Join Us for Our Annual Trail Ride to Benefit Erie County Sheriff`s

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Equine Update
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Join Us for Our Annual Trail Ride to Benefit Erie
County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Patrol
YOUR E Q UINE NEWSLE T TER
In this issue:
A Friend Remembered
~ Delores Wild
Genesee Valley Hunt Races
Here’s to Charm School
Information of Possible Changes to
Carlton Hill and Other Riding Areas
LTRC Arena Construction Update
Equestrian Fun Ride At Otter Creek
2015 #5
S EPTEMBER / O C TO B E R
The Western Chapter New York State Horse
Council is hosting the 4th annual trail ride to
benefit the Erie County Sheriff’s Office
Mounted Patrol at Hunter’s Creek in South
Wales on Saturday October 17th (rain date
Saturday, October 24th).
For more information, contact Barb
Cunningham at for
716-735-3529
Ride out time is scheduled
11 AMor and a
[email protected]
picnic lunch with the members of the MP will
follow the ride. The WC will provide hot dogs
and all are welcome to bring a dish to share.
NYS Horse Council General Meeting
Find the details on page 13 – see you there!
…. and more!
To many, the words love, hope and dreams are synonymous with horses.
Author Unknown
-2-
Message From the President
Looking for Volunteers!
I am looking for several volunteers to help me staff the
Western Chapter Table at the Genesee Valley Hunt
Races on Oct. 10th.
The Western Chapter will have a table under the tent
at 3320 Nations Road, Geneseo, NY 14454. Volunteers
need to be present by 9am to help set up.
The Genesee Valley Hunt Races is a day of fun for
horse lovers, dog lovers, and nature lovers. See the
article on page 3 submitted by Becky Glass for more
information on the GVHR.
If you are willing to volunteer, please contact Barb
Cunningham-716-735-3529 or by email
[email protected].
Barb C.
DID YOU KNOW?
The tallest horse on record was a Shire named Samson. He was 21.2 hands (7 feet, 2
inches) tall. He was born in 1846 in Toddington Mills, England.
We Want to Hear
From You!
The WCNYSHC is looking for
submissions to the newsletter.
We would like to hear about your
horse, your business, your equine
event, an unusual experience with
your horse, a review of some product
you might recommend, some horse
tips or trivia - anything at all that
might be of interest to our
membership. Maybe even an article
“written” by your horse!
Articles should be submitted in a
Word Document, 750 words or less.
Pictures are welcomed - jpeg format,
please. Deadline for the November /
December issue is November 1st.
Articles received after the deadline
will be published in a later edition.
Articles may need to be edited due to
space considerations.
Please send articles to
[email protected]
Support Knox Farm State
Park Equestrian Fields
Please help the WCNYSHC raise
funds to support the maintenance of
the Chur Equestrian Fields at Knox
Farm State Park by purchasing a
TOPS GIFT CARD. They are
available in $25, $50, $100, $200, and
$300 amounts and at no cost to you,
5% of the card face value will be
donated to support the equestrian
park. They make great gifts for friends
and family.
Contact Liz O'Donnell,
[email protected]; or Linda
Tarnawskyj, [email protected];
please write Tops Gift Cards in the
subject line or just send your check to
892 Jewett Holmwood Rd., East
Aurora, NY 14052
Everyone 60 and over will receive a
6% discount on all groceries and
prescriptions every 1st Tuesday of the
month. Sign up for the YOUNG AT
HEART program at the customer
service counter in any Tops Super
Market.
Thank you to all who have
already supported this program.
Sincerely, Liz O'Donnell
Western Chapter Board
of Directors
2015 Officers
Barb Cunningham –
President – 716-735-3529
Mary Szarek –
Vice President – 716-837-3761
Peter Tarnawskyj –
Treasurer – 716-655-1796
Megan Stapley –
Recording Secretary – 716-997-2019
Christine Eisensmith – 716- 496-1048
Amy Hewson – 716-949-4288
Barbara Huber – 716-655-4810
Debbie Huckle – 716-432-8879
Sharon Kettner – 716-652-4313
Denise Lukeman – 716-258-0332
Mary McNall – 585-322-2696
Barbara Moore – 716-912-2100
Barb Rauscher – 716-675-3908
Nancy Reeves – 585-409-4129
Lisette Ruotolo – 203-809-9559
Linda Tarnawskyj – 716-655-1796
Newsletter Editor –
Becky Bartels – 716-537-2646
-3-
A Friend Remembered……
by L.M. Tarnawskyj
On August 5, 2015 the WNY horse community lost a
long time friend and supporter. Delores Wild of South
Wales passed away suddenly which came as an awful
shock to her family and those that knew her. Delores had
been a member of the Aurora Trail Riders for a very long
time. She attended most trail rides, knew most trails by
memory and she eventually got the nickname “Trimmer”
since she was never seen on any ride without a pruner in
her hand trimming all those low branches that would prove
to be a nuisance to all that traveled those trails. We all
know that a branch in your face is never fun.
Later when the Western Chapter (WC) first struggled to
became a chapter, the early meetings were held in Bob
Geitter’s basement. They were attended by the original
group of approximately 10 people and Delores and her
sister Dee Wyatt were two of those initial members.
Delores’ biggest drive for the WC was for the
establishment of a therapeutic riding program scholarship.
It originated with her blessing in the earliest days of the
chapter. We would have all the therapeutic riding programs
submit a bio of their most worthy student and the group
would decide on the student that was most deserving of
the scholarship. The amount awarded would cover the cost
of a session. She tried to think of ways to raise money for
the scholarship and went so far as to write a booklet titled
“100 Uses for Baling Twine”. She had it published and
sold copies of this collection of ideas for $1.00 a piece.
Since the Chapter’s treasury was still at a low point, she
encouraged members to pick up empty pop and beer cans
along the road and give the nickel deposits to the treasury.
She was seen many times riding along roads and trails
with a plastic bag strung over her saddle horn full of
empties to be deposited and the money given to the fund.
In the event of her death, she had left instructions for her
family that in lieu of flowers that all gifts be donated to the
WC Therapeutic Scholarship program. At the 2015 August
Board meeting, a motion was made by Peter Tarnawskyj
that the name of the WC scholarship program be changed
to “The Delores Wild Memorial Scholarship”. This motion
was unanimously passed by all those present and the
name of the fund will forever bear the name of this devoted
friend of handicapped riders. Delores will be in our memory
for the ages.
Delores was also a writer and story teller. You may
remember her last article published in our July/August
2015 newsletter called “Around the Bend “. She also
wrote an enjoyable story in our July/August 2014
Newsletter entitled “Trail Riding and Guardian Angels “.
These stories were memories of her younger years
riding on her favorite horses Bay and Strider.
So….. If you still wondering if you really ever met
Delores Wild, think back to one of your visits to the Old
Orchard Restaurant in East Aurora and those very
delicious cinnamon buns that people raved about.
Remember yet? If so, you know Delores! She baked
there for over 30 years and delighted many taste buds
with those tasty buns. She was very gifted in many
fields. God Bless You, Delores and “Ride On”.
-4-
-5-
October 10, 2015
Submitted by Becky Glass
A family day in the country for horse lovers, dog lovers,
and nature lovers is a tradition in Geneseo, New York
that has been supported by the Genesee Valley Hunt
(GVH) for five generations. At the GVH Races on
October 10, 2015 at 3320 Nations Road, the tradition
continues with steeplechasing for over $30,000 in purse
money, an assortment of dog competitions and fun
events, and an array of activities for children and family
fun.
The best seat in the house in the early days was on
top of the family carriage while matched sets of “four-inhand” horses rested in the trees nearby. While watching
the “big races,” as well as the “Draft Horse & Mule
Race,” the “Farmers’ Race” and other entertainment,
families spread a blanket on the ground to enjoy the
picnic they brought with them. In the days before paper
plates and far from a bag of French fries, the dishes and
beverages were served in crystal, china, and silver. This
romantic tradition continues at the GVH Races today,
although the horsepower is now under the hood of the
vehicles parked alongside the racetrack, not in harness!
But the tailgate picnics rival any of those our ancestors
packed. Gourmet offerings of family-recipe dishes,
international fare, and of course shrimp by the
bucketloads, served in elegant tureens and serving
platters spill out of vehicles of every description and are
complemented by themed decorations. The chef-judges
for the competition at today’s races are hard-pressed to
decide the winners in categories of Best Culinary
Experience, Best Equine-themed, and Best NYS Farmto-Tailgate.
For those who choose not to tailgate, an option our
ancestors didn’t have, there are caterers on the grounds
and the Clubhouse Tent buffet, with closed circuit TV for
those who like to watch the races from the comfort of a
cushy couch.
The key feature of this family day in the country is the
horses races themselves, the only sanctioned
steeplechase in New York State. Steeplechasing has a
long history as well. The first recorded race occurred in
1752 in Ireland when two horsemen matched their
horses in a race from Buttevant Church to St. Mary’s
Church in Doneraile, jumping whatever fences stood in
their way. Since church steeples were the tallest and
most prominent landmarks, such races were named a
“chase to the steeple.”
At the GVH Races, well-bred and athletic Thoroughbreds
from Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, as well as
New York, thunder over a beautifully manicured course
that permits good visibility to all spectators. The highlight
race is the Genesee Valley Hunt Cup, a 3 & ½ mile test
of endurance and jumping ability for a $30,000 purse.
One of the most anticipated equine demonstrations at
the 2015 GVH Races is seeing the results of a “mustang
makeover.” The Extreme Mustang Makeover competition
is sponsored by the Mustang Heritage Foundation in
conjunction with the Bureau of Land Management to
show the versatility of mustangs. The trainers who
receive unhandled mustangs have only a few months to
take their horse from “wild to mild” for the Mustang Magic
competition, held in Fort Worth, TX. The demonstrators at
the GVH Races will show their mustangs’ rideability and
their willingness to perform feats requiring strong bonds
of trust between human and horse, as well as giving
training tips from which any horse can benefit.
When the races began in the 1890’s, dogs had to fend for
themselves on race day, but in this year’s 122nd family
fun day in the country, dogs on leashes have lots of
opportunities to see how high they can jump, watch sled
dogs work, cheer for their favorite terriers or wiener dogs
on their way to the finish line, and admire the well-trained
foxhounds of the GVH as they parade through the event
and receive pats from adoring children.
Just a few of the other activities for children’s
entertainment include popular and charming stick horse
races, held on the racetrack, by age group. Every
“jockey” gets a bit of exercise and a ribbon. Stick horses
provided. In the Agri-Center tent, youngsters play in cornkernel “sandboxes” and enjoy the petting zoo. Not to
mention taking a free pony ride or wagon ride pulled by
“gentle giant” draft horses.
Join the tradition of the Genesee Valley Hunt Races!
Events run 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. General Admission adult
tickets are $12 online and at Wegman’s ($15 at the gate).
Children 12 and under free. Parking free. Follow the link
at www.GVHraces.com to purchase tickets online or call
585-243-3949.
-6-
Here’s to CHARM SCHOOL!
A mule tells why manners and compassion count
By Big Jane Merrett
Soooo – each spring, after I
have been hanging out in the
snow and cold, my human trail
partner tells me it is time for a
“refresher of my manners”. I’m
not sure why she doesn’t think I
am charming all of the time – but
she’s the boss – so it’s off to the
round pen.
If it were up to us equines, we would have much
better rides. This round pen lesson would simply be
one in following common courtesy!

When trail riding, people need to give their fellow
riders an opportunity to deal with us if we are having
trouble. For example, if one of us is afraid of
something – just give us a minute to settle our
nerves. As a mule, I am often called stubborn – but
actually, I am doing my level best to keep my person
SAFE. If I stop, it is not out of disobedience – it is so I
can look things over and decide what to do before
just bumbling in. A nice trail ride is not about “making”
your horse or mule do whatever, whenever – it is
about partnership and growth; confidence and
challenge; and friendship and trust. We like to go on
the trails as much as you do when things go well.
This round pen work would focus on patience and
understanding and communication and feel.

No matter what the discipline of riding, we like
spending time with you! Don’t forget to thank us when
the ride is over. We worked our butts off to do
whatever you wanted. A good brushing, a shower,
even a “spa treatment” with a bath brace or the like
goes a long ways towards letting us know we are
appreciated. Even when we do round pen work, we
are doing what we are asked.

There is no room for human macho egos on a trail
ride. Showing off is not safe or impressive. I know
you have all learned about ways to ask us for
behaviors. “Natural horsemanship” is not “natural” at
all to us – we like to be given opportunities to
succeed just like you do. So ask us with feel and give
us a chance to give you the right answer. Use our
“language” as best you can and help us succeed. It
will go a long ways towards building our relationship.
Those people who are sent to the round pen for
these reasons need to get a dose of their own
medicine! Work them until they have “happy faces”!

Spend time with us. If you ask us to work each and
every time you come to see us, it sends the message
that we are not companions, but simply vehicles. It
doesn’t hurt to visit for grooming or for sitting quietly
while I graze – sending me little mental “love notes”
as my mother likes to call it. We feel and understand
more than you will know.

We like a good massage, chiropractic treatment,
farrier service, and vet care as much as you like your
human services. And we like having an animal
communicator help you understand how we feel and
help you hear what we have to say. They also tell us
good stuff that you have been unable to
communicate to us.
Continued on page 7
In the round pen, I have the
chance to show that I remember
my cues and how to act like a nice
mule girl.
I work in both directions, practice my vocabulary skills
(“whoa” is a big one!) and get to stretch out my muscles for
a nice walk/trot/canter. Since I am a mule, my person
knows that I don’t like lots of repetitions, but she insists
that I get it right before I can go back and hang with the
others.
Why am I talking about this now? Well as trail season
starts and we enjoy dozens of rides, it becomes clear to
me that a few people could stand a little round pen work.
Sometimes I even glance back over my shoulder to my
person and suggest it. She usually pats me on the neck
and says, “I know, Sister – not everyone is as smart as
you.” I like it when she says that.
But let me give you some examples of what I mean:


When we are walking on the road, we actually have
the right of way over cars. Cars should slow down and
pass us carefully. Never honk the horn, don’t crowd us,
and don’t yell or throw things out of the vehicle. If we
do get scared, we run. And if our riders are not
prepared, that can be bad. Also, please don’t tailgate
our trailer. It is a big deal that we equines agree to get
on these giant metal boxes on wheels. So we like to be
happy once in there. Having cars drive up too close is
not something we like. Plus, because we are big and
heavy, our vehicles need longer to stop and our people
cannot just “hit the brakes”! We have to keep our
balance in the trailer! So tell all your friends to give us
lots of room and remember that we are inside that
trailer not because we like it, but because our people
asked us to go in. So if you take these people to the
round pen, have them practice w/t/c nice and quiet
with no attitude (no kicking, rearing, or abrupt changes
in speed – and absolutely no charging!)
When we are on the trails, people need to be
courteous of others. Rules of the trail include giving
everyone a chance to lead, staying together as a
group, not changing gait without letting everyone else
know, riding to the level of the least experienced rider,
and riding at the speed of the slowest horse. Hot dog
riders on the trail are a danger to everyone! Leaving an
insecure horse behind can be deadly.
-7Continued from page 6

Lastly, we like to have the right tools for the job. A
saddle that fits, a bit that communicates rather than
controls, hoof care that keeps us steady, and food
that sustains us are all very much appreciated.
People who don’t provide these things don’t need a
round pen – they need to send us to a better home!
So if you feel you know a human who doesn’t take
some of these things seriously, would you please take
them to the round pen? They probably are just a little
bit rusty. But if there are “holes in their training” would
you please work it out with them?
All round pen work with humans should show
consistency, clear communication, feel, and fairness just
the way we like it. Don’t be too hard on those humans,
though. They sometimes have a harder time letting go
of bad habits than we do. But we love them anyway,
right?
Bye for now –
Big Jane the Mule
Jane resides in Lockport with her person,
Tracey Merrett
On a farm with a round pen!
DID YOU KNOW?
The oldest horse on record is "Old Billy," an English barge horse.
He was 62 years old when he died, living from 1760 to 1822.
-8-
Our newsletter is Now
Digital and Can Be
Viewed On-line
Old newsletters are archived on the WC website
www.wcnyshc.org
If you wish to have a hard copy mailed to your home or
business, please send an e-mail to Linda Tarnawskyj
[email protected]
DID YOU KNOW?
The record for the highest jump made by a horse is held by a horse named Huaso who jumped 8 feet, 1 and 1/4 inches
on February 5th, 1949 in Vina del Mar, Chile. He was ridden by Captain Alberto Larraguibel.
-9-
RUMORS, REGULATIONS, RIGHTS AND RIDING.
TRYING TO FIND THE FACTS.
By Barbara Moore
Several Western Chapter (WC) members have
heard rumors of changes in the regulations governing
Carlton Hill Multi Use Area(CH). WC President, Barb
Cunningham, called Emilio Rende, the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)
officer in charge of Carlton Hill at the time of her call.
Rende confirmed that there was a change in the offing
and it would be to eliminate both horseback riding and
mountain bikes from Carlton Hill.
Mitchell Martin, Erie County Community
Representative for Senator Patrick Gallivan, was
informed of this finding and called the NYSDEC office.
Martin was told that there were regulation changes to
be expected, however, they were not specific to CH
but would be State wide. The NYSDEC would neither
confirm nor deny that the proposed regulation changes
involved horses and/or mountain bikes. Martin was
also told that there would be a public hearing but no
one could confirm date, time or location for the
hearing. Public hearings legally require published
notice of either 5 or 10 business days, but as we have
no idea of where the hearing will be held we are
closely watching the NYSDEC website for notice and
will circulate this information as quickly as possible
when we find it.
Christine Gierlinger, from Assemblyman David
DiPietro’s office, spoke with NYSDEC Supervisor Paul
McKeon and with Emilio Rende and was able to
determine that it was not all State properties but only
those which are under the jurisdiction of The Bureau of
Wildlife Management in Region 9. Region 9 includes
Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara and
Wyoming Counties, and has 24 properties for a total of
20,000 acres that are ruled by Wildlife Management.
Though we have been informed that the changes in
regulations will affect many properties, we can, for the
time being, focus on CH until there is time to research
other properties. Looking at the history of this land
which is comprised of what was farm land abandoned
in the 1920’s – 1930’s, during the Great Depression,
and then placed under NYSDEC rule in the early
1960’s, we need to recognize that its designation as a
Multi Use Area has been in place for 70 plus years.
Though the definition of “Multi Use” may vary from
property to property, in the case of CH it means that
allowed activities include: birding, camping, hiking,
cross-country skiing, fishing, hunting, horseback riding,
trapping, nature study and wildlife observation. Off
road vehicular travel, swimming and motor boats are
prohibited as is camping for more than 3 days without
a permit issued by the State Forest Ranger.
Trail Riders at CH have been asked to forego riding from
October 15th through May 1st. Safety of horses and riders
is the consideration involved in this request as well as
deference to hunters. Federal funding for maintaining
properties under the rule of Wildlife Management is
provided by the Pittman-Robertson Act and a portion of all
fees collected for State hunting and fishing licenses is
directed to the Pittman-Robertson Fund. These funds
cannot be used for anything that interferes with hunting. It
should be the objective of conscientious trail riders to leave
the land in as good a condition as it was found, and when
possible to assist in making approved improvements. Strict
adherence to the rules governing the property is key to
maintaining a good relationship with the property
managers and with the other citizens using the property.
Since parking is limited, making an attempt to park
economically and not “camping” and spreading out in the
parking lot should be a priority.
So why are there possible changes? There have been a
limited number of complaints; limited but justifiable by
available reports. Possible reclassification to permit federal
funding and citing income from hunting and fishing license
fees are suggested as reasons to stop allowing horses on
this traditionally horse friendly land. So, at the risk of
sounding like a 5 year old, the question again presents
itself- WHY? CH is 2,484 acres of farmland interspersed
with small wood lots, located in the Town of Middlebury in
Wyoming County. The acreage leaves enough room for all
manner of activities which have been successfully
undertaken simultaneously for the past 70 years. Horses
are not disruptive to the several species of endangered
birds known to reside there, nor to nature studiers,
campers, trappers, fishermen, hikers, cross country skiers
or wildlife observers. Horses are not in the area during
hunting season. Horsemen coming to CH support the local
economy just as others coming into the area do.
BUT….horsemen can be disruptive if they are not
considerate of all others using the land and are not willing
to obey the rules. Being conscientious and careful about
the land and others using the land will go a long way
toward the ultimate goal of keeping horseback riding at CH
and similar properties.
We, as horsemen, horse enthusiasts and supporters of
the horse industry as well as the local economy need to be
prepared to defend our rights and privileges. At the same
time we must make sure that the land is treated with the
respect it deserves, by leaving it clean and undisturbed
after riding. We are ready and willing to continue
reasonably and peacefully sharing the 2,484 acres with
others who want to preserve and promote this lovely Multi
Use land. We must also make ourselves aware of other
properties which may fall under these new proposed
regulations.
Continued on page 10
- 10 Continued from page 9
Senators, Assemblymen, legislators, local Town
Supervisors, Town Board members, State and agency
employees all need to be made aware of the
devastating effects that such regulation changes could
have on various parts of our population. One of the
more recent additions to the 4-H horse programs is a
trail riding/endurance program. This program is ideal for
4-Hers who don’t have an interest in or the financial
support for competitive showing. If we take away even a
small portion of the trails that are available to them we
are robbing these youngsters of opportunity. Many
aging riders are more inclined to trail riding than they
are to other disciplines of riding, and considering that
there are many more women riding than there are men,
we are looking at discrimination on two counts - age and
gender.
If you are in contact with other horse clubs and riding
groups please share this information with them and
watch your e-mail for further up-dates.
Not a NYS Horse Council Member yet?
Visit our website at www.wcnyshc.org to get an
application and learn about all the great benefits
available to members!
- 11 -
DID YOU KNOW?
The record for the longest jump over water is held by a horse named Something who jumped 27 feet, 6 and 3/4 inches on
April 25, 1975 in Johannesburg, South Africa. He was ridden by Andre Ferreira.
- 12 -
Advertising Rates Western Chapter
NYS Horse Council Newsletter
(published 6 times per yr.)
½ page horizontal
(7 ½ x 5)
Members
♦ $30 per issue
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With a paid ad for the newsletter
you will also have a free
listing on our website.
Please email ads
(jpeg, pdf or word files only) to:
[email protected]
Please send checks to:
Barb Cunningham
3021 Johnsoncreek Rd.
Middleport, N.Y. 14105
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Mark your calendars for
up coming WC events:
September 27th- Equistar Ride-a-thon at Darien Lakes
State Park.
Saturday October 17th (rain date Saturday October
24th) - Fall trail ride to benefit the Mounted Patrol will
be held at Hunter’s Creek Park in South Wales. For
more information see page 13 or call Linda Tarnawskyj
at 716-655-1796.
For details on these events and others coming up for
the WC, check the website at www.wcnyshc.org.
Janie
DID YOU KNOW?
A hinny is a cross between a male horse (called a stallion) and a female donkey (called a
jenny). Like mules, hinnies are almost always sterile.
Member’s Featured Website
Recommended Reading
Build Confidence
Over Fences!: Take
the Fear Out of
Jumping with This
Simple Step-By-Step
Plan
Big House Stables
15 Avon Road
Geneseo, NY 14454
Mission Statement: Our Mission at the Big House
Stables is to offer an alternative approach to the care of
Rider and Horse. We explore clearer communication by
increasing body awareness, inhibiting old patterns and
replacing them with a more balanced, free and
coordinated use of self. Utilizing the yoga, martial art and
body awareness techniques of Centered Riding we seek
to identify and release whatever is holding you back from
achieving your goals on the horse and in your life.
Visit www.bighousestables.com
By: Holly Huge-Vidal
Learning to ride with confidence over fences is like
learning to swim with confidence: You may never
make the Olympics, but you can learn to perform
competently, safely, and consistently. After all, riding is
supposed to be fun, not a continuing episode of "Fear
Factor." Building confidence is best done
systematically, beginning with fundamentals and
working logically toward more advanced skills. Even if
you've been jumping for years you'll find that revisiting
the basics improves your skills.
Follow this program faithfully, at your own pace, and
you'll never have a bad fence again.
- 13 -
LTRC Arena
Construction Update
LTRC indoor arena roof is on and walls are going
up! Come see the final result at the Boots & Bling Barn
Dance on Saturday, September 19 at 5:30pm!
Don't forget to buy your tickets, on sale now
at www.lothlorientrc.org. Live music from Leroy Townes
Band, food from Fat Bob's and beverages from Certo
Brothers, plus the grand opening of the NEW indoor
arena!
Our thanks to Mike and the Getterr Done Construction
crew!
Photos courtesy of Holly Langworthy.
- 14-
Equestrian Fun Ride Planned for Sat., Sept. 19, 2015
Submitted by Agnes Rock
“Friends of the Otter Creek Horse Trails,” is a nonprofit volunteer group of local land owning equestrians
whose purpose is to provide stewardship and some
assistance to NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
to maintain and improve the beloved state horse trails in
Lewis County. Since its fruition a couple years ago, the
members organized to identify dangerous areas or
features that need improvement. With the approval and
generous assistance of the local staff of the Dept. of
Environmental Conservation, they have spent time and
effort and some money to provide maps, new picnic
tables, hitching posts, and to help clear trees large or
small that have been downed by storms. To enhance
their efforts, which also aid the snowmobilers since many
trails are snowmobile trails in the winter, the group is
planning an equestrian Fun Run for Sat. Sept. 19. 2015,
rain or shine (though a hurricane or blizzard may prove
unsettling).
The “Friends” Fun Run for experienced riders will be a
pleasant ride of seven miles along basic trails that will
take about 2 hours 15 minutes at an equine walk. The
event will start at the Assembly Area for the NYS Otter
Creek Horse Trails with a club member to meet and one
to assist with parking day users in the Overflow Section
as one first pulls in. Registration is there from 10am until
noon with staggered leave times to avoid bunching.
Registration will include release forms, identification,
hopefully proof of Coggins and rabies vaccine with hand
outs including map, wristband, and one raffle ticket for
each participant.
A donation of $25 each to defray cost of the ride and
gifts later, plus the main goal of fund rising to continue
trail improvements, is eagerly anticipated. Also,
participants eighteen and under need to wear riding
helmets. If one's diet isn't too strict, a fresh baked donut
should be available to energize each at the outset. Those
who pay at registration for a bit of sustenance afterward
will have a meal awaiting their return. (For those darling
horses, though, owners need to bring their own hay and
grain, per usual.)
Along the Fun Way there will be five stops with a
table set up with two “Friends” members to guide riders
and besiege them with myriad equine questions of the
vexing but elementary Trivia sort. The last rider should be
in by 3 or 4pm at the latest, with the distribution of
fantastic equine gifts to follow at the Assembly Area
Pavilion.
There will be a truck and trailer available should a horse
become lame, but organizers are hoping every rider can,
“hold your horses” so that rider and horse do not
separate. Countryside Veterinary Clinic, in nearby
Lowville, NY, has been informed of the ride and will help
if needed. As for catching stray horses, it is hoped
everyone brings one's own velcro.
Thus, Friends of Otter Creek Horse Trails is
sponsoring a Friends' Fun Run, with the fine
cooperation of the NYS Dept. of Environmental
Conservation on Sept. 19, 2015, and hope to see all
fun loving riders there—especially since none will have
the distractions of seeing the wonder horse American
Pharaoh at the Travers in Saratoga which has settled
into the summer's dust. (One could tell the club by
Facebook of planned attendance, though it isn't
required.)
New York State
Horse Council's
2015 ERICA RAAB
INSPIRATIONAL
AWARD
The theme of this award is to recognize trail riders who
demonstrate dedication, motivation, leadership,
perseverance, altruism and inspires others. The award
honors the spirit which was so clearly shown in Erica, a
vibrant horsewoman with an incredible zest for life.
Nominations for the ERICA RAAB
INSPIRATIONTIONAL AWARD are now being accepted
through October 1st, 2015 the nominees need not be
current members of the NYSHC. Award nominations
should include the following:
·
Nominee’s Name, address and phone number
·
A brief description of the nominee’s qualities or
actions and/or your reason for the nomination.
·
Your Name, address and phone number
Nominations may be submitted to:
Paula Dennis [email protected] or
4347 Sr. 81, Oak Hill, NY 12460
The recipient will receive the traveling Erica Raab
Inspirational Perpetual Trophy as well as a personal
memento to remain in their possession. The Award will
be presented during the annual New York State Horse
Council Fall Pleasure Ride at Madison County
Fairground, in Brookfield, Columbus Day weekend.
- 15 -
Official Announcement of
the New York State Horse
Council Annual General
Meeting:
On Saturday, September 26th the New York
State Horse Council Annual General
Membership meeting will be held from 10:00AM
to 4:00PM at the Double Tree by Hilton, 225
Water Street, Binghamton, New York 13901.
The Manure Spreader….
We as horse people know there is a necessary demand
for a manure spreader on our farms. How many of these
same people know and have experienced this misfortune:
“The spreader only breaks when it’s full!!” This is VERY
FUNNY until it happens to you and/or your husband. My
husband had experienced this phenomenon too many
times with our very old New Idea spreader that we had
the Amish in Leon, NY restore many years ago. Granted
it looked new after the paint dried but with many full loads
of manure over the years it became very tired. My
husband did his research and came up with a compact
spreader that is available from an Amish factory in
Lancaster, PA. On one of his trips to visit family in LI, he
ordered one and drove down with his F350 and a flat bed
trailer and bought it. We started to use this Abi black
“beauty” and the rest is history. Many friends came and
were lusting after this compact spreader so he has
decided to go into the business on a small scale. Here is
the info on these spreaders if you are interested in
ordering one from him.
AGENDA
Meet and Greet 10:00-10:30 Pastries and Beverages
available
General Meeting 10:30 – 11:30
Luncheon 12:00- 1:00 with guest speaker Karin Bump,
Professor of Equine Studies at Cazenovia College.
Professor Bump will present the results of the Equine
Policy Priority Survey which she administered in 2014.
Working Board Meeting 1:30 – 4:00 (open to any
NYSHC member)
All members (and guests) are encouraged to attend what
will be a working meeting. There will be pastries,
coffee/tea available in the morning during the General
Membership meeting where voting will take place on
matters of importance to NYSHC. A luncheon will be held
at noon followed by guest speaker Karin Bump, Professor
of Equine Studies at Cazenovia College. Professor Bump
will present the results of the Equine Policy Priority
Survey which she administered in 2014. Following this
presentation, the Board of Directors for NYSHC will hold
a working BOD meeting to attend to various needs of the
organization. All members (and guest) are welcome and
encouraged to attend any or all of the day. There will be a
fee of $40/ person to cover food and beverages.
Please RSVP online at
http://www.nyshc.org/rsvp/signup.php or call Joan
Ropel at (518) 366-9009 by September 10th to register
to attend.
Visit nyshc.org for more details!
Brand new manure spreaders. Both Ground Drive and
PTO models available. 50 cubic foot model is ideal
for smaller farms. Amish manufactured with poly
floor and core 10 steel. Pricing is delivered to you in
WNY. This is the same spreader as the one
advertised in all the horse magazines, manufactured in
the same factory for significantly less. Larger
capacity models available also.
Call 716-523-1796 or e-mail
[email protected] for pricing and
availability
Barb Cunningham
3021 Johnsoncreek Rd.
Middleport, N.Y. 14105