County Lines

overcome worry and shyness about new situations. We look forward to it!

We hope everyone is enjoying summer riding, while being mindful of heat stress for our four-footed friends. Get out on the trails, do a bit of trail work, and have fun with your buddies!

~Lisa Reynolds

Medina

entrants each time. We have a great time, and invite all skill levels (both horse and rider) to participate. It’s a great way to introduce your horse to a new environment and practice control for the newcomers, and a really competitive event for those aiming for the high point buckle. We are low-key, fun-based, and want everyone to try something new. Please see our Madison County Gymkhana Facebook page for more information about dates and pre-registration. We do have a food truck, so no need to pack a lunch!

Trail riding has also been a focus for many in our group, and we are trying to expand our riding to places that are new to us, yet in a day-ride distance from central Ohio. Great Seal has been a favorite, as well as Buck Creek and Prairie Oaks. Our June meeting presentation was with a farrier, Chris Nusbaum, who discussed what your farrier wishes you knew. He said that a flat dry area to work in and clean, dry legs are a big plus, along with a horse with decent ground manners. Honestly, we all do know this, but sometimes forget to make things as pleasant and easy as possible for our farrier. He warned to keep an eye out for thrush by frequent hoof care and picking, and to be sure to use a thrush remedy (like Thrush Buster) to get it taken care of. In July, we had our potluck dinner. In August we will discuss map reading the old-fashioned way— with paper maps and a compass if necessary. We don’t always have a cell signal or battery power, so this is an important skill. Also in August, some of our group will go to Helge’s Horse Training for a club outing to experience his obstacle course and work with our horses to learn how to

June and July were times to get out the ride, white and blue. Parades kept our members busy. Joyce (‘Before the Parade Passes By’) Tretow took another contingent of members to the Blue Tip Parade in Wadsworth in June. For the Fourth of July, she and her fine mare Star, strutted their stuff at the Chippewa Lake Parade. Joyce and Karen Crist did us proud in patriotic gear and their horses looked just as fine.

Our July 5 meeting was at Robinson Field and we had an informative talk by member Greg Monsanty about the many trails he has ridden. In all, he has ridden over 60 park trails, connector trails, trails in county parks, national parks, forests, preserves, woods, reservoirs, across the country and back again. This is one dedicated horseman! We all know who to ask about any trail, just about anywhere. It’s always good to get as much information about trails before we try them.

Still looking for a mid-week ride? How about Tuesday, Aug. 8 at the CVNP from the Wetmore trail head to the covered bridge? Barb Vega, 216/702-1224, will be leading, give her a call if you are interested. Ride out is 9 a.m. sharp! You can also meet her when she gets to the covered bridge. On Aug. 19 Ken Sims will lead a ride at the Creekside Horse Park. Contact Ken at 724/316-6597 if you would like to join him.

There will be lots of riding, eating and fun at our combined state ride at the Polo Fields of South Chagrin Reservation in the Cleveland Metroparks Sept. 29 through Oct. 1. We are ‘pardnering’ with Summit and Cuyahoga chapters for a weekend full of entertainment. The Cleveland Mounted Police will be staging an obstacle course (reservations required) which will test your horse’s (and you own) skills. There are a few spots still open so hurry and sign up! Food, auctions, 50/50 raffle and prizes galore—get your reservation in now! Look for the flyer in our newsletter and on the OHC state website (choose Events and go to September). For more information contact Joani Hedderick (330/730-4652 or joanihedderick@gmail.com) or Penny Passalaqua (216/4706998 or pennyohc@sbcglobal. com). Reservations are coming in fast, so don’t delay!

Medina’s next meeting will be Sept. 6 at Robinson Field. Bring your horse and ride before the meeting. This will be our last meeting outdoors, so be sure to join us! The social gathering starts at 6:30 p.m. and business meeting starting at 7 p.m. Bring a snack to share.

Meigs

July is here and soon the county fairs will be starting. Our Meigs County Fair will begin Aug.14 and run through Aug. 19 at its historic location on County Road 20 (AKA Rocksprings Road) just off from US 33/SR 7. Many of our chapter members will be showing livestock and participating in the horse shows. Please check out the fair’s Facebook page for more information about the events, https://www.facebook. com/themeigscountyfair/ Our partnership with the Make a Wish Foundation was a big success with 92 attending and 40 of those riding the trails. We are pleased not only with the turnout but also with the generosity of our community donating to this wonderful charity. Ed Turley, our chapter president, and his helpers once again slow cooked the pork in a smoker. The delicious meat along with hotdogs and the many potluck side dishes provided a bountiful meal for all. It’s safe to say that many had to wait for some digesting to occur after the main course before indulging in the array of mouth-watering desserts. Carlotta Hensler was the big winner of the pony raffle and I can attest from knowing Carlotta for years, that Otis will be in a safe and loving home. Once again, thanks to Carl and Linda Ball for donating Otis to Make A Wish for the pony raffle. A big shout out to Terry Baker and the Knox County OHC Chapter for traveling to Meigs County and participating in our ride and meal. Terry was unable to ride so pitched right in to help with all the activities. Thank you Terry. We hope that you and your members can return on Sept. 16 when the Dill Farm sponsors their big ride for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital charity. The Dill family has been supporting this charity for many years helping to raise funds for ending childhood cancer.

August 12, Sept. 9, Oct. 14, and Nov. 11 are scheduled for chapter group trail rides followed by a fun show and Oct. 7 is the Meigs Chapter’s Annual Festival of the Leaves Memorial Ride. All five of these rides and the four fun shows will be at the AEP Southeastern Ohio Equine Recreational Area.

~Rosemary Young

Our next work session is Aug. 12. For more information contact Raydeen Ryden (raysden2@ gmail.com or 334/663-7361) or Greg Monsanty (330/352-5737 or (blackhorsebridge@aol.com). Get out and ride down in the valley!

Repairs have been made to the picnic tables at the equine camp at the AEP area and need new coats of paint. Hopefully we will