Partners Bay State Trail Riders Association
Becky Kalagher
Greetings from BSTRA! For those of you not familiar with us, we would like to start with our mission statement, so you have a clear idea of BSTRA. BSTRA was founded in 1973, and is a nonprofit, tax-exempt, volunteer organization dedicated to the acquisition, preservation, and improvement of trails. Though most of us are horseback riders we welcome hikers, mountain bikers,
Julie Downer with Matilda and Scarlet Gervais at the BSTRA June National Trails Day Ride in Oxford.
birdwatchers, cross-country skiers, and anyone who would like to join us in the enjoyment of the outdoors. We work closely with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and are active in promoting our goals in the State’s governance and legislation. We also provide input to land-owning agencies regarding horse and trail issues. BSTRA promotes good horsemanship. Our monthly newsletter, The Bugle, gives an update of our activities and upcoming events. Members automatically receive our newsletter. Since 1989, we have invested more than $660,000 in trail work! To learn more, go to bstra.org/about-us/projects. Click on a year and see what we accomplished that year. It’s impressive. Some of our recent improvements include upgrading wooden bridges with a new anti-slip surface consisting of a layer of non-woven geotextile material topped with pea stone. This is an affordable, easy fix that makes bridges safer for all trail users. Last year we donated $500 to help
preserve 66 acres to add to the Peppercorn Hill Conservation Area in Upton. BSTRA bought 17 acres in Douglas so that we could connect the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) to Douglas town-owned land for multipurpose use. We invested in Douglas State Forest, a much loved, well used area for many. In Spencer, BSTRA donated $5,000 toward the purchase of the Sibley and Warner Farms, which totaled 352 acres. We also invested nearly $64,000 in volunteer time and money in the Upton State Forest trails. In addition to our land conservation efforts, we host many wonderful equestrian outings including camping, and competitions including a hunter pace and a judged pleasure ride. In May, we had the Thompson, Connecticut ride, and for Memorial Day weekend, BSTRA hosted its traditional Carver Campout. For those of you who have never camped with horses, this is a wonderful opportunity to camp with pros. June was a busy month, starting with National Trails Day held in Oxford on June 12. This is always our biggest fundraising event of the year, and we had our best turnout ever! Ninety-two riders showed up to partake in a lovely trail ride of seven-plus miles. The ride was followed by a fantastic catered lunch provided by Dino’s, all of which was underwritten by one of our platinum sponsors,Whitehorse Truck and Trailer. After lunch we held a raffle filled with wonderful items donated to us by our many loyal sponsors and supporters. The weather was gorgeous, and a good time was had by all. June 25 was our Gaited Horse Clinic, taught by Julie Dillon. It was well attended with eight riders who had individual lessons; another success story. June 30 – July 4 was our Fourth of July Annual Campout in Douglas. As an experienced horse camper, Rose Zariczny ran a smooth operation. Community Horse Fall/Winter 2022
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