2010 Newsletters

SEPTEMBER

Don’t forget SHTRA’s entry for Ovid’s Carriage Day 11:00 AM Parade Sept. 25. Gary Fortin will be driving his team and wagon, so you can ride on the wagon or ride beside him. Our theme will be promoting SHTRA wagon rides, pumpkin bowling and other spooky things on Ichabod Crane Day Oct.9 at Sleepy Hollow State Park. If you would like to join us for either fun day, with or without a costume contact Gary at 989-834-1813 or shargary@peoplepc.com or check our website www.shtra.org for email contact.

Sept. 14 will be the next Bd. meeting at Pat Brown’s at 6:30 PM. Agenda includes Ichabod Crane Day, fall workbee and trail addition planning. Stay alert for emails with date TBA.

Driving in the Park was held July 9-11and was well attended. In spite of the hot weather, our wagon train on Saturday had a draft horse team, a miniature team and several single horses w/carts. Of course, there were more outriders than teams to check the blacktop out, around the park and down the old road. A delicious potluck and campfire were held afterwards. Many stayed overnight and rode or drove the next day. Thanks to Gary and Sharon Fortin, Gale Moore and all the others who helped make this an event not to miss.

July 23-25 was the Dennis Austin Memorial Night Ride weekend. Again it was very hot and the storms went around us. We had our largest turnout this year, as folks won’t want to miss all the DAMN activities. I hosted two nighttime glow stick poker runs!!! Fun! Denny would have been pleased. Cindy Debiak won the luck of the draw and got the pot. Both mornings, Gale Moore with his grill and crew of volunteer cooks flipped pancakes for all. On Sat. Gale hosted a Mystery Time ride with Chad Simpson winning that on my horse. He donated his winnings back. Thanks Chad for driving up and seeing how we get’er done. Barb Drake hosted a CMO Clinic and Beginners Ride on Sat. We thank her and the CMOers who attended to give her a extra head/hand/compass with helping the beginners out in field/woods. She really knows how to throw a fun event!!!! The ten dollar entry fee did not begin to cover the tubs of prizes!! She donated 100% back to SHTRA! Sat. night SHTRA hosted dogs, burgers, and brats for the huge potluck. Afterwards, Jeff Sawyer played announcer for the annual stick horsey race. Too funny! On Sunday, Barnacle Barb with her pirate flags hosted the Great Treasure Hunt and once again with maps in hand, the crews search the waves of grass looking for the 8 hidden chests. Of course, the real loot was back in camp in those tubs of treasure!! Thank you Barb for host such a creative fun event!!!! I hosted an “It Don’t Belong Here or What the Heck is that Doing Out Here Ride” that anyone could participate in. Sherri Wager won that drawing! Danny Crampton sang and picked his guitar at the campfire. Too much fun! I thank all those who helped me host this event- the bug sprayer, ice getters, the cooks, raccoon spotters, poop pickers and all who came and donated food and funds to make this a great fundraiser. I could not have done it alone. Part of belonging to a group is the wonderful support network of your friends. YEA, SHTRA!

Marsha Putnam

JULY

Mike Woods has agreed to host the campover July 2-4 weekend at the staging area. He will offer a SHTRA Fundraiser $5.00 entry fee Poker Runs on both Saturday and Sunday. Cash back split the pot. If you don’t want to fight the traffic hauling up north, relax at Sleepy‘s campfire. Tom’s Western Store and the Blue Moon are around the corner. Check our website shtra.org or email sbh01@voyager.net for more info on events, apparel and our horsey friends facebook.

Remember July 9,10 & 11 for another fun weekend-Driving in the Park!!! This is for those who want to hitch up and join a 10:30 am Sat. wagon train for a 6-8 mile drive. Outriders will be permitted to ride along or enjoy the trails. Potluck feast at 2:30 pm. Campfire & Rustic camping on Friday and Sat. for $12.00 a rig. Register at the Horseman’s Staging area. Sunday driving on the blacktop and old road. Trail driving restricted to expert driver w/one horse cart w/tires and brakes. Donations to SHTRA. Call 989-834-1813 for info.

Dennis Austin was a special SHTRA member who died way before his time in 2004. July 23-25 we will honor him with the DAMN Ride. Fri-SHTRA’s Hot Dog Roast and Glow Stick Poker Run. Sat- Pancakes, Mystery Time Ride, 10:00 CMO Clinic & Ride, Potluck Feast 5:30 w/games, 50/50 and THE Memorial Ride. Sunday- Breakfast, Poker Run and Treasure Hunt. Bring your $ for entry fees for what events you choose to ride, your glow sticks, and we’ll have a good time. This special fundraiser packer weekend is dedicated to fixing a creek crossing and remembering Dennis. Check web or call 989-277-8544.

Mary Jo O’Dell and her Blazing Saddle 4-H Club hosted the Memorial Weekend Campover and SHTRA really thanks them. Mary had this to say: “ Wed. May 26 -Hot and Miserable-planning the weekend ride and then the phone rings w/your hay is ready to bale. Are these horses worth it??? Thurs.- Still Hot and here’s the $$$ Blacksmith and more hay to do. Are these horses worth it??? Fri.-Load things, get groceries, load trailer, get hay, go, go, go. Are these horses worth it??? Sat.-Campfire, bacon frying, cowboy coffee, kids in the mouse chewed hammock, horses content on pickett line, raccoons watching from trees, rigs pulling in, friends-new and old, saddle up to beat the heat. And out on the trail, we realize, “Yes, these horses are worth it and then some!” Its good friends, good weather, good horses, good poker run, good kids and good trails. Thanks to all that support and maintain these trails and SHTRA for being here. Book us for next year!”

Well, Mary Jo, you’ve summed it well. These trails are done for riders (esp. the kids) to enjoy. Remember Wayne Mears, he’s been hurt and is in need of cheering up- send cards to his home address: 3190 Moyer Rd. Williamston, Mi 48895.

Hope to see ya,

Marsha Putnam

JUNE

Remember Memorial Weekend The Blazing Saddles 4-H Club will be hosting a campover at the staging area. The weekend fund raiser includes a Poker Run on Sat. Campfire cooking all weekend, bring your fixings and join in. All State Park rules and regs apply. For more information, contact Mary at 989-288-4522, shtra.org or sbh01@voyager.net Membership forms and wavers for non members will be on site.

June 5/6 an ACTH sponsored ride will occur. Contact shyannetla@hotmail.com or www.actha.us

Our next SHTRA fundraiser and camp over will be June 19th-Saturday night only. Sue Chant is hosting this SHTRA get together and fundraiser. Contact her at 517-651-9271 or susan_chant@yahoo.com. Come and ride with her. Check our web site for more info on other upcoming events.

Another honor for SHTRA’s Plow Day! The image of a three horse team plowing is the symbol for Sleepy Hollow State Park’s logo stamp for the DNRE new passbook! Equine recognition! Congratulations to event organizers Gary and Sharon Fortin and their team of volunteers! This year’s event was held May 1. It was well attended with hundreds of spectators watching twelve teams plow wildlife food plots. Four wagon teams gave rides to the public. SHTRA thanks team owners Kevin & Kerry Dutcher, Amber & T.J. Hunt, Russ & Julie Stickle, and Gary Fortin’s team driven by Myron Karsten for hauling folks to the plow site. Harold Toby and Burt Cooper allowed their single horse and carts to be driven by the public to get their hands on driving experience. Awesome! Westlor Designs and SHTRA donated draft halters to the participant teams. The Country Store of St. Johns also donated money for this fundraiser. Bill Fourney’s Countryline Concession’s once again had excellent food and hot coffee for the teams, volunteers and park visitors. After lunch, an informal spring pull had ten teams moving the stoneboat. Tracy Thomas team topped out with a full pull of 8070 lbs! Don Brown was second and Dave Gaute was third. A 50/50 raffle was held and a Vera Thornton original print of last year’s event was won by Tracy Thomas. Many thanks go to the SHTRA members who donated their day to this unique event. And to the many teams who traveled from around the state-THANK YOU! Check out our web-shtra.org for this year’s pictures.

More info next month on the The Rotten Egg Hunt, Spring workbees, and The Ranger’s 4-H Poker Run.

Until then,

Marsha Putnam

APRIL

Remember May 1 for Rural Heritage Plow Day. Teams will be plowing wildlife food plots at Sleepy Hollow. Plow sites locations will be on signs. Catch a wagon ride to the plow area, watch the teams work and participate in a full pull. Prizes for participants. Lunch wagon at group parking lot. 50/50 raffle for SHTRA trails. Vera Thornton’s original print of 2009 Plow Day to be unveiled and displayed. Opportunities to drive a draft horse team will be available. Contact Gary and Sharon Fortin @ 989-834-1813, shargary@peoplepc.com or sbh01@voyager.net

Saturday May 8^thwe’ll hold our 2^nd work bee. 8:00am- ? Hopefully the trails will be dry enough to get gravel to low areas. We’ll need small front end loader tractors, bobcats, ATVs for this as Park’s gator is down. If you can’t work trimming trail or moving gravel, we always appreciate lunch chefs. Contact 989-661-2541.

May 22 will be the third work bee and hopefully we’ll finish the spring projects. 8:00 am -? 1:00 pm will be lunch. Contact 989-661-2541. That evening, the Rangers 4-H Club will be hosting our first of the season camp over, campfire and hot dog roast. Sunday May 23 11:00 am - 2:30 pm, they’ll host a fundraiser 50/50 cash back Poker Run. $5.00 entry fee with profits to SHTRA. Contact 517-651-6884. Register at the Horseman’s Staging Area.

The Blazing Saddles 4-H Club will host SHTRA’s Memorial Weekends camp over from May 28-31. Saturday will be a SHTRA fundraising Poker Run $5.00 entry fee. 50/50 cash back for participants. Bring your fixings for Hobo dinners as the group campfire will be going. Contact 989-288-4522. State park fees and rules apply. Register at the Horseman’s Staging Area.

Check www.shtra.org for more summer events and our Facebook page. Thanks to webmaster Barb, contact with riding buddies is fast and easy.

Hope to see ya,

Marsha Putnam

MARCH

It was great to visit with other horse enthusiasts at Horse Expo. Thanks goes to those who donated their time Booth talking and those who joined Sleepy Hollow’s membership. I was thrilled to be honored as one of MHC’s Catalyst’s Award winners.

Remember April 17th for our first workbee to clean up winter debris from the staging area and trail. Contact 989-661-2541 or 517-290-7624 to see how you can help with labor or cooking for the workers. The Rotten Egg Hunt will be held on Sunday April 18 at 2:00 pm. Bring the wee ones to find what the Easter Bunny left! Contact Pat at 517-651-5984 for info.

May 1 is PLOW DAY at Sleepy Hollow, teams will be plowing wildlife food plots. Come and get a wagon ride, watch the teams work and participate in a fun pull. Lunch wagon on site. 50/50 Raffle for SHTRA. Contact Gary and Sharon Fortin at 989-834-1813, shargary@peoplepc.com or shtra.org for more details.

We hope you will be able to join us for other events/fundraisers.

May 8 Sleepy Hollow Trail Workbee 8:00 am-? 517-290-7624 or www.shtra.org
May 22/23 Sleepy Hollow Trail Workbee 8:00 am-? 517-290-7624 or www.shtra.org
Campover #1 w/ Rangers 4-H Club Hosting Poker Run on Sun. 11:00am-2:30 pm
May 28-31 Sleepy Hollow/Blazing Saddles 4-H Club Fundraising Campover 989-288-4522 or michiganfilly@aol.com or www.shtra.org
June19 Sleepy Hollow Sue’s Campover, fundraiser www.shtra.org
July 2-4 Sleepy Hollow Campover Tentative..Need Host
July 9-11 Sleepy Hollow Drive In the Park, camping, cart driving and wagon train on Sat. 10:00am; 2:30 pm potluck 989-834-1813 shargary@peoplepc.com or www.shtra.org
July 23-25 Sleepy Hollow Damn Ride SHTRA Staging Area, optional camping, fundraising games, campfire and potluck 989-661-2541 or www.shtra.org
Aug.20-22 SHTRA & IHTA “Stuff the Camp” Festivities, Ionia Rec. Campgrounds, 517-209-7624
October 9 Sleepy Hollow Ichabod Crane Day SHTRA Staging Area, wagon rides, pumpkin games costumed riders, potluck and campfire, camping, 989-661-2541, 989-834-1813, shargary@peoplepc.com or shtra.org
October 10 Sleepy Hollow /Double M 4-H Club Spooky Ride fundraiser, costumed riders and trail obstacles. 989-661-2541 or 989-682-4354 or www.shtra.org

Hope to see ya,

Marsha Putnam, SHTRA President

FEBRUARY

Happy Trails Everyone:
We have membership forms and daily email contact at sbh01@voyager.net on our website: www.shtra.org Forms are located on this publication’s (Equine Times)website. Thanks to those who have joined us with 2010 memberships. You will be receiving membership conformation via postcard with upcoming events. Jackets w/logos will be available by order.

Save the Date! Help get the horses on this new 41mile trail! Clinton Ionia Shiawassee Rail Trail planning process continues. Public input and equestrian options for CIS will be discussed March 31 at Friends of FMCIS Annual meeting 7:00 pm- Welcome Center, Baker College, S M-52 Owosso, MI Contact 989-661-2541or www.cistrail.org or by email: cistrail@gmail.com

Our February 6, 2010 annual meeting and election had Carrie Barr and Chanda Donnon joining the Bd. Welcome! Cowboy singers Danny Crampton and Rex Battestilli with their guitars wowed the attendees at the potluck & festivities. Don Brown took care of the auction items. Door prizes were won by many. 2010 MI State Park vehicle stickers were sold by park personnel. Thanks to all who attended and brought wonderful food and purchased donated items.

Supporting business who donated items were: The Wire Horse- Lennon, Tom’s Western Store & Ovid Farmers Elevator, Sleezy Barb Horsewear, Clinton Vet Service, Postal Connections, Bee’s, Dr. Roger Massa DO, Tractor Supply Co., Modern Concepts Salon, Nicole’s Day Spa - St. Johns, Kristen Brown Choice Realty, LLC, Vera Thornton-Fenton and The Tack Shack- Howell. Thank you!

We hope you will be able to join us for the following events/fundraisers:

March 12-14 Trails Room MHC Expo
April 17 Sleepy Hollow Trail Workbee 8:00am-? Spring cleaning 989-661-2541, 517-290-7624 or www.shtra.org
April 18 Sleepy Hollow Rotten Egg Hunt SHTRA Staging Area , 2:00 pm Children’s Hunt, spectators welcome, 517-651-5984 or www.shtra.org
May 1 Sleepy Hollow Plow Day SHTRA Staging Area-10:00 am, Wagon Rides, Watch or drive the drafts. Lunch concession wagon. 989-834-1813, shargary@peoplepc.com
May 8 Sleepy Hollow Trail Workbee 8:00 am-? 517-290-7624 or www.shtra.org
May 22/23 Sleepy Hollow Trail Workbee 8:00 am-? 517-290-7624 or www.shtra.org
Campover #1 w/ Rangers 4-H Club Hosting Poker Run on Sun. 11:00am-2:30 pm
May 28-31 Sleepy Hollow/Blazing Saddles 4-H Club Fundraising Campover 989-288-4522 or michiganfilly@aol.com or www.shtra.org
June19 Sleepy Hollow Sue’s Campover, fundraiser www.shtra.org
July 2-4 Sleepy Hollow Campover Tentative..Need Host
July 9-11 Sleepy Hollow Drive In the Park, camping, cart driving and wagon train on Sat. 10:00am; 2:30 pm potluck 989-834-1813 shargary@peoplepc.com or www.shtra.org
July 23-25 Sleepy Hollow Damn Ride SHTRA Staging Area, optional camping, fundraising games, campfire and potluck 989-661-2541 or www.shtra.org
Aug.20-22 SHTRA & IHTA “Stuff the Camp” Festivities, Ionia Rec. Campgrounds, 517-209-7624
October 9 Sleepy Hollow Ichabod Crane Day SHTRA Staging Area, wagon rides, pumpkin games costumed riders, potluck and campfire, camping, 989-661-2541, 989-834-1813, shargary@peoplepc.com or shtra.org
October 10 Sleepy Hollow /Double M 4-H Club Spooky Ride fundraiser, costumed riders and trail obstacles. 989-661-2541 or 989-682-4354 or www.shtra.org

Hope to see ya,

Marsha Putnam, SHTRA President

JANUARY

Remember our website: www.shtra.org We have membership forms and daily email contact at sbh01@voyager.net Thanks to those who have joined us with 2010 memberships. Forms are located on this publication’s website.

At our Jan. 12 Board meeting plans were discussed for our February 6, 2010 annual meeting and election, 2:00 pm potluck and donated horse item auction. Cowboy singers will join us to complete the festivities. Bring a dish to pass and your auction item. Jackets and sweatshirts will be available to be ordered. 2010 MI State Park annual vehicle stickers will be sold by attending park personnel. Door prizes. MHC Expo Booth assignments. CIS Rail Trail info available. Contact 989-661-2541 or check the web.

The following events/fundraisers for 2010 are:

April 17 Sleepy Hollow Trail Workbee 8:00am-? Spring cleaning of staging area and trail debris 989-661-2541 or www.shtra.org
April 18 Sleepy Hollow Rotten Egg Hunt SHTRA Staging Area , 2:00 pm Children’s Hunt, spectators welcome, 517-651-5984 or www.shtra.org
May 1 Sleepy Hollow Plow Day SHTRA Staging Area-10:00 am, Wagon Rides, Watch or drive the drafts. Lunch concession wagon. 989-834-1813, shargary@peoplepc.com or www.shtra.org
May 8 Sleepy Hollow Trail Workbee 8:00 am-? 989-661-2541 or www.shtra.org
May 22 Sleepy Hollow Trail Workbee 8:00 am-? 989-661-2541 or www.shtra.org
May 28-31 Sleepy Hollow/Blazing Saddles 4-H Club Fundraising Campover 989-288-4522 or michiganfilly@aol.com or www.shtra.org
June19 Sleepy Hollow Campover, fundraiser www.shtra.org
July 9-11 Sleepy Hollow Drive In the Park, optional camping, cart driving and wagon train on Sat. 10:00am 2:30 pm potluck 989-834-1813 shargary@peoplepc.com or www.shtra.org
July 23-25 Sleepy Hollow Damn Ride SHTRA Staging Area, optional camping, fundraising games, campfire and potluck 989-661-2541 or www.shtra.org
October 9 Sleepy Hollow Ichabod Crane Day SHTRA Staging Area, wagon rides, pumpkin games costumed riders, potluck and campfire, optional camping, 989-661-2541, 989-834-1813, shargary@peoplepc.com or shtra.org
October 10 Sleepy Hollow /Double M 4-H Club Spooky Ride fundraiser, costumed riders and trail obstacles. 989-661-2541 or 989-682-4354 or www.shtra.org

We hope you will be able to join us for these unique and fun events.

Clinton Ionia Shiawassee Rail Trail planning process continues. Public input and equestrian options will be discussed March 31 at 7:00 pm Baker College, Owosso, MI. Contact me or www.cistrail.org or (cistrail@gmail.com)

Happy Trails,
Marsha Putnam, SHTRA President