Our first BOD meeting of the year was well attended and full of positive energy. Changes approved included a new web host. Our ad hoc committee interviewed 2 hosts that committee members were comfortable with and who were willing to provide the services we really needed. In the end, TCMC Interactive was awarded the contract after a BOD vote.
Kim Minarich and Caren Stauffer are now working feverishly to update our website including past ride results, informative articles from our old website, MEMBER photos to replace the ad stock photos, the list goes on! We won’t make everyone happy but I think the majority will love the changes. Visit us at: www.DistanceRiding.org
Did you know…The website calendar can be viewed in different formats? For those of you who like to click month by month, that option is our default but if you look in the upper right-hand corner you may also click on the tabs to view weekly or as an agenda which will then drop down all the rides. Choose the option that fits you best!
Got shoes? The Iron Mountain Jubilee in Ivanhoe, Virginia has sanctioned their ride with us. A challenging and beautiful endurance ride. I’ve never been but I have heard it was worth the trip. Ride dates are August 25 and 26. ***This ride will count as mileage only.
Rocking Roll No Frills Ride, has had a name change & location. A ride managers nightmare indeed. Kim Williams was right on it though and has updated her entry form with the new information. The ride location is now in Ponce de Leon, FL with ride camp on private property. Same dates of September 1-3. Plenty of water for horse and humans with Kim and her team going the extra mile to make sure everyone can be as comfortable as possible in the Florida heat. The updated entry is on our calendar and FB page.
Scenic Spruce Creek on September 16 and 17 offers both an endurance ride and CTR. If you enjoy nature and have heard of Indian Marking Trees, the trail next to the water’s edge has plenty. Google the history of the trees. Very interesting.
The FHA 25 on October 21-22 is a CTR, Rookie Clinic and Judges Certification all rolled into one. We’re still working out the details on the certification and clinic so stay tuned for more info! The ride will be held from Doug & Michelle Shearer’s farm in Ocala with direct access to the Florida Horse Park trails. Always a lovely ride, we encourage everyone to join the fun. This a great way to get a new horse started as well as new riders. There will be plenty of mentors available to help you if needed. Don’t be shy, just ask!
Attending a ride that isn’t sanctioned? Send evidence of completion and $5 and we’ll give you credit for your miles. Carol Thompson is your contact at: carolythompson@msn.com
Speaking of new riders…A BIG WELCOME to the following new members:
Megan Grant Irma Coleman
Denise March Georlyn Cates
Tera Whaling Denise Sistarelli
Don’t forget…Make sure your horse is getting the recognition they deserve too! They need to be signed up separately. The form is on our website.
Do you enjoy the challenge of a 100 mile ride? One day, two days and even the FHA 100 which is over the course of 3 days can qualify your horse for our NEWEST award recognition. Formatted similar to the AERC 100 mile award, horse with same rider can qualify for Bronze (3 – 100’s), Silver (6-100’s), Gold (10-100’s) or Platinum (15-100’s).
The burden of proof will be on the rider to provide to our Award Secretary, Carol Thompson records for verification. For a $50 fee, we will present a horse blanket embroidered with the recognition. An award certificate will be presented at no charge. The new award criteria hasn’t made our website yet as we are continue to iron out the details on the form. Interested parties can contact me or Carol Thompson for verification on what we need for the award criteria.
TEVIS! Member Caren Risley is tackling TEVIS this weekend! She is ready to ride, really ride Saturday, August 5. Her ride number is 91 and you can keep track of her as she progresses through this link: http://www.teviscup.org/streaming2017
Heather & Jeremy Reynolds will also be there. Their numbers are 12 and 4. Odds are they’ll be that high up finishing.
Enjoy the moonlight here in Florida by attending the Cross Greenway Equestrians Moonlight Poker Ride starting at the Santos TH at 8 PM Saturday, August 5. Registration starts an hour before. Contact Doug or Michelle Shearer for more info. I’ll be there as well as a few other members. Doug’s email: dcshearer29@gmail.com
Share your ride stories and pictures with us on our FB page or chat group. We love to read about our members and what they are doing!
When you have an issue or idea that you want to discuss, please email me at: SEDRAprez@yahoo.com
Until we see each other again… Happy Trails!
Chris Littlefield
