County Lines

Ross

Greetings from Ross County. Summer is here and I think we all have started to get the horses in shape. When summer finally comes each year, most people think of vacation time; the weather is great, the sun is shining, and all the leaves are green and full of life. Most importantly, the trails are starting to dry, which makes for great rides. Taking a vacation with your horse is what most equestrians wait for each year. The options are endless when it comes to summer riding, so what are you waiting for? Plan that trip and make the most of your horseback vacation. Engage and be open to everything around you. It’s about being outside and in deep nature.

Ross County OHC has had a couple of rides already this year, the Easter ride April 8 at Tar Hollow and May 13 Ride from the Winegar Property. Upcoming rides are set for June 10 at Bear Lake and July 22 at Hocking. Mark your calendars to attend upcoming rides with us. Hope to see everyone on the trails! Until next month, happy trials.

~Angie Stone

year, a friend of mine named Joanne, who is in her seventies, lost her husband. She had been bringing her granddaughter to riding lessons at the same stables where my then 13-year-old was also taking lessons, so we became friends. After her husband passed away, Joanne decided to live the dream and buy her and Lilly (her granddaughter) a horse to share. She called me up one day and asked if I’d give her and her new horse a ride to the stables. Of course, I would! And, when her first choice of stables wasn’t right for them, you bet I showed up to help her move again. Joanne hasn’t ridden in years, but she has spent the last year getting Jazz, her new 15-yearold Rocky Mountain gelding, ready to ride. And as soon as she is ready, I’ll be there to pick her up and take her and Jazz for their first trail ride!

Sandusky

Reflecting on the reality that most of the members of our club are over 50 (myself celebrating double nickels this June); if you have the desire to ride and the means to do so, do it! Remember, maturity increases your capacity to learn in many ways: being objective about your riding, concentration to watch other equestrians, ability to read and engage in critical thinking and the wisdom to observe and learn from others. So, if a potential new member shows up at one of your meetings who has boots with a few more miles than you do, applaud them for showing up. Lend a helping hand and a word of encouragement. Last

I’ve learned this spirit of horsemanship generosity by observing others in our club. Tony is always at work trimming trees and moving logs off the trails. Diane is generous with her time to ride along on a horse shopping trip. Sandra will help you spend your money at Equine Affaire. Candy will keep your 4-H kids squared away. If you need help lunge lining your horse, ask Bob. Hope and Al will keep you on track and organized. That’s just a few of the horsemen who are here to help you on your journey. We really do have a fantastic group of horsemen in our club! If you or someone you know is interested in riding with a fun bunch of senior riders, we ride at White Star Park in Gibsonburg, Ohio, on the first Sunday of every month at 10 a.m. Life is short. Ride the horse!

~Donna McHaffie

Stark

And the winner of the quilt is...Beth Liff. The drawing was held at our meeting on April 24. We want to thank all who supported this wonderful project that one of our members, Kelly Bichsel made to raise funds for a new horseman’s camp at Camp Tuscazoar near Zoar, Ohio. The total raised was $1,750!

Our speaker at our April meeting was Cindy Krum who is an advisor with the 4-H Horse Committee. She is also secretary of Tri-Co Horse Club and a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Amvets Chapter 124. Cindy presented several ways of how we can help Stark County 4-H members of her group Stark County Stars raise money to go to the State for their chapter. Cindy told how the students need to work to achieve their goals. She explained they need to show at the Stark County Fair for one thing to qualify. This has presented many obstacles as the fair board doesn’t provide adequate facilities (believe it or not) for the students. The families are raising funds to provide an arena for the kids. Cindy explained that she had written the wrong date on her calendar for her meeting with us and came to the VFW Post in Navarre a week early. It happened that the VFW Post was holding their meeting that evening and when she explained why she was there and about her 4-H program, it ended up being a God send for Cindy and the two students with her. The VFW donated $3,000 towards the arena project. Our chapter has always felt the importance of working with the 4-H program and supporting the students as they are our future generation. Have a safe and great year!

~Jo Ellen Reikowski

Summit

Ever wonder if it may be your big day to hit the jackpot or to paraphrase classic Clint Eastwood “You have to ask yourself, do you feel lucky?” Well, if you want the chance to find out, have we got the opportunity for you. On June 24 Summit OHC is holding its Second Annual Poker Run and Hike Fundraiser at RHP, Richfield Heritage Preserve, in of all places Richfield, Ohio! Your odds sound better already, don’t they? All donations will go for funding the new roof on the park’s summer barn. Richfield Heritage Preserve has really worked with the equine community to reestablish, refurbish and expand their trail riding options within the park. The barn previously stabled horses at the former Girl Scout camp and we would love to show our appreciation by preventing further deterioration from the aging roof. We are not a large club and this has been a very major ongoing project to tackle especially with building materials and labor cost rising each year.

Gates will open at 8 a.m. and you can ride between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The $20 ride donation covers ride participation, coffee and doughnuts. A lunch will be served if you wish to purchase one. Trailer parking will be limited to 20 rigs. If you don’t want to ride, we also have the option of hiking other trails for the same entry donation. RSVP’s are requested by June 17. For more information, please contact Cathy Matonis at 216/798-0496 or Catherine.SummitOHC@ gmail.com. Did I mention there will be a lot of great prizes and opportunities to bid on items too? If you want a great ride, a chance to meet some of the best trail riding companions in Summit County, or just hang out, it’s a day you won’t soon forget no matter how hard you try, so just “Go Ahead. Make my Day…”

Speaking of fundraisers, if you can’t make the first one, Summit County will have a second scheduled for Sept. 29 through Oct. 1 at Mohican State Park. This camping weekend has always been a favorite go to destination for seasoned veterans or first timers anticipating all the sights and sounds of nature in a beautiful fall setting aboard their favorite horse. Add a little good food, bonfire camaraderie, and some unexpected apparitions and it is a winner. More information is forthcoming so be sure to look for our flyer and mark the dates on your calendar.

If you are interested in joining a group of riders from Summit, Medina, Cuyahoga or surrounding counties for a day ride, please check their