HORSE ASSOCIATION & TRAIL RIDERS NEWS
BRIGHTON TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION As we approach the end of 2021, we are reflecting on what this year has brought us. Things were a little bit better than 2020 in that we were able to partially return to our normal lives, but we have had to still deal with many restrictions and accommodations relating to Covid. We have to accept the fact that a “new normal” may replace the “old normal.” How has this affected the activities relating to the Brighton Trail Riders? Well, the good news is that we were able to hold a few outdoor events this year, topped off by our annual Poker Ride. It was a big success and we had a big turnout. We did have to make some changes on our picnic planning, but were able to live with the new arrangements. The Brighton staging area, trails and campground got a lot of business, and for that we are grateful. Even now, we expect that hardy riders will still be visiting well into the cold weather, but of course the DNR has closed the campground for the year. We are taking a serious look at the upcoming year and expect to have a full schedule of outdoor activities. Having said that, what is really occupying our thoughts is our annual banquet, co-hosted with the Pinckney Trail Riders. Several years ago, we transitioned from a holiday party to an event held in the spring, aptly named the “Spring Fling.” Covid brought a halt to that, but we are hoping to hold it again in the spring of 2022. We will keep everyone posted on that. In the meantime, we hope that the holiday season is enjoyable and safe for all Saddle Up! readers and look forward to hitting the trails with you next year. Mark Delaney, BTRA President
MAYBURY STATE PARK TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION (MSPTRA) Greetings, trail riders! Our annual meeting that was originally scheduled for November 10, 2021, had to be cancelled and rescheduled. We will update Facebook and our website with the date, time and location information as soon as it has been determined. We will be looking for some board positions to be filled, so if you are interested, please join us! Everyone is welcome to attend. Don’t forget to ‘Log Your Ride’ on our website when you ride in the park! Check out all the new updates to the website at: https://mayburytrailriders.org/ Continue to follow us on Facebook for updates on the trails, events and general news going on in the park. Feel free to post pictures from your rides! Happy Trails & Happy Holidays! Mary Nader
MICHIGAN FOXTROTTING HORSE ASSOCIATION This has been a year of change for us. We chose a new President, revamped our Versatility Program, redid our bylaws, adopted a new logo and morphed into the Michigan Foxtrotting Horse Association. We plan to file for 501(c)3 status as soon as we can. We are looking forward to doing more effective promotion and offering more varied activities next year. With the help of our great members, we can do this! If you would like to join and help with ideas and Horse Association & contribute without manpower, please print off the membership form from the website Trail Riders News Are FREE! (www. MFHA.com) and send your check Email: saddleupmag@gmail.com (made out to MFHA) to the address on the Word Limit: 600 form. We are welcoming everyone of all Deadline the 15th for following issue. ages with a Fox Trotter or interested in them DECEMBER 2021 • C & C PUBLISHING, INC. ©2021 (20)
to join us. You don’t even have to live in Michigan to join. Our motto is “To ride one is to own one!” Try one and you will find that out! We are the Region 8 Michigan affiliate of the MFTHBA. Our affiliate offers a yearly National Trail Ride, various clinics, ride meet-ups, monthly meetings, newsletters, interesting articles in Saddle Up! Magazine and the Equine Times and breeding opportunities. Our members shine in the show ring...and on the trail: Congratulations goes out to Jodi Myers and Raders Top Secret Spy for being recognized for Basic Level Champion (Level 1) 1 Champion award in the US National Dressage Classic for the 2021 Region 4 Championships in Western Dressage Gaited Division. Kelly Clevenger and Preacher earned Reserve High Percentage for Western Dressage Basic in GLASS-ED showing. Well done! In the Versatility Challenge last month, Amanda Kellogg reached the 1,000 mile mark while trail riding in Indiana, Carrie Carpenter rode in Kentucky and Tennessee then topped that off by riding along the Lake Michigan shoreline, Georgi Carlton camped in various campgrounds in Michigan and Ohio, Susan Bombard has been riding and camping in-state, Kelly Clevenger has been riding and camping in Tennessee. They all had memorable rides. The third quarter Versatility winners are Susan Bombard (Most Unique Activity), Carrie Carpenter (Most Unique Photo), Georgi Carlton (Last to Post in 3rd quarter). Keep doing things to accumulate more points. And remember to report them! Don’t forget to sign up for this popular Versatility program for 2022. Send in your paperwork now and earn points for doing everything equine starting January 1st. Print off the Under Saddle, Not Under Saddle and MFHA Horsemanship Challenge forms found on the MFHA.com website, read the rules and get started! It’s fun! Plus, there are prizes every quarter and at year-end!! We are currently working on the dates for the 2022 rides and clinics. There will be more details to share next month. Have you started your Christmas shopping? If you are looking for a useful gift, we are offering 100% cotton blue short-sleeved Fox Trotter t-shirts with the horse superimposed over the State of Michigan. They are available in unisex adult sizes only, med-XXL WWW.SADDLEUPMAG.COM
