November flew by with several great rides offered in different locations. I had the opportunity to compete at the Blackwater Boogie. This was Indy’s 1st 50 5 years ago. He did outstanding this year and I couldn’t have been any prouder. This location is a great 1st time ride venue. Trails are easy single and two track forest trails that are well marked. There is a creek crossing that is always fun to maneuver. The management is organized and welcoming. The camp area big and grassy.
The Shockaloe ride located at the Bienville Nat’l Forest, Mississippi received fantastic reviews. Word has it, if you missed it this year, make sure to get there next. Swag bags, well-marked trails and a beautiful forest. Sorry I missed it!
Photographer – www.alancreelphotography.com, be sure to visit his website! If you did not purchase a DVD from me this past Friday or Saturday night and would like to purchase either prints or digital downloads, please visit my site!! Also, upon checkout, use the following code for an additional 30% off: shockaloe30
The River Rise CTR over Thanksgiving weekend was well attended. Our youngest rider was Sophia at 6 who rode the 11 mile IDR with her Mom, Julianne. Sophia was in charge of the reins for the 1st time!
Our oldest was, Jewel Griffin at 81 completing the 27 CTR. Who doesn’t want to be either when they grow up???
I believe Farley was the oldest horse at 22.5.
Trail Boss, Penny Staffney provided us a technical and beautiful course. Penny mentioned that she placed over 400 ribbons out on the course. I believe her! My trail friend Linda and I rode Sunday taking down ribbons on the dry side for 4 hours. We saw plenty of deer and found the Gnome winning Linda a prize. A good weekend through and through.Thanksgiving rains made the technical portions more so with some riders taking a mud bath. Everyone came out all smiles though and trotted on. This is the 1st CTR I have attended where I almost used the entire allotted time! Congratulations to all who completed.
WELCOME new members: Felicity Beech and Deborah Romero-Sosa!!
There’s a rumor out there that I “stalk” people to become SEDRA members. It may be true. When Felicity mentioned she wasn’t a member it only took me a minute to grab a pen and a paper membership out of my truck getting her to sign up before the River Rise CTR. Then I reminded her to sign her horse up too, so he gets his mileage credit. And wouldn’t you know…they were Reserve Champions! Their 1st competition together and their 1st CTR. Way to go!!
Speaking of new members…If you are new to SEDRA and the sport of distance riding (and even if you are not) please make time to review the SEDRA rules and if riding endurance, AERC rules. The responsibility of knowing what is allowed ultimately falls on the rider. The best advice I can share is VOLUNTEER at a ride. You will learn volumes by volunteering and the ride manager will love you to pieces for helping. Contacting the ride manager is the best way to find out about volunteer opportunities.
December 16 brings us the Goethe Freedom Challenge which also includes an AHA 50 Championship.
Don’t forget to dress up your horse for Christmas! I love seeing the creativity riders come up with. The Dollar Store can be a big help with sparking creativity at a low, low price.
This will be Helen’s last year of managing the ride. Please take a moment to thank her for the past 20 YEARS of dedication to this ride and our sport.
Ring in the New Year with attending the Greenway Getaway, December 29 & 30! Camp has plenty of room for everyone and trails are easy and well-marked.
The Goethe Gallivant at the Tidewater TH is January 4–7. This is a dual AERC/FEI ride. Tidewater is a great location with single track, jeep track and some short areas of gravel road. If you can’t ride, volunteering provides an opportunity to see how those who want to represent the USA in competition take on the course. Contact ride management if you can help out.
January 19 and 20 brings the Winter Gallop at Dunn’s Creek. Always well managed and they serve the best grilled cheese sandwiches during the ride. Forestry is working with ride management to provide us with the best trails they can and a great campsite next to the river.
All our sanctioned rides can be found on our calendar
BOD Meeting Our next meeting will be held Saturday, December 9 at 11:30 sharp at Helen’s home in Williston. (Goethe ride location) As members, you are always welcome to attend. Please RSVP though so I can save you a spot.
Informative articles, the SEDRA rule book and ride calendar are ALL available on our website!
Our Facebook page offers a chat group and sales page as well as the main page where administration posts interesting articles and upcoming sanctioned rides.
Please keep in mind that our Facebook page is open to opinions, suggestions, questions, ideas, trail workdays and training events.
Positive feedback is always welcomed, negativity closely monitored.
Here is wishing all of you a very merry holiday and a New Year surrounded by loving family, great friends, and a good horse to explore our wonderful world with.
Chris Littlefield
SEDRA President
sedraprez@gmail.com
SpecializedSaddles.com
Lindy@HoofBootsandBeyond.com 813-778-3231
