Trail Mix January, 2015

Transcription

1 INDIANA TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Post Office Box 185 Farmland, IN Return Address Requested PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID NOBLESVILLE, IN PERMIT NO. 21 Trail Mix January, 2015 The Official Publication of the Indiana Trail Riders Association, Inc. Versailles Horse Camp Update by Assistant Property Manager Brad Walker ITRA GOLD NUGGET CORPORATE SPONSOR Join or Renew ITRA USE THIS FORM (Please Print) Membership renewal Due by Hoosier Horse Fair Name: Spouse: Address: City: St: Zip: Home Phone: Cell Phone: County: Referring Member: Family Membership $ Association (Club) Membership $ Lifetime Membership $ Trail Guide (postage-1 per member) $ 3.00 (2013 Trail Guide next Trail Guide will be published in 2016) Trail Fund Donation Amount $ Newsletter by US Postal Service Do not send hard copy will access Trail Mix on website Membership renewal due by Hoosier Horse Fair Indiana Trail Riders Mission Statement The purpose of the Indiana Trail Riders Association is to promote trail riding and equine activities in Indiana and the surrounding area. The Indiana Trail Riders are involved on the local, state, and national levels striving to promote and improve trails and campgrounds. We work actively on the legislative and administrative levels as well as sponsoring and organizing workdays on several recreational properties in the hope that the natural beauty we have enjoyed on horseback will be available for future generations as well. Mail completed form with check payable to ITRA at: Indiana Trail Riders Association, Inc. Post office Box 185 Farmland, IN Or use Paypal to renew on our website We re on the Web at: The EDGe ( discussion Group) is a wonderful FREE communication tool for ITRA members with an internet connection. Send a blank to IndianaTrailRiders-subscribe@egroups.com Subscription is free and you can unsubscribe at any time. Advertise in the Trail Mix---Full Page $100.00, Half Page $50.00, Quarter Page $25.00, Bus Card Size Ad. $ January, 2015 We have made great progress in the last three to four weeks at the horse camp. The maintenance crew coupled with the Versailles State Park staff have worked very well together and have the momentum to get Versailles Horse Camp open this spring. We have worked on the following: 750 ft. of road has been installed. All 750 ft. of road and 6 sites have geo-textile installed. 250 ft. of road needs to be installed to complete the first loop. 6 sites have been installed with site dimensions 30 x60. Utility corridor is clear, graded and ready for utility work once contract is completed. Our hope is to have the utility contract signed in the upcoming month(s). Because of inclement weather and another pending maintenance project that requires the entire maintenance crew, they will not be back at the horse camp until the beginning of the new year. Our hill becomes impassable once snow/ice weather sets in. We will close the hill off for safety reasons after snow is on the ground. Currently the hill is closed because of the recent accumulation of snow. Thanks, Brad 1 If you have any questions, contact me or Paul at: Brad Walker Assistant Property Manager Versailles State Park 1387 US 50 E Versailles, IN (office) Wwalker1@dnr.in.gov A picture of the progress happening at Versailles Horse Camp.

2 The Indiana Trail Riders *STATEMENT OF PURPOSE ITRA Calendar The purpose of the Indiana Trail Riders Association is to promote trail riding and equine activities in Indiana and the surrounding area. The ITRA is involved on local, state and national levels striving to promote and improve trails and campgrounds. We work actively on the legislative and administrative levels as well we sponsoring and organization workdays on several recreational properties in the hope that the natural beauty we have enjoyed on horseback will be available for future generations as well. The corporate address is Post Office Box 185, Farmland, Indiana ITRA OFFICERS March 21, 2015 Hamilton County Fairgrounds. ITRA Membership Annual Meeting The pitch-in and silent auction at 1 pm with meeting to follow with election of officers. April 10, 11, 12, 2015 Indiana State Fairgrounds Hoosier Horse Fair Visit ITRA s booth. April 17, 18, 19, 2015 O Bannon Woods Spring Trail Maintenance Ride Call the park office for reservations and information. President Bob McPheeters North 100 West Anderson, IN bob@lighthousestables.com Greg Hersberger (Chairman) South 250 West Portland, IN itra.greg@gmail.com John Allen South 100 East Clayton., IN carriageboy@hotmail.com Vice President Arlene Smoot 2532 West 200 South Danville, IN wonderlostacres@aol.com Brett Erwood West 800 South Rosedale, IN horacehockey@yahoo.com Scotty Eskridge 16 P. O. Box 234 Knox, Treasurer Jody Weldy County Road 28 Elkhart, IN jmweldy@frontier.com ITRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rita Lockridge East 300 North Lafayette, In rita@bg-sc.com Chris Riehl Lantern Ridge Rd. Nashville, IN top4653cat@aol.com Secretary Erin Maksymczak 6565 E. 256 th Street Arcadia, IN Emaksymczak@yahoo.com Lawrence Turnquist Parrish St. Cedar Lake, IN lwt41sr@yahoo.com Gayle Vautaw South 900 East Walton, IN valleyview_k9s@yahoo.com April 24, 25, 26, 2015 Brown County St. Park Spring Clean up Contact Bob McPheeters for information bob@lighthousestables.com Aug. 14, 15, 16, 2015 Covered Bridge Retreat ITRA Officers & Directors Meeting with DNR, HBCH, and/or other horse trail user representatives. September 26, 2015 June 6, 2015 National Trails Day Directors across the state will have planned events. See future newsletters. Sept. 18, 19, 20, 2015 MTR Norman, Indiana ITRA Fall Ride Contact Midwest Trail Ride for camping reservations at or November 28, 2015 June 14-17, 2015 Washington, DC American Horse Council 2015 Annual Meeting and National Issues Forum Sept. 18, 19, 20, 2015 Fort Harrison St. Park Hoosier Outdoor Experience 9 am-6 pm November 28, 2015 Georgia Ballinger E. Mahalasville Rd. Morgantown, IN cowgirleorgia@hotmail.com Nancy Brunnemer North 500 West McCordsville, IN toby2thor1@hotmail.com Barb Ferguson S. Glenn :Lane Salem, IN Itra.barb@gmail.com Karen Humphreys North 425 East Danville, IN kkh923@aol.com Yvette Rollins E. Rollins Lane Springville, IN hoosierhorsemen@yahoo.com Larry Sidell East 1200 North Batesville, In Horsesandhammers@aol.com Mary Williams E. 191 st Street Noblesville, IN williamtm@embarqmail.com Public Lands Day Workday and projects to be announced Fall Clean up O Bannon State Park Contact Greg Hersberger for information , itra.greg@gmail.com Fall Clean Up Brown Co. State Park Contact Bob McPheeters for information bob@lighthousestables.com Membership Chairperson Bonnie Miller 8181 W. 100 S Farmland, IN itramembership@gmail.com ITRA Web Site Administrator Donald Lockridge 7010 East 300 North Lafayette, IN don@bg-sc.com ITRA APPOINTED POSITIONS Trail Mix Editor Mary Williams East 191 st Street Noblesville, IN williamtm@embarqmail.com Trail Guide Editor John Allen 9825 South 100 East Clayton, IN carriageboy@hotmail.com This Trail Mix Newsletter is the Official Publication of the Indiana Trail Riders Association. It is published six times a year in odd numbered months. Editorial material, photos, and notices of upcoming events should be submitted to williamtm@embarqmail.comm or mailed to Mary Williams East 191 st Street Noblesville, IN by the 10 th of even months. Round 2 It Ranch presents Trail Rider s Equipment 5 Star Wool Pads Parker Nylon Equipment Garroutte Leather Products Schutz Bros. Leather Products Select the Best - Joint Supplements N. 800 E Ossian, In round2it@onlyinternet.net Discount Copies Teresa Peil & Sara Schmidt 100 Mensa Drive * Noblesville, IN (317) * Fax (317) Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 to 5:30 * Sat 10:00 to 3:00 discountcopies@aol.com 2 1 1

3 A Word on Fall Ride at Midwest Greg Hersberger, Chairman of the Board Letters to the Editor The ITRA Country Store made $849.00, our silent auction $ with a donation from Georgia for jewelry sold which doesn t include the money from the supper Bob and Debbie put on. I don't remember how much that was. I think I am correct in saying the silent auction money should be set aside for the purchase of a Ditch witch to help us with trail maintenance. I and the ITRA Board want to thank everyone for all of their hard work in making this another successful fund raiser. Greg We received a few copies of the Trail Mix here in the DNR Division of Outdoor Recreation and we are glad to get them. Our Beginnings By Arlene Smoot Editor s Note: Arlene has graciously agreed to write a series of articles about the founding of ITRA. So continuing, Indiana Trail Riders Association was formed after the "big" meeting took place at the Rally Ground in the Horsemen's Camp. Edwin J. Simcox was Secretary of the State of Indiana and issued the Certificate of Incorporation for Indiana Trail Riders Association, Inc. on the 1st day of June, The first board of directors had 5 members: Jan Vinson, Bill Rumbaugh, Douglas McCormick, Leslie Simmons and Forrest H. Skinner. The post office address of the principal office of the new corporation was P.O. Box 720 Nashville, IN which was Jan Vinson's address. She was considered the resident agent of the corporation. Meetings were held at night in Nashville, IN. I worked and therefore could not attend any of these meetings. After a few years, Beverly Jones was elected president of ITRA and made a lot of changes. Bev lived in Farmland, IN. She changed the address of the corporation to its current address. She also changed the board meetings to a weekend time and that is when I became active. The board meetings were held at various restaurants over the state. We started having annual meetings that were held at a large shelter house in Brown County State Park. That shelter house was always running over with people at those meetings. We had so many people coming to those meetings, we had to ask to see their membership card to be sure they were actually members. More next time ~ Arlene 10 Dale Brier Streams and Trails Section Chief Division of Outdoor Recreation Department of Natural Resources 402 W. Washington St. W271 Indianapolis IN, With increased postage rates I recommend making up a quick insert/flyer to include with the newsletter asking Do you really need this mailed version since the online version is available. BGSC did that and eliminated 90% of their postage costs. If the member wants to read the online version, they can us telling us to stop mail delivery. Don Lockridge ITRA Web Site Administrator. don@bg-sc.com To anyone wanting to stop postal delivery of your Trail Mix, contact any ITRA officer or director. When you renew your membership, there is a box to check for the web version only. The renewal form is published in every newsletter on the last page under the family membership column. Bonnie Miller Membership Chairman If any lifetime members want a laminated lifetime card, me at itramembership@gmail.com. Bonnie 3

4 Care of Your Ride From Rita Lockridge ITRA at Work No Fee changes For 2015 at DNR Properties By Dale Grier, DNR There are no fee changes that I know of. I checked with State Parks and they don t have any changes for Road Crew at Brown County Fall Clean-up by Nancy Brunnemer Once again the ITRA was busy cleaning trash during the Fall Cleanup on State Road 135. The cleanup crew works the area before Trails End Store to beyond the park entrance past the cemetery. The helpers this year were Janet Gooch, Susan Altum, Michelle and Scott Smith, Nancy Brunnemer and Anna Zupanzic. They also continued cleaning on the park trails and in the campground during the weekend. Susan Altum is shown cleaning the road. Marriage its worth keeping. By Pastor Dean My love for April was settled long ago. I remember my Daddy teasing me about April when I was only in 1st grade. He would say April fresh (if you remember the old Bounty commercial). My Grandma would keep hunters during deer season, and at a very early age I would talk with one particular hunter named Earl. We would talk how he would take his wife Betty and I would take April and go on a date. I was in either kindergarten or first grade! Then in 6th grade I asked the big question "will you go with me?" The answer, yes. Oh life was sweet... Then I got full of myself and broke it off... Remaining friends we made it to our senior year, and I remember this as if it were yesterday... Leaning back in my chair onto her desk, I said to her just out of the blue, "You know we will be married someday don't you?" Yeah, I always was a little cocky. Well anyway we didn't even make it to Graduation, and we were engaged before commencement at 17. January 28th of 2014 will mark 31 years of marriage and 46 years of knowing each other, and we are now both 49 years old and my boy love is still crazy for her! I am very thankful for our families that have kept us in prayer over the years. Marriage can be tough at times but let me tell you it s worth keeping! So... Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate. Mark 10:9. Life is full of surprises but with God there are no surprises. Keep the faith! Dean and April Manuel help provide a Church Service on Sunday mornings (Horseman's Camp Christian Outreach) April thru November at the Brown County State Park 9:30 a.m. They can be reached at cell or Pastor Dean Brown County State Park Horseman s Camp hcco05@gmail.com Facebook: hcco horseman's camp 4 9

5 On the Trail Our Iceland Riding Adventure By John Hossler This is the final installment of a wonderful trail ride. John Hossler and Bob Cronen We of course rode Icelandic horses (three horses for every person in Iceland) and more European style with tight reins. It took a little time to get used to, but Paul and I adapted pretty quickly. Although Paul messed up some of the horses as he was trying to get them to neck rein. Our trip was a little different in that we rode with the herd. Since our trip was cross country and with the rapid gait we changed mounts up to 3 times in the course of a day. We had 30 unsaddled horses that we rode which would be stretched out between the riders in the front and riders in the back. When you were given a mount you would either be assigned to go to the front or the back group. At times we would be stretched out over a mile. Bright orange rain gear would really stand out with the back drop of some of the black lava fields. The group in the front had to not let the herd get past them and the rear had to keep the stragglers moving. There would be stretches, when the terrain allowed, that we would tolt (their word for the extended trot) for 15 to 20 minute stretches. They made a big deal about the tolt, but I found a lot of the horses I rode had a cantor that I actually found more comfortable. I found the Icelandic horses had amazing endurance. I don t think any of my horses were ever winded. If anything I would have to slow them down rather than spur them on. Although one day I did have a mount that was not in any hurry and was at times 40 to 50 yards behind everyone else. I was able to ease up on the reins and just there and savor the moment. Susanna, the head wrangler, knew I was back there and came up to me at the break and asked if I wanted to change horses. But I was content to be the slow horse at that time. One thing I liked about Eld Hester is that they gave you freedom to move out to the side and ride wide of the group if you were comfortable doing it (assuming you did not pass the leader of the group). In the rear group (which I was always in) you were able to swing wide and nudge the stragglers back into line, and you felt like you were being useful. I have been on a couple of organized rides before that I felt very restricted, and I am not particularly fond of control when I was out of line rather than when I was in line. There was never any time I felt endangered other than a couple of times at a fast gait when I lost my stirrups and had to work getting my boot back in. With the English saddles the stirrups are freer to twist and harder to slide back into. No horns of course on the saddle and that too a little time getting use to. The trip to Iceland may be once in a lifetime trip, but I would like to go back again. Even repeating the same trip would not bother me. Besides being on horseback and enjoying the outdoors, the comradery we got to experience with the nationalities was a drawing card by itself. Our Group blended well, and we still are exchanging s and pictures. The only negative I experienced was the weather. We had a day and a half of partly sunny days which I expected more of. It would have made riding a little better. A rider (from Bavaria) on the trip has ridden in Iceland at least 7 times said our trip was the most overcast and rainy that SHE HAD EVER SEEN. Maybe we hit a bad streak. The bottom line is it was a great trip, and I (and I think Paul also) would do it again. I would be more than happy to answer any questions that any of you have about stepping out into the international horse world. This is my first venture. They don t have a lot of American riders that sign on. One girl asked me why we Americans came to Iceland since we have so many places to ride in the United States. I told her it was the only place in the world you can ride in Iceland. John Hossler has graciously allowed me to publish his address for anyone who has questions about his trip. You can reach John at jphossler@frontier.com. Midwest Equine Trail Foundation Contact Chris Riehl Our Mission Statement. This corporation is organized exclusively for charitable purposes to educate and/or fund development and construction of public equine trails in Indiana and their surrounding states. Furthermore, the corporation shall monitor, evaluate and suggest improvements for public equine trail design. All funds, whether income or principal, and whether acquired by gift or contribution or otherwise, shall be devoted to said purposes. Midwest Equine Trail Foundation 4653 Lanam Ridge Rd. Nashville, IN On The Trail My Encounter with Mountain Bikers By Chris Riehl We had an encounter with a bicycle race at the Brown County Clean-up Ride. I wrote the following letter and posted it on their Facebook page. Needless to say, there were a lot of reactions from both cyclists and horse riders. After this letter was published, the organizers of the Sub-9 Gravelgrovel Race reached out to me and apologized for the incident and didn't realize that Blue Creek Rd was part of the D trail. Also, the riders we had the encounter with claimed they stopped about 15 to 20 yards behind us. Basically it was word vs. word. (Maybe I need to wear a body camera). The Sub-9 organizers invited us to meet them at their functions. I plan on doing that so we can get the word out about what to do when you have an encounter between a bicycle and a horse. I believe this will help both groups. To the organizers, participants and sponsors of the Sub-9 Gravelgrovel Race Event held on November 29, 2014: I would like to bring attention to all trail users and managers the complete lack of trail etiquette we experienced on the morning of November 29, Three horse trail riders, myself included, proceeded to the hunter check station on Blue Creek Rd just outside Brown County State Park (BCSP) in order to go in and clean up litter and debris on trails C, D, 15 and 16 in BCSP. We had packed a small chain saw, trash removal sticks, garbage bags and so forth with us and proceeded to go down Blue Creek Road, which is part of the "D" Co-op trail jointly maintained between the National Forest Service and BCSP. About a half mile into our venture, we had a group of cyclist racing towards us from the rear causing our horses to become frightened and put both horses and riders in a dangerous situation. We asked the cyclists to stop about 50 yards back so we could regain composure and put our horses in a safe place. They kept coming at us, causing our horses to spook, spin in circles and become out of control. We yelled and begged for them to stop. They kept coming & attempting to get around us which only escalated the situation. They only stopped because our horses were out of control at that point blocking the road. The reaction of the cyclist was "we're in a race". We found a driveway on private property to our left and ran up it. As soon as there was an opening on the road, the cyclists raced past us. I would suspect this whole incident took place in under one minute. I'm assuming getting a good time in a race is more important than public safety. Meantime, I had a bad cut on my hand caused by the chainsaw that I was carrying with the horse jumping around. Other than that, and some shattered nerves for both horses and riders, nothing else happened. After we calmed the horses down, we had to hike back to our trailers and bring them to the horses in order to load them and get out of there. I've compiled a list of several things that went wrong here. 1. Cyclist did not follow the rules the road or trail in this point. That is: Bicycles yield to Horses. There was notification in Sub-9's Brochure that participants must follow - that is "Riders must wear an ANSI or Snell approved helmet, must obey city, county and state laws and Rules of the Road, and conduct themselves in a manner that will not bring discredit to the event." 2. There was no notification given to Brown County State Park about this event so they can inform other user groups about this event. 3. There were no signs posted in the area that there was a race in progress on Blue Creek/Trail D. Had there been a notice, we would not have tried to ride there. 4. The lack of courtesy on trails is paramount so all user groups can enjoy the trails. This clearly was not observed. Unfortunately, we were not able to clean-up the trails on the back side of BCSP as I needed to get medical attention. I only hope that these types of encounters diminish in the future so we can enjoy the outdoors together. I sent out this letter and I posted this on the HMBA and Sub-9 Facebook page. I also sent letters to Doug Baird and Jack Siefert. 8 5

6 2015 Slate of Candidates Official Ballot SADDLE UP FOR THE ANNUAL ITRA GET TOGETHER INDIANA TRAIL RIDERS ASSN. ANNUAL MEETING MARCH 21, 2015 HAMILTON COUNTY 4-H FAIRGROUNDS It s time to round up all the kinfolk, load them on the wagons and horses and head on over to Noblesville, Indiana. Gathering time will be noon, with dinner at 1 p.m. ITRA will furnish the meat and eating utensils as well as drinks. Bring your own favorite dish: last names A-M should bring salads and casseroles, N-Z should bring desserts. There will be a silent auction. All board directors are asked to bring an item for the silent auction, and everyone else is welcome to bring items for the auction as well. Immediately following the dinner the election of officers and annual meeting will be held. This would be a great time to meet the officers and bring up issues that need attention. We hope to see you there. Directions: From the south: take I-69 North to the Noblesville, 116 th St. Exit. Stay in the left 2 lanes to go to Noblesville following SR 37. In Noblesville at the next stop light after Wal-Mart you will see Tractor Supply. Turn left at TSC (Pleasant Street). You should see the fairgrounds on the south side of the street. Go through the stop light and you may turn left and park at the next 2 fairground entrances. We will be in the Winks building, the building closest to Pleasant Street. From the north: take I-69 south to St. Rd. 38 exit. It should also be marked as Noblesville exit. Travel west to stoplight at St Rd. 32. Turn left on SR 32. Go straight through 2 roundabouts. Go past Home Depot and turn left on SR 37, travel south to next stop light, TSC, and turn right and looking for fairgrounds. 6 Officers President Bob McPheeters I have served the ITRA as President the last two years, am a member 14 yrs. And a lifetime member of the ITRA. I have owned and ridden horses for several years, mostly as a trail rider. Since becoming a member of ITRA, I have helped with trail clean-up and maintenance; set up and man the booth at the Hoosier Horse Fair; and helped at the Spring & Fall Ride. I I have been involved with the local 4-H Horse & Pony program in Madison County and several community and church functions where my horses have been available for all to enjoy, Directors at Large Barb Ferguson I have been a Director for about 6 years. I would love to continue being a Director and hope to continue my support and knowledge to the southern part of the State as well as helping with ITRA functions like; Hoosier Horse Fair, Brown Co Spring & Fall Clean Up, O Bannon Spring and Fall Horse Trail Fund Raisers along with the Itra Silent Auction fund raisers. I have learned a lot about how the state operates and how ITRA needs to be in the loop with all of the state owned horse trail and campground properties across the state. Place an X in the box of the candidate of your choice. Bring your ballot to the annual meeting. Vice President Arlene Smoot I have been a member of ITRA since the beginning and I am a life member. I have served in every capacity on the board and am currently vice president. I would like your support again this year so I can serve in that capacity for I live on a mini farm in Hendricks County, Danville, IN. I have a beautiful Peruvian Paso and a grade gelding who definitely has a very mischievous mind. I don't ride anymore but love to camp and am very involved in obtaining new trails and keeping the trails we have worked so hard to get. Karen Humphreys I have been on the ITRA Board for several years. My main focus is to develop the B&O Rail Equestrian Trail through Hendricks County. I am presently in the planning stage to develop it farther west toward the Rockville area. I have also helped develop the Vandalia Equestrian Trail from Amo to Coatsville and the planning of the extension further west through Putnam Co. I have my trail certification and have helped at Brown County clean ups. I own three horses that I trail ride in many parks in Indiana and travel with them outside the state. I am married to Bill with two sons, Jeff and Greg. To throw your hat in the ring: All officer positions are open for election and there are four director positions open. If you would like to have a say in your organization, now is the time. We need any additional bios and or pictures by Feb. 1 st in order to print in the March, 2015 newsletter. Just give a little background information in your bio. We only need your horse related history and why you want to be involved in the operations of ITRA. Your duties as an officer or director is ITRA is a working organization to keep horse trails open. Therefore, we need all officers and directors to be active: attend all meetings, share the workload, and attend all special activities. This is a completely volunteer group. We cannot hope to be successful without the cooperation of the entire board. As you become part of the group, you will find the job you do best. We need everyone s help. Send your bio and or picture to: williamtm@embarqmail.com or Mary Williams East 191 st St. Noblesville, IN Treasurer Please vote for 4 people. Jody Weldy I am currently ITRA s treasurer and have held many positions including president. Lawrence Turnquist I have served three terms as director and am running for a fourth term. My past work experience includes farming, the banking industry, I owned a fabricating plant, and I spent 20 years as treasurer of the Lake County Fair. In recognition of the many years I have spent supporting the Lake County park system, I was appointed to the parks Board of Directors approximately seven months ago. If I am successful in being re-elected, I will continue the trail advocacy work Bob Thomas, Elaine Anderson myself, and many others have pursued. Secretary Duane Davis I am a lifetime member of ITRA and a past Director. I am an alumni of Indiana Agriculutre Leadership program, past President of Wayne County Farm Bureau and Board member, and served on Wayne Co. Chamber of Commerce Agri- Business committee. I have been thru the trail certification program and helped with trails at several of the parks and Cardinal Greenway. Having been off the Board for several years, I would like to become more involved with that part of ITRA and would appreciate your consideration for this position. Reed Records A lot of you know me and a lot of you don't. I've been on the board for most of the last 10 years. I am also "the keeper of the trailer" and bring it to all the events. I am a life member and believe strongly in what ITRA stands for and their goals. I have sweated working on trails and shivered at the fall cleanup. My schedule now allows me more time that I can devote to ITRA and its causes. I would like to serve you, the members once again. If elected I will be a helpful part of the board of directors.