INDIANA TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Post Office Box 185 Farmland, IN 47340 Return Address Requested PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID NOBLESVILLE, IN PERMIT NO. 21 Trail Mix The Official Publication of the Indiana Trail Riders Association, Inc. July, 2018 ITRA GOLD NUGGET CORP Brown County Spring Clean-Up By John Allen 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: Email: Referring Member: Mail completed form with check payable to ITRA at: Indiana Trail Riders Association, Inc. Post office Box 185 Farmland, IN 47340 Or use Paypal to renew on our website Family Membership $ 30.00 Association (Club) Membership $100.00 Trail Guide (postage-1 per member) $ 3.00 Trail Guide 2016 has been published good for 3 years until 2019. 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. We re on the Web at: www.intrailriders.org. The EDGe (Email discussion Group) is a wonderful FREE communication tool for ITRA members with an internet connection. Send a blank e-mail 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. $15.00. July, 2018 ITRA BRONZE NUGGET CORPORATE SPONSOR ITRA TRAIL LEAD CORPORATE SPONSOR MARK YOUR CALENDERS July 14, 2018 Aug. 4, 2018 Versailles State Park Aug. 14, 2018 Sept. 14-16, 2018 ITRA Fall Ride The weather was great for our annual Brown County Spring Clean-up weekend. Daytime temperatures were in the 60's and 70's and the evenings were down to the high and mid 30's. We had a large group of volunteers show up. Kevin Snyder and Doug Baird stopped by to say they were willing to help where they could. They brought us 2 loads of firewood for our evening campfires which was very much appreciated by the membership. A lot of work was done to the hitch sites, mostly in the primitive area but several in the electric area as well. We didn't have use of the mini Vermeer as it was being used by the Hoosier Back Country Horsemen. Several of us started clearing trails on Thursday and by Saturday evening all known down trees were removed. Many folks went out picking up trash on Friday and Saturday. The road crew again this year picked up trash along IN 135 by the park. We had a big group for the pitch in. Ann Allen prepared pulled pork for the group. There were also plenty of vegetables, salads and desserts. It was announced that Jim Tremain had been nominated for Volunteer of the Year for the entire State DNR system for his work clearing BC trails after the spring storm. He didn't win but it was a well-deserved honor to be nominated. After the meal Kevin Snyder told us how much our work meant to the park and for the users that will come behind us. After the meal a short board meeting was held. At the end of the day we all retired to a camp fire or to bed. After church on Sunday many members saddled up for a pleasure ride. 1
ITRA Calendar The Indiana Trail Riders *STATEMENT OF PURPOSE 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 47340. President John Allen 9825 South 100 East Clayton., IN 46118 317-691-2573 Johnfallen1947@gmail.com Greg Hersberger (Chairman) 20 4962 South 250 West Portland, IN 47374 itra.greg@gmail.com Nancy Brunnemer 20 7178 North 500 West McCordsville, IN 46055 317-443-8771 toby2thor1@hotmail.com Duane Davis 21 7180 N 900 W Huntington, IN 46750 765-238-0746 duanedavis044@gmail.com Scotty Eskridge 19 P. O. Box 234 Knox, 46534 574-896-5159 Vice President Larry Sidell 273 East 1200 North Batesville, In 47006 812-934-4086 Horsesandhammers@aol.com Barb Ferguson 21 2430 S. Glenn Lane Salem, IN 47167 812-967-3161 Itra.barb@gmail.com Karen Humphreys 21 3419 North 425 East Danville, IN 46122 317-892-3769 kkh923@aol.com Rita Lockridge 19 7010 East 300 North Lafayette, In 47905 765-714-5019 ritajorvt@gmail.com Debbie Maschmeyer '19 507 Henryville-Bluelick Rd. Henryville, IN 47126 502-931-6221 debmaschmeyer@aol.com ITRA OFFICERS - 2016 Treasurer Cynthia Harnish 9398 S 875 E Walkerton, IN 46574 574-360-0555 harnishcl1959@gmail.com ITRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bob McPheeters 19 27799 North 100 West Anderson, IN 46011 765-683-0665 bob@lighthousestables.com Chris Riehl 19 3158 E. 200 S Dillsboro, IN 47018 812-320-7818 top4653cat@aol.com Yvette Rollins 19 12784 E. Rollins Lane Springville, IN 47462 812-797-4540 hoosierhorsemen@yahoo.com Jim Tremain 20 PO Box 502136 Indianapolis, IN 46250 317-833-6189 jimmyt911@gmail.com Secretary Phyllis Legan 1498 S. Co. Rd. 775 E Coatesville, IN 46121 765-246-6426 plegan@tds.net Greg Wilkins 21 6505 S. Cr. 475 E. Selma, IN 47383 squeaky91658@gmail.com 765-748-6153 Mary Williams 20 14978 East 191 st Street Noblesville, IN 46060 765-534-5192 williamtm@embarqmail.com Cindy Wyse 20 1993 West 750 South Trafalgar, IN 46181 317-503-1690 carousel7555@gmail.com July 14, 2018 Liberty, Indiana Clean-Up Contact: Greg Hersberger for camping reservation, info: itra.greg@gmail.com Aug. 4, 2018 Versailles State Park Trail Clean-Up For Reservations contact: Nancy Brunnemer 317-443-8771 Aug. 14, 2018 Liberty, Indiana Clean-Up Contact: Greg Hersberger for camping reservation, info: itra.greg@gmail.com Sept. 14, 15, 16, 2018 Midwest Trail Ride Norman, Indiana ITRA Fall Ride and Silent Auction For Reservations contact MTR: 812-834-6686 Sept. 28. 29, 30, 2018 Prairie Creek Reservoir Muncie Light Horse Club Round-Up Contact Greg Wilkins: 765-748-6153, 765-284-1785 October 27, 2018 Tippecanoe State Park Tippecanoe Fall Ride Contact Scotty Eskridge: 574-896-5159 November 3, 2018 Deam Lake SRA Horse Campground CLARK DEAM HORSE TRAIL FUNDRAISER Silent Auction Items needed, Pitch-In dinner (6:00 pm) All proceeds go to DNR Foundation earmarked for Clark/Deam Horse Trails Contact: Barb Ferguson (812) 967-3161 itra.barb@gmail.com Debbie Maschmeyer (502) 931-6221 or Sue Keith 812-620-1629 November 17-20, 2018 O Bannon State Park O Bannon Fall Clean-Up Contact Greg Hersberger: November 23, 24, 25, 2018 Brown County State Park Brown County Fall Clean-Up Contact John Allen: 317-691-2573 765-748-6153 ITRA APPOINTED POSITIONS Membership Chairperson Bonnie Miller 8181 W. 100 S Farmland, IN 47340 765-468-6716 765-748-0064 itramembership@gmail.com ITRA Web Site Administrator Trail Mix Editor Mary Williams 14978 East 191 st Street Noblesville, IN 46060 765-534-5192 williamtm@embarqmail.com Trail Guide Editor John Allen 9825 South 100 East Clayton, IN 46118 317-691-2573 Johnfallen1947@gmail.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 14978 East 191 st Street Noblesville, IN 46060 by the 10 th of even months. Round 2 It Ranch LLC 10734 N 800 E Ossian, IN 46777 (260) 639-6657 Email: round2it@onlyinternet.net vkbuckskin@gmail.com Call for Appointment! Book our Tack Trailer for Your Equine events! Select the Best Horse Health Solutions Nu-Image, Nu-Hoof, Select I&II, Nu-Weight.and the rest of the line. (Dealer Inquiries Welcome & Wanted) Mayatex~ Triple E ~ Toklat Parker Nylon ~ Congress Leather Troxel Helmets ~ Showman Products Wells 5 Star Pads ~ Bar F Leanin T Ranch Halters & Leads Cowboy Magic~ Mare Magic ~ Ultra And oh! So much more!! 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10 ITRA Updates Why do I belong to the ITRA?? By Greg Hersberger This has been asked to me before and the answer is always so simple, yet so complex. Most of the ITRA members you talk to will say it is to protect the use of horse trails and horse camps in Indiana and nationally. Something we love to do is ride our favorite trails, and we want our kids and grandkids to be able to enjoy the passion we have for this lifestyle. I don't consider trail riding just recreation or a hobby because it takes a year round commitment to own and care for a horse. From the beginning of my involvement with ITRA it was for the protection of the right to ride and camp. Since then it has grown into protecting more than just those rights, but also trying our best to help conserve the environment we ride in and the water we must have. We accomplish this by being involved and attending trail building, maintenance training and symposiums with other trail users. The ITRA leads other groups in the Midwest for having trained certified trail designers and crew leaders for designing, building, and maintaining trails. We have learned that trails need to be planned and installed correctly to help control soil erosion and to protect our water supplies. This will take a very long time and many hours of work and commitment from everybody to correct the trails we now have which were put in following old roadbeds and game trails. We spend many hours each year volunteering at the places that have horse trails making our trails and campgrounds better by doing whatever needs to be done to improve our facilities. After working at a workday we sure do enjoy ourselves by having a pitch-in supper and enjoying each other s company around a campfire. The ITRA has gone from an adversary of the Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources to a working partner with them to expand the use of horse trails and campgrounds in Indiana. The ITRA is one of the leaders and respected trail riding advocacy groups in the country and has many contacts and friends in other trail advocacy groups across the nation. We meet with officials of the DNR, and we discuss what our wants and needs are, and what we can do to help reach our goals. We are used as advisors on trails and other issues to IDNR and other groups on land use issues. We have many members and officers who are serving on boards and committees at the local, state, and national levels. When asked why someone should belong to the ITRA the answer is very simple. Numbers of members is what makes people stand up and take notice of you. When someone tells me they won't be able to help us with any of the things we do they are really doing the biggest thing they can do just by joining. That gives us numbers, which translates into voters and taxpayers when working with state legislators and office holders giving us the clout we need when dealing with the state and national governments. When you take the next step and get really involved or are a close friend of someone who does, don't blame the ITRA when the bug gets you and your life is changed from that time on! It might happen to you next! 3 Midwest Equine Trail Foundation Contact Chris Riehl For Contributions and Grants at Midwest Equine Trail Foundation 3158 E. 200 S Dillsboro, IN 47018 ATTENTION: All Indiana Trail Riders There is a new way to support Midwest Equine Trail Foundation, Inc. Anyone who has an Amazon account can go to www.smile.amazon.com and choose Midwest Equine Trail Foundation as your designated charity. Amazon will donate 0.5% of your purchase price to M.E.T.F. Remember, only purchases at smile.amazon.com, (not www.amazon.com or the mobile app,) support charity. Amazon donations are issued four times per year (February, May, August, and November) for donations generated in the previous quarters. What a free and easy way to support Indiana horse trails!! ITRA Still Needing Donations for Skid Steer Attachments Thanks for your past support!! ITRA Membership Dues Family Membership $30.00 Association (Club) Membership $100.00 Thank you to everyone for their continued support!!!
A Word from ITRA s President, John Allen At our last board meeting one of the newest board members asked what type of individuals made up the membership. As I sat and listened to the conversation I was reassured that my views were echoed by each of the board members present. Unlike some organizations, ITRA members are very dedicated to its mission. It s not about what they can get out of it for themselves but what can they do to make things better. Whenever a need arises there are always members willing to take the initiative and help organize a solution. I can t say why but teamwork seems to come naturally to our members. Maybe it s our rural background. We know from experience that groups of folks working against each other accomplish very little but teamwork will get it done. Whatever the reason, we have built a reputation we can be proud of. Officials for the parks and forests of this state know that when calamity befalls them we can be counted on to help out. Small steps such as picking trash as we ride along can make a big difference statewide. By using Facebook, members have alerted other members to trail hazards such as downed trees allowing others to find and remove them. Our work weekends are well attended making it possible to do a lot in a short time. ITRA is a strong, vibrant group of dedicated individuals. So, in closing, I just want to say on behalf of your board, ITRA MEMBERS ROCK. I will see you on the trail. 4 Our Beginnings By Arlene Smoot Editor s Note: This is a reprint of a series of articles that first appeared in the September, 2014 Trail Mix with this article appearing in Nov., 2014. These articles are being reprinted upon members request. The new horse campground was much bigger than the old one. But as I said earlier, with the big campground came many new rules and regulations. One big drawback to the new campground was most people were not happy about driving on St. Rd. 135 South to get to camp. The rigs were getting bigger and that narrow winding road was a test of driving skills. And then there was, as one person said, the hill from hell! Another problem was a lack of trails. All the single file trails were now off limits for horses. We had only Trail A and B. Trail J had not been made yet. Now we had plenty of room for lots of campers but no trails to speak of. The DNR said they could not allow us to ride the single file trails because they were not able to keep them maintained. They could only maintain A and B because they required no hand work. Trails A and B could be maintained with bulldozers. Forest Skinner lived on St. Rd. 135 and had been riding all those single file trails, made by the deer that lived in the park, for many years. He was very upset by all the new rules and regulations. Again I can t give you the exact date, but one weekend when we arrived at the camp, there were signs that told of a meeting being held Saturday night in the Rally Ground. The Rally Ground was the name given to what is now the far part of the primitive camp. It is the area around the day riding parking lot you see as you come into the camp from St. Rd. 135. It was for group camping and did not have actual camp sites. Mr. Skinner had decided something needed to be done about losing all the trails and all the new rules and regulations so he was calling a meeting of horse campers. So, of course we attended. There were many very angry people at this meeting. It was, as I remember, quite a long meeting with much shouting and many, many complaints. Believe it or not, this was the beginning of Indiana Trail Riders Association. More next time ---- Arlene Editor s Note: Arlene had graciously agreed to write a series of articles about the founding of ITRA. Trail Tales By Calamity Jane Within all the fixin of our horse trails from all those folks from ITRA this spring, I gotta give them folks a big six gun salute. I m jest hopin all those dudes usin the trails take care of them so we kin enjoy the ride. But more importantly, all those folks workin on the trails can find time to ride their own horses. Keepin our trails clean is not their full time job!! All you folks ridin the horse trails need to do your part in keepin them in good shape fer the next rider. Happy Trails!! ITRA thanks the following organizations for continuing their 2018 ITRA Associate Memberships: Marshall County Horse Association Salamonie Campers & Trail Riders One day last month I was coming in the house, and I saw that a couple of our grandchildren had made a make shift bird's nest. It just had grass and sticks and such and was in our driveway. So I took a picture of it then showed it to my granddaughter who was with us. So I asked her about it, and she said, We made a bird nest. And I thought that was very nice. I told April about it, and she told me the rest of the story. She said our youngest grandson that was staying with us saw an egg in the yard and stepped on it. He s only 4 years old. And when he stepped on it, it bled. So April told him that it was a bird egg, and that he should not have stepped on it. We might have been able to put it back in the nest. She tells the story how God sees even the sparrow that falls. So I guess it made an impact, and they did what only children in their minds would understand and build a new home for a bird. Lessons in everyday life. Jesus tells us in Matthew 10:29 What is the price of two sparrows--one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. God sees all and knows all and he cares for you enough to send his only Son to die in your place that you may have eternal life. It's our prayer that you know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and savior. Pastor Dean Manuel Horseman's camp Christian outrage 7595 Bob Allen road Freetown IN 47235 hcco05@gmail.com Facebook: Hcco Park 812-345-1642 9 The Egg and the Bird Nest By Pastor Dean Manuel
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ITRA on the Trail Potato Creek State Park Spring Clean-Up By Cindy Harnish The clean-up at Potato Creek State Park had the usual suspect group of participants: Bruce and Jody Weldy, Brian and Cindy Harnish, Marlene Shirley and Pam Bice. Sally Babcock was unable to attend, however we welcomed Pam Bice s son Jerad. I flagged down the Park Manager Jim Webb and asked if we could use a Gator for the day. Mr. Webb was accommodating however he indicated that he had told his guys that we were coming this weekend so don t worry about the horse trails. Not sure what that meant we began trimming back trails and picking up trash when we came upon what that meant. A VERY large tree top had come down on the trail and was being held upright by only two of its five limbs. Well, then the strategizing began, which one to cut first, which way was it going to fall and oh by the way let s not get killed in the process. Brian made one 3 inch cut on one of the supporting limb and in seconds it was on the ground. Never saw Brian move so fast. An hour and half later the trail opened. ITRA volunteers once again came through. Thank you to all that came out to help. A special THANK YOU to Jerad Bice as it was awesome to have a strong (younger) guy to help move the large chunks off the trail. My South Dakota Trip By Rita Lockridge Con t from May, 2018 Trail Mix We got to the campground and were greeted in the office by Daniel and Vicky Riggs, the owners. He got us checked in and headed us to our campsite and stalls. They had just had a very large group from the HTCAA (Horse Trails and Camping Across America) pull out so things were not quite so crowded. The horses do not stay at your campsite. You have to take hay, tack and all they need from your trailer to the barn. Since they have regular campers in the camp, they do this to minimize the manure that gets spread through camp keeping the camp very clean and also the fly population lower (as well as closer to the barns only). They keep a stable of golf carts at the office for campers use. We never had any problems getting one to haul feed, hay and our tack back and forth to our stalls every day. Plus Teri loved to be my golf cart copilot too! To keep this from becoming a novel, I m going to summarize our week as such. We had some really great experiences, some really troubling experiences, almost all of us dealt with some type of vehicle/trailer issue, we got some beautiful and amazing rides in, and all of us are hoping to have a complete do over of this trip sometime in the future! We spent 7 nights at Broken Arrow camp. The owners are absolutely amazing folks. They make sure their campers have everything they need. Vicky and Daniel can also point you in the right direction for trails helping you get them mapped on your GPS unit. This is very helpful since the trails look nothing like what I am used to here! You might think it s a deer path or cow path, but that is most likely the trail you are hunting for take it!! We were amazed at the Koteewi at Strawtown Clean-Up scenery. Pictures just aren t enough to do it justice! By Mary Williams We took time to go and visit both Crazy Horse and Mount Rushmore monuments. A must do for everyone! Several took an afternoon and went to do We got lucky with the weather, as it had been in the 90 s, but on Sat. June 2 nd we had a very comfortable morning to clean the train ride at the 1880 s town, just a little ways away bush from where the park manager identified areas away in Buffalo Ridge. They said that was a needing attention. I, Beth Jerman & her daughter Kate Jerman worthwhile visit as well! Joan and I visited Prairie were the equine riders to help along with trail volunteers, Casey Berry Winery, where they make Red Ass Rhubarb Finch and Chris & Aileen Lee family of four children from Wine. We took advantage of their tasting bar and had Westfield, IN helped make a quick morning of clearing the a great dinner there as well! There is just so much to needed brush. We always enjoy a picnic lunch under the trees do out there, a week was not enough to cover it all! and visiting when we are finished. 6 7 Brian Harnish clearing the trail. ITRA 2018 Spring Clean-Up Volunteer Honor Roll Brown County State Park Jim Tremain, Jamie Harvey, Barry Harvey, Kay Parks, Frank Parks, Larry Sidell., Lyndall Montgomery, Katie Schuman, Sara Shuman, Liz Shuman, Ron Schuman, Angie Schuman, Tammy Sidell, Bruce Weldy, Jody Weldy, Barb Ferguson, Shandra Walker, Emilie Britt. Total of 384 Hours O Bannon State Park Greg Hersberger, Diana Hersberger, John Brunnemer, Hillary Brunnemer, Rob Brunnemer, Nancy Brunnemer Rita Hilt Lockridge, Rita s helper, Brain Harnish, Cindy Harnish, Bob Brittain, Virginia, Deb Maschmeyer, Bob Ferguson. A total of 101 hours Potato Creek State Park Bruce Weldy, Jody Weldy, Cindy Harnish, Brian Harnish, Marlene Shirley, Pam Brice, Jerad Bice. Owen Putman State Forest Rita Stultz, Diane Humphreys, Chris Lowe, Stacy Lowe, Leah Dewey, Lily Dewey, Anna Zupanic, Jeff Marks, Shandra Walker. Total of 34 hours. Lost Bridge State Recreation Area Salamonie Reservoir Greg Hersberger, Diana Hersberger, John Brunnemer, Hillary Brunnemer, Rheba Montgomery, Jim Tremain, Kyle Farr, Tracy Farr, Bob McPheeters, Deb Mcpheeters, Duane Davis, Rex Whiteleather, Jim Emmons. Total of 78 hours. Koteewi at Strawtown Hamilton County Park Mary Williams, Casey Finch, Chris and Aileen Lee and their four children, Beth Jerman, Kate Jerman. Total of 30 hours. Thank you to all the ITRA Officers, Directors, and families who worked behind the scenes to organized the trail clean-ups. The trip home was uneventful for Joan and myself. I think there was at least one couple who still had some issues with truck performance, but they also made it home with the help of some family along their route home. I would not want to discourage anyone from ever making a long distance trip! The trials and tribulations we went through on this one, really gave us a lot of incentive to plan another one! Not only to revisit a place that is very amazing, but to be able to see more of the location and enjoy the history surrounding it. We also learned a lot about ourselves (everyone on the trip did I believe). We found out we could keep ourselves entertained when stranded. We found strength in our friends and family. We found we had extremely trustworthy and faithful animals doing everything we could ask them to do and more. I didn t mention earlier that the first day of travel for us they actually spent about 22 hours on the trailer. Several of that was in the shop with a fan on them, but still, they were pretty happy to see their own address again after this trip! I also believe we all learned a lot more about networking. There are folks that we never would have met if this trip would have gone any other way. Take the trip. It definitely is worth it. Probably one of the best rides Joan and I and Teri had.