Western Reserve Carriage Association

WRCA End of the Year Events

PRESIDENT, Jo Ann Murr VICE PRESIDENT, Ann Petersen TREASURER, Ann Petersen SECRETARY, Cathy Rhoades MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY, Henry Rish. WEBSITE, www.wrcarriage.com

by Cathy Rhoades

This autumn weather has been wonderful for driving. We have had above average temperatures and one of the most spectacular leaf displays in years. We had two events scheduled in October. One was a brand new offering at Observatory Park in Geauga County. It was the best attended drive of the year with 25 attendees and around 12 turnouts. The trees were at peak and were a lovely backdrop for the park and trail drivers. Leaf covered trails lead through the woods. Members also had the opportunity to explore the Observatory if they wished. Ann Petersen hosted this drive.

The final scheduled event was our End of the Year gathering held at Renee and Daral Jackwoods beautiful home and co-hosted by Shauna Brummet and Jeff Skinner. It was a marvelous day! Members brought delicious appetizers and desserts, BBQ meat and sides were provided by our hosts. There was lively conversation between long time members and new faces. Both hosts have lovely farms that many members took advantage of touring. We really appreciated their hospitality! Toward the end of the meal, WRCA had a door prize raffle. The door prizes were compliments of your points from shopping at Big Dee. Don’t forget to let them know at the checkout you are a WRCA member.

We are still looking for hosts and new venues for driving for next year. We will be communicating with other clubs in Ohio and Pennsylvania to try and prevent overlapping events when possible. Please contact one of the board members if you would like to host. We really just need a place with open fields or trails for carriages and trailer parking. We can help with any questions. We can also pay for a permit or other needed expenses if submitted for approval prior to scheduling, think of local parks with equestrian trails, fairgrounds, or farms. As a reminder, only WRCA members may drive at our events. If you have a groom or passenger that is not a member, they need to sign a waiver before heading out to drive.

The beginning of the year will be our potluck and auction. This will be open to members, family and friends. This is our main fundraiser that is normally held every two years but has not been held since 2018. WRCA is looking for donations for the auction. The item does not have to be horse related. A handmade item, gift certificate, a themed basket, tickets to an event or a unique antique are just some of the donations we could auction off. Contact any board member with the donation.

December is the month to vote on our open board positions. An email with a link to vote will be coming. Also in January watch your mail for membership renewal. Memberships sent in by March 1 will continue to receive the Corral.

Horse Facility for Rent Canfield, Ohio

Farm Features 27 acres with adjacent 15 acres of fenced pasture that includes an outdoor shelter w/roof. 2 barns and riding arena all under one roof.

Heated Barn #1 • (11) 12x12 stalls • (2) 24x12 foaling stalls • All automatic drink cups • Tack room w/feed auger to outside bulk feeder • Wash rack • Breeding lab • Hay loft/storage above stalls area • Bulk shavings storage Riding Arena • 64x120 foot indoor riding arena situated between the two heated barns

Heated Barn #2 • (14) 10x12 stalls • Tack room • Wash area • Washer/dryer hook up • Hay loft/storage above stall area • All automatic drink cups Outdoor • Fenced 145x225 foot sand footing outdoor riding area • Unfenced 160x350 foot slag riding track • 4 grass turnout paddocks with shelters • 2 turnouts without shelters • 50 foot round pen • Equipment garage • 3 pastures with walk up three sided shelter Farm located in Mahoning County. $3000 per month with triple net lease (insurance, utilities, taxes, etc.) For more information/pictures contact Kristen Joseph 330.565.1783 • kristenjoseph1123@gmail.com