HORSE ASSOCIATION & TRAIL RIDERS NEWS Fort Custer Horse Friends Association
BRIGHTON TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION As we close out 2021, we're actively planning for the New Year. Needless to say, we're hopeful that 2022 will bring us back to some semblance of normal, but only time will tell. We're in the process of planning our events for next year and no major changes are anticipated. In the past our outdoor events have always been popular and well received, so we firmly believe in the old adage: “If it ain't broke, don't fix it.” Still, we're always open to change and given Ma Nature's mood on any given day and other circumstances, we have to be ready to alter a scheduled event. We really have our fingers crossed on planning for our annual banquet, “The Spring Fling.” As we have reported many times before, this event is co-hosted by the Pinckney Trail Riders and because of Covid, we haven't been able to hold it for some time. Since many of us belong to both clubs, it has always been all the more special. We are hoping that the festivities will not be affected this time around. As this is being written, we've had a taste of winter weather, but history tells us that temperatures can still go up somewhat and the clouds can give way to blue skies. That means that the trails at Brighton can still be visited, so an enjoyable ride is not out of the question. Mark Delaney, BTRA President
FORT CUSTER HORSE FRIENDS ASSOC. Hello Trail Riders! Well, 2021 is over, good, bad, or otherwise! The good: our Fall Equestrian Campout was a huge success with a packed event area including many old and new friends. The weather was good for campers and trail exploration. Food was enjoyed by all, breakfasts and potluck supper. Money was raised for continued work, maintenance and improvements at the Park once again. Thank-you to everyone on the board who worked so hard to set this event up, cook, build fires, clean campsites, and generally help to make everything run smoothly. Thank-you to all that attended the campout and continue to support our efforts to have one of the nicest places to ride and get together with friends and horses! Plans are in the talking phase of extending the picket area for the horses in each campsite further back into the trees to access more shade for the animals. It will require clearing of scrub type trees and bringing in sand and gravel for fill around the picket areas. The DNR has already agreed this is doable with the right paperwork to be submitted and approved. There was discussion at the November meeting of having electricity for the campsites. This could take approximately 2 years to work with the DNR with all it will entail. The board feels these improvements would be a big draw to campers in the hot weather months. This way horses would have shade on the picket lines and air conditioners could be used for campers. Discussion of planting trees was ruled out as it would not be feasible for the club to support watering, maintenance, and care for the success of young trees. 2022 will be an exciting year to see what we can make plans for future improvements. The Park is open, the trails are groomed and cleared. Winter is a beautiful time to explore Fort Custers’ wandering woods, prairies, viewing lake vistas, and crossing meandering creeks. Come and see what you are missing! Visit our website www.fchfa.org for news, riding buddies, and calendar of events. Call Nancy at 269-967-3613 for questions. See you on the trails! Toni Strong, Secretary
JANUARY 2022 • C & C PUBLISHING, INC. ©2022
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MICHIGAN FOXTROTTING HORSE ASSOCIATION (MFHA) Happy New Year from the Michigan Foxtrotting Horse Association (MFHA)! Did you get a new Fox Trotter for Christmas? Or are you intrigued by them? Then we invite youth and adults to learn more about them by joining the Michigan Fox Trotting Horse Association. We have been an affiliate for the past 30 years of the Missouri Fox Trotter Horse Breed Assoc. www.mfthba.com based in Ava, Missouri. Fox Trotters are the most comfortable and unique versatile gaited horse! That's why so many people ride and drive them. Our website and Facebook page offer background, health, gait and training information. We offer yearly clinics and trail rides. We have offered colt starting, gaiting, Dressage, camping, obstacle, and horsemanship clinics with qualified instructors, as well as trail rides including an annual MFTHBA National Trial Ride (NTR). Our 2022 clinics and NTR are in the planning stages now. More will be shared about them in the coming months. We invite youth and adults to join in 2022. A single MFHA membership is only $15. The family membership is just $20. Both are a steal at these prices, compared to other breed associations. Go to www.michigan foxtrottinghorse.com to print off a membership form and join this busy group of enthusiasts who love to promote, host trail rides and hold clinics for those interested in learning the many things that Fox Trotters are known to do. Like us on Facebook, too. Historically, Fox Trotters were used for plowing fields and pulling buggies, working cattle, competing in shows, as well as safely navigating the hilly terrain of the Ozark mountains with their surefooted and comfortable no-bounce gait. Today they can be found all over the USA and Europe pulling wagons and sleighs, camping and trail riding, competing in 4-H and Dressage shows, County Fairs, endurance competitions, Versatility programs, jumping and in breed-show classes and in therapeutic WWW.SADDLEUPMAG.COM
