool party, isn’t it?’ Frederick made it a real pool party by being our very first, ever, HC-OHC pool party swimmer. Thank you, Sarah and Dick, for hosting a terrific evening for our club and thank you Ronda Austing, Steve and Denise Bleser, Al Elson, Mike, Ann and Kristin Frederick, Judi Gangloff, Joan Morris, and Ann Shatto for attending and making this event fun.
Our third Moonlight ride of the year we were once again blessed with another unseasonally cool, clear evening. Our smaller than usual group, Heather Alden, Ann and Kristin Frederick, plus Dick, Sarah and Reece Stuart enjoyed a beautifully quiet evening, another stunning sunset, and wonderful companionship. So good for the soul. Heather Alden called it “Best. Ride. Ever.” Many thanks go to Great Parks of Hamilton County for allowing us access to Miami Whitewater Forest Shaker Trace Trail after dark.
With Ann Shatto out of town,
Between the ears, Poplar Grove Caesar Ford.
Sign at Sugarcreek.
Group trail ride.
Marcy and grandkids.
Beavercreek
Moonlight ride.
Hamilton County OHC pool party.
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Greta Reed stepped up and led this month’s book club meeting at Panera Bread, Blue Ash where club members discussed the book, “The Oregon Trail” by Rinker Buck. Yes, it is good to break bread and share reading interests with like-minded people! If you have been following this book club, I suggest you look into the books this club has been reading —all equestrian themes and very good reads. No time to read, get the audio book and give a listen to a good story. Next month’s book? “Crazy Good”, the true story of Dan Patch, the most famous horse in America by Charles Leerhsen. Many thanks go to book club chair Ann Shatto for book selection and organizing our monthly book club meetings. The August club meeting concluded with an excellent, beginning discussion for how we would like to award and distribute our youth scholarship fund monies for 2025. Coming relatively soon to member’s email inbox, will be a dirt simple survey questionnaire allowing members to weigh in their thoughts. Please answer. Lastly, good news! Weather permitting, Great Parks, Miami Whitewater Forest wooded horse trail ‘A’ is newly reopened for riding. Thank you, Great Parks! To close, I invite you to join our club and share in the fun! To find out more information about HCOHC; view our event calendar; and to access our membership application link, please go online to OHC’s website, ohconline.com. Once there, go to ‘find chapter’ and select or type in ‘Hamilton County’ in the search bar. You can also follow us on Facebook at ‘Ohio Horseman’s Council Hamilton County Chapter’.
~Ann Frederick
HOCKING
The Hocking County OHC yearly ride at Cowboy Larry’s is in the books! The campground was filled with our members as well as others, who later joined
us for dinner and the auction. It was the best attended auction that I have seen to date. We had all sorts of things to sell. At one point the crowd was starting to thin, so boxes were set on the table with items for people to paw through. The request was, if you found something that you wanted, just give the club a donation. This is our clubs only fundraiser. The weather was great and the company fantastic! Camp host Cowboy Larry and his right hand, Jean, mounted up and also hit the trails. While at camp, friends and family had an early birthday celebration for Brenda Lehman. All in all, it was a pretty successful event. This is a yearly fundraiser which always occurs on the third weekend in July. Mark your calendars now for 2025. You don’t want to miss out on the fun!
During July members also camped at Burr Oak, Salt Fork and Alum Creek, with the Perry OHC. Hocking County was also represented at the Ohio State Fair this year. In addition to guiding aka, The Vacation Vaquera, member Donna Shade also participates in Cowboy Mounted Shooting. The State Fair held a limited entry competition July 26-28, in which she and her horse Athena, were selected to compete in.
If you would like to be part of a very active horse group, we would love to invite you to join the Hocking County club! Our club is very family friendly and meet at the Home Tavern in Logan the third Sunday of every month at 7 p.m. Come in earlier for dinner and relaxed
conversation prior to the meeting. Watch our Facebook page for more information about our club and upcoming events!
~Donna Shade
KNOX
Happy trails and greetings from Knox County! Summer is in full swing and we trail riders are taking extra care to beat the heat, riding early in the morning or later in the evening. Electrolytes are a must have item in our arsenal this time of year. In July we had a group of 11 members camp out at Great Seal and a smaller group attend the nearby outdoor drama Tecumseh. Next up was the Central Region ride and Knox County was well represented with nine members attending. Later in the month we had a few members trade in their horses for kayaks and enjoyed a leisurely scenic trip down the Hocking River. Our Obstacle Challenge on Aug. 3 was in danger of being cancelled due to a high percentage chance of rain, but the dark clouds went around us and we were able to put on a very successful event. We congratulate the winner in the 16 and under category; Lina Perez on Jack and our winner in the open category; Nancy Radebaugh on Gunner. We thank all who came out to compete or just have a fun day with their
horse. Our club members stepped up big time to put on this event with its many unique obstacles requiring a lot of set up, as well as manning our food and entry booths. Way to go Knox County! We meet the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at Thayer Ridge Park. Come join us for a meeting, an event, or riding down Ohio’s beautiful trails! ~Cindy Cossin
LAKE
Who doesn’t like a parade? Our Lake OHC chapter president, Barbara J., along with Colleen, and Tina love being in a parade. They rode their horses in the Lake County Fair parade in July. Barb rode Tina’s horse, Trinket, as Barb’s horse was recovering from an injury. Volunteers came along for support. Barb’s cousin, Heather, drove a golf cart, inviting a mom and her two kids, to cheer the riders on. Dave, Barb’s husband, and Jared, Colleen’s friend, walked along
Heather Alden driving Rosie.
Donna Shade and family.
Brenda Lehmans birthday cake.
Cowboy Larry and Jean.
Obstacle Challenge winner, Nancy Radebaugh.
Members at the Obstacle Challenge.
Laurie and Bailey at the Central Region ride.
A very determined Heather at the Lake County Parade.
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as the ‘clean up’ crew. Both are consistently supportive. All went well and they had fun being part of the parade. My own husband, Jerry, always laughingly said that his job was to “drive the truck and carry the buckets.” Thank you gentlemen!
Our Vice President Donna K., loved the American Dream Riders that she saw at Lake Farm Park’s Horse Fest back in May. She loved them so much that she wanted to share with other horsey folk just how great they were. She even went backstage and visited with their coach/trainer, Amber Morvilius of Morvilius Farm. There was standing room only inside the Farm Park’s arena as the riders performed to music using American flags. The young ladies were very friendly at the end of the performance and came to the edge of the rail to speak with the audience, who asked questions and petted the horses. Donna was entranced by the riders’ enthusiasm and graciousness.
Michelle S. and I attended a clinic given by Jennifer Currie, M.Ed. Equine-Education Consultant, on Brain Centered Horsemanship. Geauga OHC sponsored this clinic on whether the horse is in thinking mode or survival mode. Jennifer demonstrated with her own horse, using her method of Survival, Ask, Feedback, End it. Everyone agreed that it was great to be SAFE.
The volunteer, myself, from Free Spirit Farm continues to help children learn about horses. The last week in July we introduced Buck and Fancy to children touched in some way by cancer. These children were sponsored by The Gathering Place, a very special organization for those coping with cancer.
Congratulations to the United States show jumping team, who placed second in team jumping. Silver medals for them!
As for the rest of us, stay safe. Stay strong. Keep on riding!
~Rayneen Tisovic
LICKING
Hello everyone! I hope all of you are well. And I also hope you get this before our campout at Mohican Sept. 6-8 so you can even look more forward to it. If you have attended our Dillon campout in August, you know how much fun it will be. We’ll have a day ride as usual on Saturday morning if you have decided not to camp with us, come and join us for that. In the saddle by 10 a.m. and hang out after and be social for a while. For the others that are camping, well, hold on to your socks because it will be a blast! We’ll have musical entertainment and other fun things planned. It should be a great time. Hopefully it will be as awesome as our fun show, because that was a blast with lots of horse people coming out and showing off what their horses can do. Including myself. I’ve been dabbling in driving since spring and my young mare and I had a blast and even won a ribbon. I was over the moon happy as you can imagine. I’m sure lots of other folks felt the same way that day. If you put in the work, success tastes very sweet. But even if you didn’t make the ribbons, we hope you still had a great time. Better to try and have some fun in the process, than to not try at all. Come and join us for some trail rides and get your horse used to some bigger groups. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any situation and we can help you with that. Attending our laid-back trail rides should be a great way to get you and your horses used to being out there. We’d love to have you. Our next club ride will be Oct. 12 at Infirmary Mound Park. Bring your favorite soup to share. We will provide the bread to go with it. It should be fun to see what everyone comes up with. Also, I’d like to mention that we’ll have Mr. Bob Kruse, Maintenance Supervisor at Deer Creek State
Park, speak about his beautiful park that myself and Windy Donelly got to visit. He took the time to show us around the whole park and all the improvements he and his awesome crew have made there. Definitely a destination for future campouts for our chapter. Come and listen to what he has to say. Hope to see everybody soon. Ride on!
~Sigrid Batten
LOGAN
Woopie! Logan County OHC had a great time on the Mad River this year for our annual kayak/canoe trip. We had a record breaking 19 people gather on July 28 both members, secondary members and guests! It was a blast, a beautiful day on the river and 16 of us went out for late lunch afterwards.
All but three people had their own kayaks and those three I provided kayaks for, which made it cheap that no one had to rent any kayaks.
Becky Martin hosted the Aug. 4 meeting at her house, it was too hot for a bonfire, but we had a great cookout and potluck. The hamburg’s were awesome and other grub yummy as well.
We had five Logan County members at the Central Region ride July 19-21. Nine counties were represented and over 40 OHC members were there.
We cancelled our Van Buren ride Aug. 10 due to campsite construction. We scheduled a ride Oct. 18-19 at Alum Creek and I will be hosting my LCOHC
ride Oct. 27 at noon at my farm. Our October meeting will be held at Marmon Valley Farms Cafeteria on Oct. 6 at 5:30 p.m. Pizza will be provided by LCOHC and we will have a silent auction. Hope everyone has had a great summer, I can’t wait until fall myself.
~Cynthia Orr
LORAIN
Howdy from Lorain County OHC. We hope this summer has been full of fun adventures with good horse friends. This month we’d like to thank Lance’s Trailer Sales for being our calendar sponsor.
During July our council had a ride scheduled each week with two being campouts. It was jam packed with great options. Wayne County OHC sponsored the Northeast Area Regional Ride at Mohican and several members from our county went to it and thoroughly enjoyed this event. The weekend highlights were the poker run, 50/50 raffle, silent auction, scavenger hunt and most of all the great fellowship with other county OHC members while enjoying delicious meals and campfires. Several of us were able to make it to the West Branch State Park campout and had a terrific time, especially with our inflatable horses in the water. Our day rides were at Wetmore (located in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park) and at Brecksville Reservation. These are fantastic bridle trails in northeast Ohio with some hills
Lake County Parade with Tina, Barb and Colleen.
Bob Kruse and his crew member Jennifer at Deer Creek State Park.
Our first time driving in the fun show.
Ruby and I after the bareback class at the fun show.
Logan County OHC
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to help keep our horses fit and trim. We ventured south to Alum Creek State Park for a weekend campout in August and this was a first experience for a number of riders in our council. Alum Creek has a beautiful lake with trails overlooking it in places as well as a variety of landscapes. It is generally considered moderately difficult. It is mostly shady so this was a blessing with the hot weather.
On Saturday, Sept. 7, Lorain members plan to be at the Erie County OHC Poker Run located at Edison Woods Metroparks in Berlin Heights. This is their fundraiser so there will be a fee to participate that includes a poker hand, lunch and prizes. It was great fun last year with very nice prizes. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and all riders participating in the poker run must return by 2 p.m. Camping is available. The Chili Cook-off State Ride will be held Sept. 13-15 at Mohican State Forest. This weekend is hosted by Ashland County OHC. We have found it a great event with the opportunity
to taste homemade chili from councils throughout the state. If you want to come just for Saturday and would like to ride, that is fine too. We plan to ride at 11 a.m. The riding at Mohican is just lovely, and although the tornado did much devastation to some portions of the forest, it is amazing to see the regrowth beginning. Tim Tuttle is the Ashland contact and Jim Wallace is the Lorain contact for this ride.
Our membership meeting will be held on Monday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. We will be at the Carlisle Visitor Center. We plan to hold nominations for officers for 2025. Please consider yourself for one of the offices. If you would like more information on the offices, you may speak to the current officers about what the duties entail.
Remember that the Northwest Area Regional Ride at Van Buren State Park has been cancelled for Sept. 20-22. A good number of us plan to be at Big Elk Horse Camp located at the Elk State Forest in Pennsylvania from Sept. 27 through Oct. 3. Many of the trails are primarily logging, gas and mining roads. The trails are rugged in places so shoes are highly recommended. We often see or hear the elk as we traverse the terrain. You will need to bring a 30-day health certificate and valid Coggin test to attend. Ric and Char Augustine are our council’s contacts.
The All-American Quarter Horse Congress will be held Sept. 29 through Oct. 27 at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio. Looking ahead to October camping, we plan to be at Beaver Creek Oct. 4-6. There are 23 miles of bridle trails and the Mill Festival will be held on Oct. 5. We will cross the creek numerous times during the ride to the festival. There are tie lines for the horses and picnic tables near to the Mill Festival site. It is a great way to stretch your legs as you mill around to see how life was for people of years past. There will be vendors with tasty food and treats to help revitalize you for the ride back to camp. I especially look forward to the fresh popcorn and ice cream snacks!
As always, enjoy the trails less traveled, breathe in the fresh air and remember to take in the sights and sounds so that you may truly experience the beauty before you while atop of your favorite steed.
~Kathy Duncan
MADISON
Hello to all, as we are in the midst of a beautiful summer (I know, you are reading this in September), Madison County has been busy in all areas of horse life, and it makes us all happy. If our horse life is good, the rest of our life is good. We have had some not-so-hot and humid days to get out and enjoy our horses. We certainly cannot complain about the mud, since we are now hoping for rain.
The Madison County chapter celebrated our 25th anniversary! We held a celebration dinner instead of a regular meeting, and enjoyed reminiscing about the actions of our founding members. We are blessed to have four of the founding members still as active chapter members; Carolyn Elfrink, Susan Hunter, Jennifer Hunter, and Judy Chambers, who were surprised with denim shirts identifying them as such. Twenty-five years ago, Madison County worked with Prairie Oaks Metro Park to establish the horse trail and also were instrumental in the establishment of the Deer Creek State Park horse trails. Those early members worked hard in getting the trails marked, as well as taking over the unused bike trails to add more miles to the horse trails through some really nice wooded areas. They had to hack their way through the overgrowth to make it happen, but persistence pays off for everyone who uses those trails. We proudly partner with the management of both parks to help with trail maintenance and also work as ambassadors for the parks to let everyone know how nice the trails are today. Please come out and see what a great partnership can do!
We are continuing our Gymkhana series, after cancelling the June event due to the extreme heat and humidity. Our last events at the Madison County Fairgrounds are Sept. 14 and Oct. 5. The October Gymkhana will feature the prizes for high points for all age groups.
We do enjoy providing this opportunity for many area youth through senior citizens to have a fun time competing and seeing what progress they have made in the year in teaching their horse (and themselves!) how to navigate some unpracticed patterns. Sometimes it’s about the speed, but it is mainly about control and communication between horse and rider. We view these events as a community service as well as a fundraiser for our trail maintenance work.
In mid-July, we held a membersonly trailer maneuvering/parking clinic in London in a large parking lot in front of Tractor Supply. Thanks to the Madison County commissioners for allowing us to use that space for our clinic.
Six members participated in the driving part, with six others as support and coaches. This event was a refresher and tune-up from last year’s clinic and was a great way to hone our skills. Many thanks to Brandt Barlett for his excellent explanations and to Gene Pierce as his wingman. It is a huge help to feel confident in backing in a straight line (without hitting barrels!), backing into an angled camping space, and in maneuvering through a serpentine pattern. Lunch was provided, and everyone had plenty of time to go through the course as many times as they wanted to. Practice makes perfect! Thanks also to Jean Kritner for bringing tons of barrels to keep us honest.
Our members have had some scary horse injuries that are
Swimming with our horses.
Karen at Malabar.
Welcome two new members to our council.
Trailering clinic, Madison County OHC.
Judy Chambers Carolyn Elfrink Susan Hunter, and Jennifer Hunter.
Michelle Wilhoit, drill team.
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thankfully resolved after lots of TLC. How do these creatures manage to hurt themselves in what looks to be the safest of places?
We are also enjoying hitting the trail as often as possible and are working on communicating better with each other about who is riding where. This works better for us than scheduling chapter rides in advance, as the weather rarely cooperates and we end up cancelling. The phone/texta-friend process is improving to get us out and about together.
Our member, Michelle Wilhoit, has a new horse for her participation in the Renegade Equestrian Drill Team, and was excited to perform at the Ohio State Fair. This group practices in Springfield, Ohio, every Sunday, and has both men and women on the team. They travel the region to perform, and have a great time together. This is an example of the variety of equine activities that our chapter members pursue. Michelle also trail rides and helps out at our Gymkhanas.
Stay safe, and love on your horse partners.
~Lisa Reynolds
MEDINA
Our chapter has a lot to be proud of—convincing a department of the federal government to listen to a bunch of highly determined and motivated horse people to build bridle trails in a national park, building and maintaining those trails for 38 years and promoting riding in our (yeah, we think of this park as ours) beautiful Cuyahoga Valley National Park. We have always been proud of our members. We work hard, but have fun enjoying the resulting great trails. It’s not just physical work; we spend hours planning and designing repairs and reroutes, convincing authority figures that our ideas were actually theirs. I could go on and on.
Another of our members has succeeded in scoring the top prize for all his work. Greg Monsanty is the latest recipient of the Gibby Award for 2024. A warm (and wet) reception was held at Bark Camp on Aug. 3. The last person to be awarded from Medina chapter was Jack Weese in 2012. Past members Phil and Rhonda Urbank have also won. Greg has not only worked with us, but worked with the park staff and conservancy as well to get trails repaired, rerouted and even used his engineering
expertise to design a route fix for a flooding issue with Akron Peninsula Road. In addition, he has worked with the Summit chapter on restoring trails in the Richfield Heritage Preserve, helped the Cuyahoga chapter with trails in the Metroparks and was a huge help to the Stark chapter at Camp Tuscazoar with The Preserve Primitive Horse Camp. He created the blue print for the driveway, horse parking and camping area and negotiated for material for the parking lot. Barb Harding said it best, “Every time we have asked for Greg’s help, the answer has been, yes!” He is always there with a good plan or design and even his own equipment. We are elated to call him our own. Three cheers to Greg from Medina OHC and all the girls at the truck stop on Route 627 (inside joke!)
Summer is a time for county fairs and we love them all!
Joyce Tretow took some time away from her parade duties to show off her horses and ponies at the Summit County Fair. Who doesn’t like to pet a pony?
Who doesn’t like a new bridle trail? Well not us! On Aug. 1 the Medina County Park District opened its new birding and bridle trail in Westfield Township. The Chippewa Lake Birding and Bridle Trail at 7782 Ballash Road, is a 2.3-mile mowed trail that is on a 123-acre parcel of land, west of Chippewa Lake and south of Krabill Lodge. This is from the Medina Park District Facebook page: “Park district Director Nate Eppink said the idea for this trail stems from conversations between the Medina and Summit chapters of the Ohio Horseman’s Council. The organizations asked if it would be possible to have a
longer bridle trail in the park district. Currently, the district only has a couple of bridle trails, each under two miles. The trail will be open from May 1 to Oct. 31. Think of it, you can ride and look for birds. Included is a picture of some members christening the trail. Last chance! Sign up for our second annual state ride. Summit and Cuyahoga chapters are partnering with us and reservations for Metroparks Mounted Police obstacle course are almost full! Join us at Cleveland Metroparks South Chagrin Reservation Sept. 2729, reservations due by Sept. 20. Give Northeast Ohio a try and enjoy our fine trails and extensive parks. Guide trail rides are again available. If you can’t spend the weekend, come up for the Saturday festivities. The obstacle course, a ride, auctions, and dinner. Auctions, 50/50, $5 tables and prizes—we are accepting donations for the auction and the tables. Want to volunteer? You can do that too. Contact Rosemary Young at 440/3827980 or rosemary4medinaohc@ gmail.com to sign up, volunteer or for auction donations. Our next work session is Sept. 14. Contact one of our trail bosses (Raydeen Ryden (raysden2@ gmail.com or 334/663-7361) or Greg Monsanty (330/352-5737 or (blackhorsebridge@aol.com) for details on where to meet and time. Get those rides in down in the valley!
~Rosemary Young
MEIGS
September already! Where did the summer go? Swimming, boating, amusement parks, vacation at the beach, fresh garden produce, and of course, trail riding and haying. So much to do and so little time to get it all done. Meigs members have also been busy at the AEP Southern
Ohio Recreational Area trying to keep the trails clear and the camp area mowed. Kudos to all of those members who have pitched in to work at the equine area with special thanks to Susan, Ed, Joe, and Jim.
The Meigs Chapter is planning for the Festival of the Leaves Memorial Ride on Saturday, Oct. 5, with Oct. 12, as a contingent rain date. This event is a fundraiser for the club and begins with a memorial service at 10 a.m. for members who have passed away, followed by the trail ride. A free pulled pork lunch with sides and beverages will be provided by the chapter at the camp area after the ride along with a split-the-pot, Groom the Pony, and raffles. This event is open to the public with donations to the chapter appreciated.
Emmalee Setzer, 11 years old, competed at the Ohio State Fair on July 15. Emma became the first-ever Athens County 4-H member to compete in driving at the Ohio State Fair’s Junior Horse Show. In the age range class 1118 Emma won the 2024 Ohio State Fair Grand Champion in Driven Trail, Reserve Champion in Driving Reinsmanship, third place in Pleasure Driving, and fourth place in Costume Class. According to her proud dad, Marc, Emma took a green as grass Haflinger and on her own taught him to drive. No trainer, no high dollar lessons, just her own knowledge, skill, and determination along with many training hours with her horse, Doc. Emma had this to say
At the new Chippewa trail.
Greg and truck stop ladies.
Gregs Gibby award.
Emma Setzer and Doc.
Anna and Mr Pickles with Rowan and Otis.
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about her experience at the State competition, “It was so much fun and really, I learned a lot. I can’t wait to try out for State again next year!” Emma is a member of the Back in the Saddle 4H Club and Emma and her sister Anna are members of the Meigs OHC chapter and serve as the Youth ambassadors for our chapter. Congratulations to Emma and Doc! Along with your mom, dad and sister, your Meigs chapter is proud of your hard work and accomplishments. We love you.
The Dill Family will be holding their annual St. Jude Fundraiser Ride on Sept. 21 at their farm in Rutland, Ohio. The ride will begin at noon. The Dills have been sponsoring this charity ride for many years which helps support the St. Jude Hospital for Children. St. Jude is a children’s cancer research hospital which never bills for their services.
AEP had a contractor doing some timbering along the White Trail at the AEP Southern Ohio Recreational Area. That trail has been closed to both riders and hikers while the tree harvesting has been going on. While the work has been completed the White Trail needs cleared of debris so as of this submission date, Aug. 5, riders and hikers should avoid the White Trail. The Orange and Green trails were not affected by the timbering crew so remain open. There is a kiosk as you enter the camp area of the AEP Recreational Area where maps and a registration book are located. Please stop at the kiosk and sign in plus study the trail map and notices for information about the trails especially with regard to the status of the White Trail.
The Meigs Chapter currently has 127 members and would welcome anyone who wishes to join. Our meetings are the third Tuesday of each month with
the exception of December and are held at Fox Pizza Den on Main Street in Pomeroy Ohio. Meetings begin at 7 p.m.
~Marlene Swartz
MORROW
Hello fellow OHC members! Where did summer go? It seems like the older we get the faster it goes! We have had a great summer in Morrow County and I hope you all had one as well. I wanted to remind everyone about our upcoming benefit ride. It is on Sept. 28 at Alum Creek. All proceeds go to St. Jude. We are also having a tack auction Nov. 23 at the American Legion Hall in Marengo, Ohio.
We have just completed the construction of a new shelter house at Mt. Gilead state park. The shelter house is located in the equine trail parking area.
Now, on to the good stuff! Our club is very fortunate to have a young and active member and just completed a very successful 4H season at the Knox County Fair. Levi McDonald is 15 years old and has been riding since he was 3. This year was his first year in the senior class and he held his own up against the older competitors. He competed in several events throughout the week with the highlight of the week being Thursday night
which was contesting. This is Levi’s favorite event and he had a lot of fun and finished strong. When the dust settled, he had finished fifth in barrels, third in poles, seventh in stakes and tenth in keyhole. Congratulations Levi! We are extremely proud of you and look forward to watching you compete again next year.
See you all out on the trails!
~Rob Conley
PREBLE
Fall is approaching and the leaves will be changing. This is a wonderful opportunity to ride the trails and see the beautiful changing season. Send us your trail pictures of the red, orange, and brown colors. We still have some great events coming up.
Our State ride is approaching quickly, and we hope everyone has ordered their T-shirts which will be available for pick up at the state ride weekend. We have a lot of activities planned for the State ride. We will be having a pulled pork dinner followed by live music.
We have a fun show on Oct. 5, and group rides. Find the hidden ghosts on the trail to win some amazing prizes. We want to thank Bob Well Horse Equipment out of Gratis, Ohio, Osborne Tack, and Cox Saddlery for their kind donations to our give aways.
Another great event that is not sponsored by the OHC is the Halloween Campout. This event has been a tradition for quite a few years. A 4H group started, and it has continued to grow. This is a wonderful event with a lot of activities for all ages and a great way to see the horseman’s camp being utilized.
We look forward to seeing everyone please reach out if you have any questions, www. facebook.com/prebleOHC.
~Nichole Johnson
ROSS
Boy has it been a hot one this year, I hope you all have been staying cool and getting in some good rides. We over here in the Ross chapter have been trying to get in some rides every week. Usually Friday and Saturday. We’ve been able to get in a few night rides, which have been fun. One of the nights it was the strawberry moon, and it was gorgeous! Some of our group went down to Red River Gorge, in Kentucky July 4th weekend
and absolutely loved it. Some of the prettiest riding you will experience is what I was told. I unfortunately didn’t get to go. A couple of our members are still working on getting Tar Hollow trails color coded and approved. I believe even trying to open up a few more of the old trails. Fingers crossed they get the approval.
We have two rides remaining in 2024 in case anyone would like to join us; Alum Creek Oct. 19, and Hocking Nov. 2.
I’d like to give a shout out to Jezlynn Sharp. She will be competing at the Ross County Fair in a few events. Good luck, we all know you will do great! It’s OK to come in second in the gaited class because we know Rocky will finish first for sure. Please remember to take very good care of your four-legged friends, especially during these hot days. Make sure they have plenty of clean, fresh water. Let’s keep them healthy and safe. They depend on our love and care! Until next time, enjoy the rest of the summer everyone!
~Whitney Stires SANDUSKY
Yahoo, our club has been out on some great adventures despite the rain, heat and busyness of the
Emma and Doc at State.
Morrow County OHC
Red River Gorge, Kentucky
Rocky the next number one gaited horse alive
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summer! A large group enjoyed a horse camping weekend at Pleasant Hill, including fireworks. Another group enjoyed a hot August camping weekend at the Roughton’s obstacle course and desensitization extravaganza, including a dip in the people pool. On a personal note, I spent a couple of hours at the Roughton’s in August as well. It was a fantastic opportunity for me and my Rocky Mountain mare, Luna. Teresa greeted me and gave me the low-down on all the fun and educational challenges she had planned that day. Since it was my first time having this experience, she frequently checked in to assist me and give me pointers to increase my success. What a horsewoman! Before leaving, Teresa made sure I travelled a little through their woods experience, which included areas like ‘the construction zone,’ mailboxes with treats inside, deer and lots of pool noodle obstacles. I travelled with Luna through
these experiences on the ground and can’t wait to go back and try them in the saddle!
Our club also met several times at beautiful White Star Bridle Trails in Gibsonburg, Ohio. We looked beyond the deer flies and horse flies and focused on the lovely flowers in bloom. If you haven’t been to White Star, be sure to visit this year! The trails are barefoot friendly with both wooded and open grassy trails. Many of the trails comfortably fit three or four horses abreast. On cooler days, you can also enjoy the prairie trails across from the trail head. There are several access points along C.R. 66 directly across from the trail head Join us on our club first Sunday of the month rides (check our Facebook page for weather and time updates).
Looking forward, our club has camp-and-ride plans for Sept. 13-15 at Salt Fork, Sept. 20-22 NWR State Ride and Oct. 18-20 at Alum Creek.
Want to learn more about trail riding? Join us at our club meetings. We meet the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Sandusky Township Fire Hall, 2207 Oak Harbor Road, Fremont, Ohio. Want to ride with a fantastic group of horse people? Come ride with us!
~Donna McHaffie STARK
Seems like I have missed a few issues for our articles from Stark County. It is not that we hadn’t been doing anything, it was my fault for forgetting! I had been writing about an Ohio Trails Partnership event that was taking place at Camp Tuscazoar in July. It turned out to be a very nice day and all the groups that are part of OTP were represented and had nice displays. The sad thing was only a few people from the general public attended. For some reason it was not well advertised, but that did not mean we didn’t have fun. Stark County OHC members did an outstanding job of displaying what we represented. I have included a few pictures. Kelly Bichsel brought her mini pony that thought her job was to eat all the grass that she could and she tried her best. Vicky Heberlein brought her Quarter Horse Rascal who let those willing to have a ride. Candi brought her beautiful horse and carriage to give carriage rides all day. A
decorative sheet covered the side of a trailer to make it look like a side of a barn, Stacy had her nice bird houses available for sale. A saddle was set-up so you could try to rope a ‘steer’. There were lots of things going on at our booth that made it very interesting. Stark Parks has been developing trails at Pike Ridge near East Sparta. Right now, there is just a 5-mile trail that can be ridden but more is to come when more money is available. They are requiring riders to go out with a guide until the park is officially opened. Hope everyone is able to get out and enjoy the nice fall days that will be here shortly.
~Jo Ellen
SUMMIT
Did it all start with Yellowstone or was it just finally time for the pendulum to start swinging back to an almost forgotten segment of our society, the love of horses? Over the past few decades, there would be a sprinkling of interest around the Triple Crown races or maybe the odd rodeo finals. However, it is refreshing to see a televised interest in Saturday Thoroughbred Races at Saratoga, Olympic eventing and dressage, 4H shows and county fairs, and some especially fancy horses being bred alongside of the iconic hard-working drafts and standardbreds down in Amish country. Even PBS has had
a number of very well-done specials on the horse’s role in human history and the roles various breeds have played. Look for their upcoming special on Mustangs. Here’s hoping the trend continues.
The logistics of sandwiching in an equine event this time of year in Ohio is a healthy dose of sheer optimism and the remainder resignation for the inevitable. Between the weather and scheduling, whatever happens is truly just a roll of the dice and how appropriate for the Aug. 3 SCOHC Poker Run Fundraiser at Richfield Heritage Preserve. Whatever the odds, a loyal group of OHC members showed up for the event and managed to eke out a decent ride and share in some great prizes for their efforts. On behalf of our chapter, we wish to thank each and every one of you who took a chance on making this a winner of a day. Also, a round of applause goes out to all the volunteers who worked behind the scenes defying the threats of nasty storms to make this another success story. Of course, Big Dee Tack was our ever-present supporter and their gift cards were a draw and real incentive to win an event.
We had some very good news from the park system in Medina County that they opened the two-mile shared bridle trail at Chippewa Lake on Aug. 1 of this year. Great things come in small packages and we hope that this is just the beginning of additional miles for the future. Our local chapters have petitioned for more trails in the county and we owe a special thanks to all the OHC members and the equine community for their persistence in keeping this a priority.
If you are still looking for some great riding weather and an opportunity to camp for the weekend, please check out the joint chapter ride on Sept. 2729 at the Cleveland Metro Parks South Chagrin Polo Fields. This popular ride is jointly sponsored by Cuyahoga, Medina, and
Charles and company at Pleasant Hill, July 2024.
Annette and Carter buddy ride, July 2024.
Al and Marla’s horses, July 2024.
Camp Tuscazoar
Eastwood Junior recruits.
County Lines
Summit Counties OHC chapters and promises to be an opportunity to catch up with old friends, enjoy some great food, hit the trails, and test your riding skills and your horse’s tolerance to new and exciting obstacles and surprises. Bring some extra cash to check out the great used tack and miscellaneous tables along with some chances for extra special raffle baskets and maybe 50/50 raffle.
~Joann Ulichney
TUSCARAWAS
Parents often offer to accomplish extraordinary feats for their children, without hesitation. I believe, fellow OHC members, Erin Stephan and Jerry Blake, deserve our recognition for their recent purposeful jaunt to Allenspark, Colo. They departed July 14 in the evening, intending to traverse 20 hours of countryside, with truck, horse trailer equipped with living quarters, two horses, and their sweet Yorkie, Roxie who had blessed them with four pups during the week prior. Erin’s son, Christopher, settled near Estes Park, adjacent to the Rocky Mountain Park. His new home consisted of amazing scenery, a rustic dwelling, guest house, and an outbuilding we would define as a horse barn. The project Jerry and Erin were destined to accomplish, following their 20hour sojourn cross country, was to assist in connecting the guest house to the existing septic system via PVC within a 47’ hand dug 3’ trench, as well as trenching for the water line connection, all without damaging previously buried electrical conduit. Mission accomplished! Long days and perseverance, the three of them completed their goal. A hail storm’s pelting the metal roof of the horse barn provided a colorful moment for two terrified horses, but nothing life endangering occurred. Finally, a respite from their project allowed a muchappreciated trail ride to Wild Basin, within Rocky Mountain Park. The trailhead elevation is 8,880’. There are approximately 260 miles of equine trails, intended for commercial and private use, equivalent to 80 percent of the total trail network in the park. Following a vigorous climb, enjoyment of the awe-inspiring views and rugged terrain, Erin and Jerry’s adventurous spirits were momentarily quelled. Long’s Peak, final elevation of 14,259’ towers above all other summits, a
stone fortress among the clouds. Our adventurers selected the trail toward Chasm Lake on route to Long’s Peak as their final ride. They witnessed snow covered peaks and the radiant beauty of the Continental Divide. These two dedicated individuals share their wealth of knowledge and deep, sensitive emotions with their friends, as well. I am truly blessed to call them my friends!
Our Tuscarawas County OHC meets on the first Monday of each month, when we share a meal. We welcome new members. Join us!
~Holly Waldenmyer
WARREN
I’m getting ready for my endurance ride, and my computer isn’t playing nice, so this will be short and sweet.
Those of you who have ridden the Moonlight Vista trail in recent months have noticed a couple of bad spots. Hopefully, by the time you read this, they’ll both be fixed. One bog is scheduled to have a new culvert put in to replace the bad one currently there. The other bog is scheduled for a re-route. Rick and Karen Johnson, Ramona Auyeung and I scoped it out one day and decided that rather than try to fix it with Geo-Tech and gravel, which would take a huge amount of time and materials, it would be easier to re-route. Both projects were supposed to be fixed before this article but Mother Nature didn’t cooperate. One was scheduled to be done on Aug. 7, the other
either then or on our August work day, both of which should actually happen. (Mother Nature hasn’t been very nice to us trying to do trail work this year!) We realize there’s a lot of overgrowth as well, and we’re trying our best to get a handle on it. But this year has apparently been the perfect combination of heat and rain to make lots of foliage just go crazy. Any help is appreciated, even if it’s just clipping or breaking some branches as you ride by. Every little bit helps! I thought I took photos of the Otterbein parade, but must not have. And since the projects I mentioned weren’t done before I wrote this, I have nothing from that either. I am including random older photos. Happy riding!
~Mickie Newnam
WASHINGTON
Howdy, after seven long years we have exciting news to share with you. As many of you will remember, seven years ago there were a series of storms that totally devastated part of the Kinderhook trail of Wayne National Forest in Newport, Ohio. Despite assurances that it would be either fixed or rerouted in a timely manner we have been waiting seven years! But it is happening! As of this writing, the construction has begun. So far, the trail has been laid out and cleared of brush. We do not know what the final plans are or how it will be in the end, but we are ecstatic. Several of our group have used the rough version already and are thrilled we can once again make a loop! We have many questions such as how they are going to address, the creek crossing (really just a run, but a bad crossing at the moment) and a few other concerns. We try to remember they are professionals and will build the very best trail they are capable of! That being said, come to Newport and ride the Kinderhook trail this fall. There is a parking lot, city water and a SST (sweet smelling toilet). If you ride the entire long loop which has some road riding it will be well over 20 miles. To stay on the short loop and the trails within it, it will be closer to 14 miles, just a nice day ride. Our Sawyer crew has the trails cleared of trees and think you will find them in good shape. If you do come ride with us, we ask you ride with your nippers in your hand! On old trails, especially that have not been used a lot (because of the
washout closing the trail) briers are trying to close in. If each rider would just help it would make things much better for everyone! In other goings on, the club rented the Sistersville ferry for an evening cruise on July 27. It was a beautiful evening! We had 58 passengers from three years old up to...as you can see in the photo of our President Brent DeWees and Vice President Darrell McKay and young members Zayden Sandy and parents along with Brent’s 3-year-old grandson, Jayson. We enjoyed a potluck dinner, fantastic view of the shore and good friendship and fellowship along the way! We had members participate in several 4th of July parades, a club ride at Salt Fork on July 20, good time, and several joined the Shilo Riding Club across the river in West Virginia for a St. Jude benefit ride at the North Bend Rail trail as well. Between now and the next edition of the Corral we are anticipating a scavenger hunt along with our annual corn roast ride which is a ride with a potluck dinner featuring corn on the cob as the main attraction. We will give you a full report then. Needless to say, we are staying busy and on the trails!
~Rita V. Schultheis WAYNE
Another Regional Ride is in the books. Nine chapters were represented with a total of 35 rigs. Of course, there was the usual rain on July 4th but that
Warren County OHC
Darrell McKay and Brent DeWees.
Zayden and Jayson.
County Lines
didn’t dampen the spirits of a delicious dinner of roasted hot dogs, wonderful side dishes and Pam B.’s wonderful cookies. Saturday’s poker run on the South Blue was a success. On the Rise BBQ did not disappoint with
night. Sunday morning after Cowboy Church led by Dave Smalley, there was a scavenger hunt. All in all, 63 people were in attendance over the weekend. We thank everyone who came and supported us and OHC.
The next weekend, Susi Ally hosted a campout at Dillon State Park. There were eight riders and eight rigs. Capers and riders from three chapters were present.
Jen Petersen hosted a ride at Two Mile Camp in Pennsylvania. The park was amazingly clean, and the trails were well marked. It is sure to be an annual favorite!
the State Fair, competing on his Paint horse, Gus and his Quarter Horse Chloe. He placed 7th in Ranch Showmanship and 10th out of 20 in the Obstacle Course class. He went on the next week to show at the Valley City Saddle Club and placed 5th in Walk Trot Jackpot Ranch Pleasure, 2nd in Ranch Showmanship and 1st in Trail in Hand. We are looking forward to watching him show at the Wayne County Fair.
Denver Aumiller had a great first time showing at the Knox County Fair. She and her Missouri Fox Trotter, Cupcake placed in barrels, poles, flags, keyhole, egg and spoon, English equitation and ground poles. She qualified to enter both the regular versatility and contest. Way to go Denver!
Our youth had a great month. Taran Tate outdid himself at
As the camping season winds down, we still have a few club campouts planned. There is Beaver Creek Sept. 13-15 and Pine Creek at Hocking Hills, Oct. 14-20. If you are a primary or secondary member you are welcome to join us for some fun fellowship and riding. If you aren’t, get that application to our secretary, Leigh Litman and join us! Remember the Tuesday rides will continue through October; however, the last night ride is Sept. 17 due to the falling darkness and safety concerns. Finally, if you are riding in Mohican and observe people camping where there is no designated camp site or riding bicycles on the equestrian trails, please call #ODNR for ranger assistance. Even though it goes to a central switch board in Columbus they will promptly notify the local rangers so that the situation can be properly handled. This has been occurring more and more and it poses a safety risk for horse and rider as well as the bicyclists and illegal campers.
~Susan Baker
WOOD
For the most part our weekend campouts have been on the cooler side until Hueston Woods. That was a hot one, but we arose at 7 a.m. to be in the saddle by 9 a.m. and back before the hottest part of the day. The best part was, we had electric and showers, thank you Hueston!
We sure miss camping at Van Buren. You do not miss what you have until you can’t use it! You can see the progress, but they want the grass to be established before opening it back up. That is sad but understandable.
Our trail crew along with park maintenance has been working on the obstacle course at Van Buren aside the trail that is close to the driveway at the day area. The stoned tires are a big hit. They are located on the backside of the corral. Our trails are still open folks, just the campground is closed.
We still have a few weekend rides to go until fall/winter day rides. Fulton County’s Octoberfest Oct. 4 and 5 (reservation needed), Harry Hughes Ride-a-thon Oct. 6, and West Branch SP weekend of Oct.12. No Hobo Stew this year. I have heard fall may be warmer than usual, that can be good or bad but I guess we will make do. Those that wish to come to our meetings, they are held on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Mi Tequila Mexican restaurant in Fostoria.
