2011 Newsletters
DECEMBER
November7, 2011, was the Grand Opening of the South Trail! It now includes multi users on the old road over the dam and a new equestrian trail along the lake shore. It add approximately 5 miles to our existing 9 mile system. We were allowed to make a connecting trail to the staging area and from the dam to the west loop. Now you can ride or cart drive several different ways and not retrace your tracks. Many members and visitors attended the ribbon cutting. I was joined by many past and present SHTRA Board members and DNR official Paul Curtis and our Park Manager, Tim Machowicz. We cut a pink ribbon - symbolic of all the trail marker ribbons we used over the years of planning. We deeply appreciate the support of DNR Planner Joe Strach, Sandra Batie Equestrian Trailways Chair and the Michigan Horse Council. This was a long awaited project - 13 years of meetings and proposals to get more trail. Well planned, we completed cutting it in tow days and installing the culvert within our 10 day window of allotted time. The beautiful weather added to the festivities - a happy crowd, a huge potluck and great trails to ride or drive on. Yes, our new trail is totally cart accessible and the east loop and west loops can be driven with seasoned drivers. We had draft horses, horses and a mini all driving together with those who were riding. A special campover permit was issued and we had a campfire with about ten rigs staying over. A great weekend to end our camping season!
Check out our website www.shtra.org for a new map and photos fo the trail opening. NOTE: A TBA workbee after hunting season to install signs and a bridge rail will be announced.
Our next Board meeting will be December 13 at Pat Brown's. We'll be planning 2012 events. Mark your calendars for February 4th for the Annual Meeting and Potluck. Rotten Egg hunt: April 22; Plow Day: May 5th; Drive in the Park: July 13-15; The DAMN Ride: August 3-5; The Legend of the Haunted Hollow CMO August 24-26; and Ichabod Crane Days October 12-14. These are tentative dates, with other events to come. Be looking for your 2012 memberships in the mail or use the handy electronic forms on the web or in Saddle Up! Come join us-we have great times and finally more trail!
Happy Holidays!
Marsha Putnam, President
NOVEMBER
Wonderful News!!! After a decade of trail proposals and waiting, Sleepy Hollow Trail Riders received permission in late September to construct a new south loop. This adds approximately 4.5 miles to the existing equestrian system! This new loop uses part of the old road system over the dam, new trail along the lake and two new connector trails to the west loop and staging area. Finally a beautiful view of the lake and a trail that is cart accessible! We were given a window of only ten days to construct this trail. Due to our hard workers and commitment, it is done! Once again, I am very proud to say we did it ahead of schedule, well in budget, and exceeded State requirements! Thanks to Gale Moore and his skid steer, Gary Fortin and the brush hog, Don and Pat Brown with tractor and chain saw, Kim Moore with mule and chain saw, Mike Wood who swung the McLeod, Myron Karsten with chainsaw and me with loppers and lunch did the clearing in two days. There will be an additional workbee to clear emerging roots and rock wall and placement of a new culvert. We are to install new signs when our order arrives. Stay tuned to the TBA date so you can help. Check the web site for a new map showing the new loop and what possible ways to ride the trails. All are welcome November 5th at noon as we cut the ribbon.
Thanks goes to the members who have prepared proposals, attended meetings and have championed for this trail's possibility for years! Thanks to the Equestrian Trails Committee, chaired by Sandra Batie who pushed this proposal over the top with the DNR to get it approved. There are others who have worked to make the political climate receptive to equestrian needs. We must thank the DNR for the permission to create more equestrian trail with connecting options. We greatly appreciate the use of their equipment. Our park supervisor, Tim Machowicz and staff for being supportive and assisting us. Joe Strach and Paul Curtis for their approval and believing that we could do this.
Ichabod Crane Weekend was blessed with wonderful weather. Gary and Sharon Fortin, Al and Cheryl Goodrich, Drs Russ and Julie Stickle, and Amber and TJ Hunt were the teamsters that gave wagon rides to hundreds of campers. We greatly appreciate their efforts and time donated. Mike Wood was costumed as Ol' Ichabod, Sue Chant and Linda Kraai were Katrina. Pat Brown and Gale Moore took turns as The Headless Horseman. The Karsten family and friends organized a fantastic pumpkin bowl and other spooky games. Mary Wrigley and Donna Apostal are appreciated for letting kids paint their white horses. Thanks to Andy T's for donating the giant pumpkin and The Country Store for lots of candy.
On Sunday October 8th, the Double M 4H Club hosted the Spooky Ride. Sandy Bashore & Jan M. and helpers decorated the trails. They had treats and hot dogs. Thanks to all who came and made this a special weekend.
Next Board Meeting November 8th at 6:30pm at Pat Browns.
Happy Trails!
Marsha Putnam, President
OCTOBER
Mark your calendars for October 7-9th, Ichabod Crane Days. This is the last camping weekend at SHTRA this year. Come camp Friday and Saturday. On Saturday, 12-3pm at the Beach Parking lot, horse drawn wagon rides and lots of children's games. The Headless Horseman and Ichabod will be riding at noon. Contact Marsha 090-661-2541 or Marken68@aol.com
Camp over for the Spooky Ride on Sunday, October 9th. The Double M 4-H Club is putting on their Halloween Spooky Ride. Ride 10am-2pm. All adults and kids welcome! Costumes for horse and rider are encouraged, but are optional. Riders under 18 must wear a helmet. Contact: Double M 4-H Club at 989-682-4354.
Dave and Therese Kline hosted a ride at Ionia Recreation Area Horse camp August 19-21. About 35 "bushmen and women" of all ages embarked on the Safari of animals and puzzles at Ionia. Participants enjoyed a fun packed weekend.
The one-on-a-kind Bit Mobile and Wind Chime made by Dave Kline was awarded to Pat Brown whose name was drawn from the barrel of those who took $10 chances at it. Thank you, Dave and Therese!
The Great Sleepy Hollow Treasure Hunt and Ride Like a Pirate was held September 9-11. There were 30 participants. Only one team, The Bays, found all the treasure chests! Potluck dinner was Saturday evening, and prizes were awarded to all that entered. This event was sponsored by Sleezy Barb Horsewear. The 50/50 raffle was $26.00 and there was a raffle for Parelli items. Thank you pirates for the support for the new trail loop.
SHTRA is having a Yoga Clinic on October 1st in Bath, MI. This is a chance to get in shape and help you with your riding ability. Contact Mary Wrigley for more info (517)641-4134 Check out our website: shtra.org
Happy Trails!
Marsha Putnam, President
SEPTEMBER
Don't forget two fantastic SHTRA events this September: The Great Sleepy Hollow Treasure Hunt or Ride Like a Pirate will be a fun weekend September 9-11. "Barnacle Barb", "Swashbuckler" Sue and Linda "the Wench" are planning a Saturday 10am-2pm Treasure Hunt with prizes for every entrant ($10 fee)and other land loving pirate games ya won't forget. If you're bored, we'll make ye walk the plank! Arrrrr.....
Register with the Host at the Horseman's Staging area to stay overnight ($12/night). Bonfire, glowstick rides, and potluck Saturday 6pm. Sleezy Barb Horsewear is sponsoring this event. Contact 989-227-5741 or barb@sleezybarbhorsewear.com or check our website for further information.
Rangers 4-H Club is sponsoring the annual Kris Kulhanek Memorial JUDGED TRAIL RIDE Sunday Sept. 25th. Kris loved her judged trail classes and she is so missed. Riders out at 10am back by 2pm. Five divisions. Cash back and prizes! Lunch included in the $30 fee ($20 for 4-Hs). Each obstacle is designed to demonstrate you and your horse's ability to maneuver various situations without resistance. You've had all summer to practice, now come and show off your skills and horse. This has been a well planned and attended event to test your horsemanship. Contact Mary at 517-651-6884 or Robin at 989-73-4385. NOTE: There will be no overnight camping.
Attention all interested member and individuals for the FALL WORKBEE September 17th. Starting at 8am, please come when you can to help with the work down at the east loop's big bridge. You'll need gloves and shovels. Some tractors will be attending. Contact Gale 517-290-7624 for what's needed. Also a lunch lady needed to cook for the crew, as I'll be out of state.
Next board meeting: WEDNESDAY September 14th at the park, 6:30pm to discuss above project, new proposed trail progress and the remaining events: Yoga clinic Oct 1st; Ichabod Crane campover weekend Oct. 7-8 and the Spooky Ride Oct 9th. Check out the web for the details www.shtra.org
Happy Trails!
Marsha Putnam, President
AUGUST
Want to ride better? SHTRA is supporting and interesting, educational and fun benefit for equestrians: October 1. 2011 a "Yoga Workshop for Equestrian Riders" will be held at the Bath Senior Center, 14480 Webster Rd., Bath, MI. The instructor-lead clinic will start at 9am and run until 10:30am. Jacqueleen Magon, M.D. is a certified Yoga Therapist. This physician's focus for participants will be on breathing, chest expansion, finding and understanding the core, lower body symmetry, strength and stretches. Also, relating how, as a rider, to improve our body's effectiveness. The $15 fee will be collected at the door. Pre-registrations are appreciated by September 15th and walk-ins will be welcomed. Bring your own mat. Contact Mary at 517-641-4134 for directions and information on this special opportunity!
The Drive in the Park on July 9th found us wishing for cooler temperatures as we rode and drove the trails at the Park. Gale Moore drove his spotted mare, Nancy Caulfield had her minis, Michelle VanderBoom drove her gelding, and Jean Pitch had her mini. The rest of us were riding. The Michigan Fox Trotter Association joined us on Saturday, filling the day use area. The special event permit allowed camping for the weekend and riding/driving along the old lake road. We welcomed the new scenery. Our proposed new loop, that is not yet opened, will follow some of that area. Gale Moore and Don Brown cooked up breakfast and grilled burgers for the potluck. Thanks to all who came and made the weekend fun. It was special to see cars on the trail and watch them weave the poles.
On July 8th we held a work bee to trim out trails before the drive and thanks go to Gale, Kim, Mike, Pat, Linda for all the sweaty work. Don Brown brush-hogged the entire route since the grass has grown so fast. Thanks! I had lunch ready for those workers when they came in. More work bees will be planned to trim the east loop, cut out dead ash trees, and work on the bridge. Stay posted for those TBA dates. If you trim the trail as you ride, it will really help with this year's exploding growth of branches. Call me at 989-661-2541 to register your time spent.
At the last Board Meeting, July 12th, the new shirts and tank tops were reviewed and plans for the SAMN Ride made. Next Board Meeting will be August 9th at the Park. Check the web for the minutes and to view photos, apparel, upcoming events - The DeKline at Ionia, August 9-10; The Great Sleepy Hollow Treasure Hunt (or Ride Like a Pirate) September 9-10th; Judged Trail Ride September 25th; Yoga Clinic October 1st and the unique and always effervescent Ichabod Crane Days/Pumpkin Bowling along with Sunday's Spooky Ride October7-9th. Hope to see ya there!
Happy Trails!
Marsha Putnam, President
JULY
Driving in the Park will be held July 8-10th as a SHTRA and MHDVA event. Register w/host at Horseman’s staging area. Campover Friday and Sat. nights . Sat. 10:30 am a seven mile wagon trail with carts, wagons, and outriders. Drafts to Mini’s welcomed. Cart driving allowed on old road. Sat. 2:30 pm potluck. 50/50 raffle. Contact Gale 517-290-7624, Gary-989-834-1813, or Nancy 810-358-8678
The Dennis Austin Memorial Ride Night (the DAMN ride) will be July 15-17. This weekend camping event has various fundraising games and glowstick rides. Register at the horseman’s staging area w/ camp host. Don’t miss this special time. The 3rd annual stick horse(optional decorating) race will be held after 6:00pm potluck supper. SHTRA will be providing the brats and buns. Camp community breakfasts at 8:00am- bring something to share w/our eggs and pancakes. Contact Marsha 989-661-2541 or Gale 517-290-7624
The May 15th Kris Kulhanek Memorial Judged Trail Ride has been rescheduled for September 25. The Rangers 4-H club has put this event on for several years and it is a great time to test your horse’s ability and horsemanship skills. Prizes for all 5 classes. Contact Mary 517-651-6884 or Robin at 989-723- 4385
SHTRA thanks the Blazing Saddles 4-H club for hosting the Memorial weekend campover. They had a great time in spite of the rain and enjoyed riding the old road. The winner of the poker run was Ron Wolfin. Due to the bad storm folks left early but they will be back to host this campfire cooking event next year.
The last Bd. Meeting was held at the park and the items discussed are on the website. The bylaws have been updated. The big news is that with DNR permission- the trail expansion is on GPS. A Proposal is being written. The trail’s planning is a combo of multi use and a separate horse trail. Hopefully this trail’s progress will continue to meet DNR approval and we can begin construction (late 2011)to add at least 6 more miles!
Next 6:30pm Bd. Meeting will be July 12 at Marsha’s. Check our web www.shtra.org for more events and details. Additional workbees to work on gravel cradles TBA. The brush is really growing this year, so special “Shave back the trail” will be June 22 6:00 pm, July 6th 6:00 pm, and all day July 8th . Bring your loppers, pruners, ect.. If you are coming for the Drive in the park come early and trim trail. At the next events, we’ll try to collect enough orders for another jacket order.
Marsha Putnam, President
JUNE
Don’t forget that Memorial weekend the Blazing Saddles 4-H Club will be hosting a campover at the SHTRA staging area. Rustic rates apply. On Sunday May 29 the fundraiser Poker Run will be held 10-3. $5.00 entry fee w/50/50 pot split. Campfire cooking all weekend so bring your fixings, the fire will be going. Contact Mary at michiganfilly@aol.com or 989-288-4522.
Driving in the Park will be held July 8-10th as a SHTRA and MHDVA event. Campover Friday and Sat. nights. Sat. 10:30am a seven mile wagon trail with carts, wagons, and outriders. Drafts to Mini’s welcomed. Sat. 2:30 pm potluck. 50/50 raffles. Contact Gary-989-834-1813 or at his new email address: fortingary7700@gmail.com
The Dennis Austin Memorial Ride Night (the DAMN ride) will be July 15-17. This weekend camping event has various fundraising games and glowstick rides. Don’t miss this special time. The 3rd annual stick horse (optional decorating) race will be held after 6:00pm potluck supper. SHTRA will be providing the brats and buns. Camp community breakfasts at 8:00am- bring something to share w/our eggs and pancakes. Contact Marsha 989-661-2541.
Our Rotten Egg Hunt was attended by many youngsters. Hundreds of plastic eggs had been hidden by event host Pat Brown. Ten black eggs were redeemed for 50 cent coins. The kids really had to look for these treasures. Thanks Pat!
May 7th was our 5th Plow Day. 13 teams attended to turn the soil over to renew the wildlife food plot. Wagon rides were provided to take spectators to the plow site. A lunch wagon was on site. The afternoon pulling contest was won by Don Brown. He took home the traveling trophy made by Gale Moore. Gary Fortin made it possible for those interested in driving a draft to get behind Ellie and drive a cart. Vera Thornton’s original oil painting raffle by was won by Don Brown-it was his team!!. Vera’s paintings are so fabulous and it is an honor to have her paint SHTRA events. Thank you Vera. Check our website www.shtra.org or SHTRA Facebook to view prints, video and see more details. Roger Strouse made DVDs for all drivers. To all the volunteers, teamsters, wagon haulers, traffic directors--a huge thank you from SHTRA. To Gary, Sharon and Gale another great event.
The last Bd. Meeting was held at Gale Moore’s and the items discussed are on the website. The big news is that with DNR permission- the trail expansion is scouted and GPSed. Proposal is being written. The trail’s planning is a combo of multi use and a separate horse trail. Hopefully this trail’s progress will continue to meet DNR approval and we can begin construction (late 2011)to add at least 6 more miles! Next 6:30pm Bd. Meeting will be June 14 at the park’s staging area. Check our web www.shtra.org for more events and details. Additional workbees to work on gravel cradles TBA ---due to too much rain now.
Marsha Putnam, President
MARCH
Stop by the trails room and our booth during MHC/MSU Expo March 11-13. Our booth volunteers will be able to answer any questions about our events, potential new trail extension and overnight camping options. Volunteers check our website to confirm your time shift. If you have a question, call 989-661-2541. We have new jackets and sweatshirts to order! They are really sharp. The new vinyl logo decals are in white or black will also be available. Don/t forget to pick one of these up. Hope to see you there.
March 16th is the date to save and attend The Friends of Fred Meijer Clinton-Ionia-Shiawassee Trail. This year it will be held at 7:00 pm Smith Hall St. Johns Mi. This former railroad corridor will be a 41 mile multi-use trail with a separate equestrian path. This is the only section allowing horses out of the entire 125 miles connecting Alma, Greenville, Lowell, Ionia to Owosso. It will be DNR owned, managed by the Mid-West Trail Authority and assisted by the various Fred Meijer Friends of the Grand Valley Rail Trail groups. The design process is done and acquisitions of funding is occurring. The importance of equine interest can not be understated after years of trying to be included. If you think you will ride this trail, be apart of it’s development and attend this important meeting.
Our annual meeting and auction was held Feb. 5 with a very good turn out of over 80 folks. We had a wonderful potluck-thanks to all who brought food. Danny and Rex with their friend Ken sang and played cowboy songs for our enjoyment. We held the annual meeting with Park Manager Tim Machowcitz speaking. The assembly elected Linda Kraai, Pat Brown, Sue Chant, Barb Drake, Jackie Fisher, Gale Moore and Marsha Putnam to the Bd. Don Brown and Floyd Fisher auctioned off many donated items and services. SHTRA thanks the following businesses for their donations- Tom’s, The Wire Horse, Sleezy Barb Horseware, Clinton Vet, Ovid Elevator, Modern Concepts, Dewitt Grain Coop, Tractor Supply of St.Johns and Owosso, Dr. Roger Massa and Bee’s. To all the others who brought individual items, we thank you.
The next Bd. Meeting will be March 15 at 6;30 pm at Pat Brown’s. We have on the agenda-grants, a gravel spreader and upcoming event details. If you have not received a membership by mailing, check out our web shtra.org or this publications form. Chandra Donnan will be handling our memberships and you will receive a postcard confirmation.
The following are scheduled 2011 Events - April 9-Workbee, May 1-Rotten Egg Hunt, May 7-Plow Day, May 14-Workbee, May 14-SHTRA/Rangers 4-H Club campfire and May 15 Judged Trail Ride, May 27/30-Campover w/SHTRA/The Blazing Saddles 4-H Club w/ Sunday May 29th Poker Run, July 8/10-SHTRA/MHDVA Driving in the Park, July 15/17-SHTRA’s Dennis Austin Memorial Night Ride w/glowsticks and stick horse race, Aug. 19-21 Stuff the Camp at Ionia, Sept. 9/11-Ride Like A Pirate w/ Saturday Treasure Hunt, Oct.7/9- Ichabod Crane weekend & Costumed Spooky Ride on Sunday. More events and workbee days to be announced. More info., phone numbers. Email contact Barb Drake or www.shtra.org Come and join us!!!
Marsha Putnam, President
JANUARY
NOTE: The annual DNR Holiday potluck is set for Noon Jan. 8, 2011 at the Park headquarters. All members are welcome to attend w/ dish to pass.
Our next Board meeting will be at Pat Brown’s at 6:30 pm Jan 11th. Members are welcome to attend as we plan 2011 events. Anyone interested in joining the Bd for 2011, please join us. Agenda items will include use of old road to boat launch and connecting it to the west loop and fixing an alternate creek crossing.
Day at the Races will be Jan. 30 at Swartz Creek. It’s a great time to get together for $20.00. RSVP to www.michiganhorsecouncil.com
Annual Meeting: An order for jackets will be placed for pick up at the Annual Meeting Feb. 5. These $40.00 lined wind breaking jackets have a hood, SHTRA logo w/option for name, different colors are available. I got one this fall and love it-very comfortable and warm. New sweatshirts can also be ordered. Check them out on www.shtra.org and place your order w/Barb at sbh01@voyager.net If you’re sorting tack during this “too cold to ride” season, remember our Horsey Item Auction will be held Feb. 5th after the 2:00 pm potluck. We appreciate your donated items. Danny and Rex are planning on singing and picking. Mark your calendars and come!
2011 Events are March 11/13-MSU Expo, April 30-Rotten Egg Hunt, May 7-Plow Day, May 27/30-Camp over, June TBA workbee, July 8/10-Driving in the Park, July 15/17-The DAMN Ride, Sept. 9/11-Ride Like Pirate & Trasure Hunt, Oct.7/9- Ichabod Crane & Spooky Ride. More events and workbee days to be announced.
Any items for newsletter or the web contact Barb at sbh01@voyager.net. or www.shtra.org
Don’t forget to renew your memberships. You should receive a form in the mail or you can go to the website and get one from there. Join us!
Marsha Putnam, President
