2012 Newsletters

DECEMBER

“Night out at the Swartz Creek Races” on Saturday Dec. 29th for members and guests through Michigan Horse Council. $23.95 RSVP Dec.15 m.marilyngraff@frontier.com

Sunday Nov. 4th we celebrated the first anniversary riding our south lake loop that we had waited 13 yrs to open. Though it was a very cool day, we had a potluck dinner at our pavilion. The warm food was so yummy. Thanks to all who attended. A large number of riders from other trail groups attended and rode our different loops. The lake loop connects to our west loop, with scenic views of the lake making it a lovely ride, especially during a full moon. Made wide enough for cart driving and wagons, it is useful for various events. Special permission is not necessary to drive it. We have been working on the signs and plan to order new maps, having them in place by spring.

Congratulations go to several of our SHTRA members-Barb Drake and Linda Kraai and their fellow MICMO teammates of “Gurlz in Gear” who placed 3rd in NACMO-7 points from first place in this national completive event. Linda’s mare, Meka earned the coveted Horse of the Year award. Well done, gals!

At our most recent Board meeting, we discussed events from 2012. Using feedback from our camping events and activities, 2013 will have the best of our fun events. We will be making changes with options for Plow Day and Ichabod Crane Day. Stay tuned with what evolves. On June 15, there’s an ACTHA Ride at Sleepy Hollow park. Contact Chanda Nielson 517-648-1984 or twhmajor@gmail.com

However these 2013 dates are set :
February 3, 2013 Annual Meeting at 6843 Alward Rd. Victor TWP Hall. Noon set up, Potluck 2:00 pm, and Horse Item auction. Host: Marsha Putnam 989-661-2541
March 8-10 Expo MSU Pavilion
April 7, Rotten Egg Hunt 2:00 pm Staging Area. Host: Pat Brown 517-651-5984
May 4, Tentative Plow Day
May 24-27, Memorial Weekend Campover w/Blazing Saddles Host: Mary 989-288-4522
July 12-14, Drive In the Park Campover w/MHWVA Host Gale 517- 290-7624
July 26-28, Dennis Austin Memorial Ride DAMN Campover Host: Marsha 989-661-2541
August 22-25, NACMO/MICMO Campover. Hosts: Barb 517-525-0511 & Linda 517-930-5558
August 30-Sept. 2, 2013 Labor Day weekend campover
Sept 20-22, 2013 Pirate Ride w/Full Moon Madness Campover Hosts: Carrie 517-230-7032 & Chanda 517-285-6501
Oct 11-13 or 18-20 Tentative Ichabod Crane Weekend
Nov 2, 2013 Anniversary Ride & Potluck

Don’t forget to renew your memberships for 2013. They are coming in the mail or on our website www.shtra.org Membership includes 30% off one apparel item. We have great times, fun events and lovely trails. Hope to see ya.

Next board meeting will be Dec. 11th 6:30 pm at Gale and Lori’s. Bring a dish to pass.

Marsha Putnam

NOVEMBER

Due to extremely rainy weather, our Oct. 13-14 Ichabod Crane Day and Spooky Ride were cancelled. Giving wagon rides, holding pumpkin bowling and having a costumed ride were not things that could be done in the rain. It was enough work to pack up and dry out the things we already had in place. SHTRA appreciated all who planned and got things organized- Gary and Sharon Fortin, Dianne and Myron Karsten, Gale Moore and Lori Coffin, Don and Pat Brown, Mike Woods, Linda Kraai, Sue Chant, Carrie Barr and all the many others who were ready to go that day. This is the first time in 14 years we had to cancel our unique festivities. The Headless Horseman will be back next year!

Sunday Nov. 4th will be the next planned day ride. It will celebrate the First Anniversary for our south lake loop that we waited 13 yrs for the DNR permission to open it. Connecting to our west loop, having scenic views of the lake, it is a lovely ride, especially during a full moon is wide enough for cart driving and wagons. Special permission is not necessary to drive it. So please come and enjoy this special trail. Join us for a 2:00 pm potluck dinner at our pavilion. Ride or drive before or after the dinner.

The weekend of September 28-30 was very busy for us with Full Moon Madness. Carrie Barr and Chanda Donnan were the hosts for the campover with wonderful weather and fall colors starting. Friday and Saturday nights had glowstick poker runs. Matt Westrate was the weekend’s lucky winner. Saturday daytime had a candy poker ride. Joe Anderson was the cash back winner. Sweet. The Great Lakes Halflinger Assoc. traveled to the park and held a wagon drive. They held their meeting after their potluck dinner. They liked the park and will be back. Sunday, The Rangers 4-H Club hosted The Kris Kulhanka Judged Trail Ride. Lisa and Dennis Shubitowski, Joann Splinder and the young member of the club put out obstacles and judges for the riders. The other leaders and senior members were off to the district equestrian meet. One busy club. The riders gathered after the event for lunch and to discuss the stations and their horses reactions. Cash prizes were awarded. Thanks to all who worked this annual event.

Next SHTRA Board meeting will be Tuesday November 13th 6:30 pm at Pat Browns.

Happy Trails,

Marsha Putnam

OCTOBER

Don’t forget Oct. 12-14 is the Ichabod Crane weekend. Open equestrian camping both Fri. and Sat. nights. All the trails are open all weekend. On Sat. and Sun. mornings camp potluck breakfast for all. Bring a breakfast item. Gale and his crew will be cooking. Saturday a.m. volunteers will gather to ready the children’s games(pumpkins bowling, big bubbles, loot digging, creepy box, horse painting) at the beach parking lot. The games and horse drawn wagon rides will be there from noon to 2:30 pm for the public. We need volunteers for team headers, ticket takers, games and poop picker uppers. Costumes are welcomed. Listen to our storyteller explain the Legend’s facts. Only Ichabod and The Headless Horseman will be riding their horses in that area as we expect several hundred folks to attend. Several SHTRA members will be picket-line “horse sitting” back at the staging area for the volunteers while they are at the beach. A potluck dinner for all is planned at about 3:30 pm. Then join us trail riding and at the campfire around the horseshoe ring to unwind. Sunday there will be some Spooky things out to decorate one trail. So come- camp and ride and/or volunteer to help. Contact Diane 517.669.3729 karsten@msu.edu or Marsha 989.661.2541 marken68@aol.com or Gary 989.834.1813 shargary@peoplepc.com Don’t forget we’re on Facebook.

The Legend Of The Haunted Hollow Competitive Mounted Orienteering was held Aug. 24-26. The nationally sanctioned CMO hosted by Barb Drake and Linda Kraai drew the largest numbers of participants for any event this year. The CMO participants and their horses earned MiCMO and NACMO points for the stations and time placing. Several top teams in the nation attended. Friday evening the local ice cream store was a delicious side trip. Over fifty CMOers rode the courses on Saturday. Some did the beginners clinic given by Barb and had a great time learning this exciting way to ride trails. A Legend of Sleepy Hollow quiz reminded us about Ichabod, The Headless Horseman and other haunted facts! Sleezy Barb Horsewear sponsored the event and everyone received a nice prize at the award’s potluck. SHTRA furnished hot dogs for the dinner and were glad so many folks got to ride the south lake loop for their first time. Many enjoyed the beach and swimming in Lake Ovid after riding. We graciously thank Barb and Linda for their hours of planning and hosting this multi day event. All of this fundraiser’s profits were donated to SHTRA! They said “Plan next year’s CMO the weekend before Labor Day”. See our web www.shtra.org for pictures and more info.

Labor Day Weekend, SHTRA had open equestrian camping for everyone. Pat Brown and Linda Kraai were our hosts. Two glow stick and a candy poker run had everyone out on the trails searching for the goodies to win the lucky hand. The “in camp” scavenger hunt was new and fun! The weekend’s 50/50 raffle was won by “Lucky Nic”. On Sunday and Monday many of us were driving our horses and doing cones course. But the weekend’s highlight was Sunday afternoon- making homemade ice cream! Thanks to those who brought their freezers, ingredients and lots of ice. YUMM! Of course, we ate the ice cream before dinner and campfire som’ores. Welcome to new members Judy, Scott, Ryan and Alice, Mark, Lynn and Rosemary!

Ahoy thar Mates! Did you know what a blast wee all had at the Great Sleepy Hollow Treasure Hunt, Riding Like a Pirate? It was enjoyed by arrr-- all. The burnt edged map clued ye to walk de plank( with ya horse), read a message in a bottle and find a pearl in da shell. Following clues and Spanish moss led thee to hidden chests. Rider costumes were fabulous, fun and so creative. Breakfast was ready each morning, what a treat! Potluck Sat. night was delicious and “Oh Matey!” the pineapple upside down cake was beyond yummy! Prizes were donated by Sleezy Barb Horsewear. Thank You! Thanks goes to The Mad Dog Gale and Wench Linda for putting this top notch event on. The 50/50 raffle was won by Bud and Maureen who decided to become new members of SHTRA! Welcome!

The bleachers that SHTRA has donated to the Park have been in use for Archery and Hunter Safety groups. A 2012 Michigan Horse Council grant helped us with the funds for that project. Thanks!

Next SHTRA Board meeting will be Wednesday October 10th 6:30 pm at Pat Browns.

Ride safe -wear orange!

Marsha Putnam

SEPTEMBER

July 27-29 was The Dennis Austin Memorial Ride weekend, with carts and riding games, great food and horse camping. Denny was looking down as our guardian angel. Friday evening I fixed dinner for those attending. Each morning, Gale Moore, Kim Moore, Don Brown were busy cooking breakfast for everyone. Thanks to those who brought food to share. Saturday afternoon, we made 5 different batches of homemade cream at the park. Thanks to those who cranked and cranked. Of course, we ate ice cream before dinner!!! The huge potluck was postponed until 7:00 pm on Saturday. Then Dave and Therese Kline called the annual stick race! What fun-the clever names chosen and decorated sticks were really funny! The Klines brought a huge hollow log for the Saturday’s special campfire. Thanks! I ran a glowstick poker run each night-that fun and the lucky winners were Lori Coffin and Jenny Brown Sedlacek. Saturday’s daylight Poker Run with well hidden bags had C. J. Ray winning, which she donated ½ back. Thanks! The Ken Graham family made a nice donation to SHTRA! After Sunday’s breakfast, I started collecting the weekend’s Damn Scavenger Hunt items. I gave bonus points for those nasty big, black horse flies! Pat Brown and Channda Donnan were even with points until Pat made another lucky swat and collected another beast. Congrats! She won the nice gas card. Lucky Leif Isaac won the 50/50. Yup, the gals had another “BLING RIDE”. We had a great turn out and welcomed folks who had never camped at Sleepy before.

There will be overnight camping Labor Day weekend August 31-Sept. 3 at Sleepy Hollow Horseman’s staging area. A poker run and 50/50 raffle will be our fundrasiers. One group campfire. Why drive up north and fight traffic. Register at Horseman’s staging area-$12.00 a night. Ride’em or Drive’em. Contact me at 989-661-2541.

The Legend of the Haunted Hollow CMO will be August 25 and 26. Hosts will be Barb Drake( 989-980-2878) drakebarb@frontier.com and Linda Kraai(517-930-5558). Sleezy Barb Horsewear is sponsoring this fun sporting event for SHTRA. Novices are welcome-long and short courses, compasses available, individuals or make a team, prizes- all win something!!! Saturday 6:00pm potluck and awards!! MICMO sanctioned. Too much fun!!! See web for more info---www.shtra.org Come and camp and see what CMO is all about.

The rest of the events- Sept. 7-9 The Great Treasure Hunt Ride on Saturday, Full Moon Madness Sept. 28-30 w/ GLHA and Sunday’s Rangers 4 -H Club Judged Trail Ride, Ichabod Crane Days and The Spooky Ride Oct. 12-14. Check the web www.shtra.org for flyers, contact info and phone numbers! See our ad.

Next Bd. Meeting Sept.4th at Pat Brown’s. Call 989-661-2541 for pending agenda! The next workbee is scheduled for Oct. 20-weather permitting. South loop gravel cradles for the rough spots. Lunch Lady needed. Is it your turn?

Remember that our new trail south -over the dam and along the lake or on the old roads-is for riding and driving. Carts are not on rest of trails 24/7 due to locked gates and slippery hills. Enjoy!

Happy Trails,

Marsha Putnam

AUGUST

July’s Drive in The Park had Michigan Horse Drawn Vehicle Assoc. joining SHTRA for a fun filled weekend. A large number of us found shady spots for our horses and on the trail a breeze kept the bugs away. Each morning we enjoyed a camp breakfast-pancakes, eggs, and sausages cooked by Gale Moore, Mike Foote, Gary Fortin and Don Brown. On Saturday, horses of all sizes were hitched up and around the park we went. Nancy Caulfields’s mimis were head turners as they clicked right along right by the big drafts. Saturday afternoon the pavilion was packed for hamburgers and a huge potluck. No one goes away hungry here. Thanks to all that brought food and cooked. Card games, swimming at the beach, or hammock swinging finished the hot afternoon. Nancy’s minis were great kids magnets as she allow the kids the opportunity to ride and leadline her minis about. On Sunday, another wagon train formed and we used the new south lake loop for scenic views. Everyone had a great time. All the day riders who attended wished they had stayed to camp. Thanks to those who made a donation to SHTRA.

Thanks goes to Don Brown, Gale Moore and Myron Karsten for brush hogging and clearing the trail of brush July 11th. Between the storms and overwhelming growth trying to choke out the trail, maintenance has been necessary. The trail are great. Thanks guys!

The next event planned is July 27-29 The Dennis Austin Memorial Ride weekend, with carts and riding games, great food and camping. We’re going to make ice cream at the park. The huge potluck will be at 6:00pm on Saturday. Or course, there will be the annual stick race, glow stick poker run, a timed ride and another “BLING RIDE”. You think show ring riders have bling---well, just see what some SHTRA gals come up with! Register at Horseman’s staging area-$12.00 a night. Ride’em and/or Drive’em. Contact me at 989-661-2541. Denny will be looking down as our guardian angel.

The Legend of the Haunted Hollow CMO will be August 25 and 26. Hosts will be Barb Drake( 989-980-2878) drake barb@frontier.com and Linda Kraai(517-930-5558). Sleezy Barb Horsewear is sponsoring this fun sporting event for SHTRA. Novices are welcome-long and short courses, compasses available, individuals or make a team, prizes- all win something!!! Saturday 6:00pm potluck and awards!! MICMO sanctioned. Too much fun!!! See web for more info---www.shtra.org Come and camp and see what it’s all about.

Next Bd. Meeting Sept.4th at Pat Brown’s. Call 989-661-2541 for pending agenda!

Remember that our new trail south -over the dam and along the lake or on the old roads-is for riding and driving. Carts are not on rest of trails 24/7 due to locked gates and slippery hills. Enjoy!

Happy Trails,

Marsha Putnam

JULY

Here’s what Mary Jo O’Dell, leader of a local 4-H Club has to report. “The Blazing Saddles 4-H Club had a wonderful, fun filled Memorial weekend. Our younger youth members had quite an experience watching a painted turtle lay her eggs in the horse staging area drive as the adults made camp our “home” for the weekend. The new trail along Lake Ovid is amazing! Thanks to all who made that possible. As the weekend went on some of our kids learned how to make breakfast on an open fire in the BIG fry pan. We always eat good while camping, between the hobo dinners, smores, pizza and fruit pies the kids have a blast making their own over the fire. We had a beautiful weekend with great friends, families, horses and a guitarist. Hope to be back there next year and see you there too. Happy Trails.”

SHTRA appreciates The Blazing Saddles hosting the weekend, holding a 50/50 drawing and keeping the campfire going for all of the campers to enjoy and cook their vittles on. I must report that the big snapping turtle’s egg nest that was laid smack dab in the middle of the new trail has been critter dug up. If any other club or group wishes to hold an event at Sleepy Hollow, please contact us-visit our web www.shtra.org or call me at 989-661-2541.

July 13-15 will be the Drive in the Park with The Great Lakes Driving Assoc. Gale Moore and Nancy Caulfield will be the hosts. Contact him at 517-290-7624 for more info. There will be a 10:00AM Saturday morning “Wagon Trail Drive” w/ outriders-approx. 7 miles that will loop about the park. There will be games for drivers. The Potluck will be at 2:30pm. Each morning camp breakfast will be cooked by Gale Moore. All are welcome to join-bring your table service and a breakfast food. Camping $12.00 a night. Register at the Horseman’s Staging area. Also, those interested who have big hats, bling belts,etc. for our “1st BlingThing Ride”.

The Dennis Austin Memorial Night Ride will be July 27-29. DAMN events will include- Glow stick ride(we‘ll have them), 2nd BlingThing(shiny stuff), 6th Annual Stick Horse race(decorate your own), camp breakfasts (join us w/a breakfast food), Saturday 6:00pm Potluck(“THE BIG ONE“), Timed Ride(you might be lucky), and Ice Cream Making(we’re gonna try). Register at Horseman’s staging area-$12.00 a night. Ride’em and/or Drive’em. Contact me at 989-661-2541. Denny will be looking down as our guardian angel.

The Legend of the Haunted Hollow CMO will be August 25 and 26. Hosts will be Barb Drake( 989-980-2878) drake barb@frontier.com and Linda Kraai(517-930-5558). Sleezy Barb Horsewear is sponsoring this fun sporting event for SHTRA. Novices are welcome-long and short courses, compasses available, individuals or make a team, prizes- all win something!!! Saturday 6:00pm potluck and awards!! MICMO sanctioned. Too much fun!!! See web for more info---www.shtra.org Hope to see you there.

Next Bd. Meeting July 15th 9:00am at the staging area.

Remember that our new trail south -over the dam and along the lake or on the old roads-is for riding and driving. Carts are not on rest of trails 24/7 due to locked gates and slippery hills. Enjoy!

Happy Trails,

Marsha Putnam

JUNE

The Rotten Egg Hunt on April 22 was well attended by 34 excited egg hunters. The Easter Bunny (Pat Brown and friends) had hidden numerous plastic eggs filled with candy and coins. Special “rotten eggs” were hard to find and those found were exchanged for prizes. It was a wonderful day and all had a great time. Thanks Pat!

The spring workbee on April 28 was cool, but 18 volunteers showed up and really worked. Gale Moore had crews repairing the outhouse roof, mending muddy spots w/ gravel, moving culverts and trail trimming. I provided a hot lunch and several brought birthday cakes to enjoy. We can never have too much cake. Several of us gals raked up the staging area. We have fluffed up the sand roll pit so the horses can really enjoy it! A big thank you to those who brought equipment to make the work easier.

Plow Day scheduled for May 5 had to be cancelled due to the soaked ground. The heavy rains the days before left the areas to be plowed under water. There will be no make up date this year. Thanks go to those who had made plans to make this event.

Memorial weekend will have the Blazing Saddles 4-H Club hosting a SHTRA camping weekend. Donations welcome for trail support. All trails will be open for riding and the new lake loop offers the added option for cart driving. Mary O Dell’s group will have the campfire burning for the weekend for camp cooking. All are invited to join at $12.00 a night and to bring your own food if you join them. Contact 989-288-4522 or our website www.shtra.org.

Here are some of the upcoming events- Drive in the Park July 13-15, The DAMN Ride w/Ice Cream Social-July 27-29 w/ glow stick rides, perfect timing, and the stick horse race, The Legend of the Haunted Hollow w/Sleezy Barb CMO Aug. 24-26, The Great Sleepy Hollow Treasure Hunt-Sept. 7-9, Full Moon Madness Sept. 28-30 w/ GLHA and Sunday’s Rangers 4 -H Club Judged Trail Ride, Ichabod Crane Days and The Spooky Ride Oct. 12-14. Check the web www.shtra.org for flyers, contact info and phone numbers!

Next Bd. Meeting will be June 12th 6:30 pm at the staging area. Any members or guests are welcome to join.

Remember that our new trail along the lake and over the dam is open- for riding and driving. Carts are not on rest of trails 24/7 due to locked gates and slippery hills. Enjoy!

Happy Trails,

Marsha Putnam

MAY

Don’t forget May 5th is SHTRA’s Plow Day and Trophy Pull at Sleepy Hollow State Park. Please join us watching teams plow up the soil for wildlife food plots that will be planted later. The plowing will begin about 10:30 am and continue until afternoon. The noon break will feature the Ovid Lion’s Club’s lunch wagon. SHTRA will donnate sets of movable bleachers to the Park for use will different fundraising events. The dedication will happen after lunch. At 2:00 pm the challenge pull will take place for the lovely traveling trophy won by Don Brown last year. This years winner will also have his or her name placed on it. Admission is free, but you’ll need that State Park Passport to enter. SHTRA will offer horse drawn wagon rides to transport viewers to the pull site. There may be a team for you to drive for a donation. For more info contact Gary at 989-834-1813 or Gale at 517-290-7624. Mark you calendars for a chance to view your rural heritage.

By the time of this publication, there will have been the spring workbee on April 28 - 8 am-? and the MEMBER EXCLUSIVE Rotten Egg Hunt April 22- 2:00 pm. Info on that later. The minutes for the April 17 and May 8 Board meetings will be posted on the web

Here are some of the upcoming events- Our Rotten Egg Hunt -April 22 2:00 pm, Plow Day-May 5 10:00 pm, Blazing Saddles 4-H Camping at Sleepy May 26-28-open to everyone ride or drive, Drive in the Park July 13-15, The DAMN Ride w/Ice Cream Social-July 27-29 w/ glow stick rides, perfect timing, and the stick horse race, The Legend of the Haunted Hollow w/Sleezy Barb CMO Aug. 24-26, The Great Sleepy Hollow Treasure Hunt-Sept. 7-9, Full Moon Madness Sept. 28-30 w/ GLHA and Sunday’s Rangers 4 -H Club Judged Trail Ride, Ichabod Crane Days and The Spooky Ride Oct. 12-14. Check the web www.shtra.org for flyers, contact info and phone numbers!

Remember that our new trail along the lake and over the dam is open- for riding and driving. Carts are not on rest of trails 24/7 due to locked gates and slippery hills. Enjoy!

Happy Trails,

Marsha Putnam

APRIL

Don’t forget the April 22nd Rotten Egg Hunt and May 5th Plow Day!

MHC’s Horse Expo weekend was a very busy time for Sleepy Hollow members. A big thank you to Gale, Lorrie, Carrie and Chanda for preparing a new display board for merchandize-like the new shirts and tanks. It looked great and left room for all our event flyers! Thanks goes to all the booth workers who donated their time recruiting twelve memberships for SHTRA and Linda who helped me set up and packin’ it out! We offered a drawing each day for a free one year membership that these lucky folks won; Cheryl Gambler, Mason; Sue Young, Swartz Creek and Lisa Cooper, Leslie! See you on the trail!

Congratulations honors also go to SHTRA charter member Therese Kline for the prestigious MHC Volunteer of the Year. Member Mike Foote was another SHTRA MHC Catalyst winner. Charter Member Julie Ann Townsend won the Priefert’s round pen door prize. SHTRA was presented grant monies from MHC for a trail project. Way to go!

At the March 13th board meeting, plans were discussed for several projects- trying for more trail mileage and camping. Planning continued for May 5th Plow Day with the official gifting of sets of bleachers to the park. We are expecting teams from all over the state to attend for the plowing of wildlife food plots. Wagon rides and lunch concessions will be available for the public. The traveling trophy pull will be held in the afternoon. This event has become the park’s logo. The only equine logo in the entire state park system! Mark your calendars and don’t miss it.

Plans were discussed for upcoming events. Here are some of the events- Our Rotten Egg Hunt -April 22 2:00 pm, Plow Day-May 5 10:00 pm, Blazing Saddles 4-H Camping at Sleepy May 26-28-open to everyone ride or drive, Drive in the Park July 13-15, The DAMN Ride w/Ice Cream Social-July 27-29 w/ glow stick rides, perfect timing, and the stick horse race, The Legend of the Haunted Hollow w/Sleezy Barb CMO Aug. 24-26, The Great Sleepy Hollow Treasure Hunt-Sept. 7-9, Full Moon Madness Sept. 28-30 w/ GLHA and Sunday’s Rangers 4 -H Club Judged Trail Ride, Ichabod Crane Days and The Spooky Ride Oct. 12-14. Check the web www.shtra.org for flyers, contact info and phone numbers!

Remember that our new trail along the lake and over the dam is open- for riding and driving. Carts are not on rest of trails 24/7 due to locked gates. Enjoy!

Happy Trails!

Marsha Putnam, President

MARCH

Note: the Date for the annual Dennis Austin Memorial Night Ride had to be changed to July 27-29. Please make your calendars for this DAMN weekend event!

Our Annual Meeting Feb.4 was attended by over 80 members and guests. SHTRA thanks Danny Crampton and friends for entertaining us before the festivities began. Special guests were the new DNR manager, David Zmikly and Sandra Batie, Chair of the Equestrian Trail Subcommittee. She was awarded a SHTRA jacket as appreciation for all her hard work and time spent on this super committee. David spoke highly of the working relationship between SHTRA and the DNR. Gary and Sharon Fortin were granted Honorary Member status for their years of dedication and efforts to implement unique SHTRA draft horse events and foster the development of a cart accessible trail. Gale Moore was honored with a custom vest as Volunteer of the Year. Sleezy Barb Horsewear provided plants decorated by Linda Kraai for the table decorations and door prizes. Thanks Barb and Linda! I was presented with a dozen roses which I deeply appreciated. During the meeting the officers’ reports were given and the following six members were re elected: Carrie Barr, Lonnie Buck, Chanda Donnon, Gary Fortin, Val Lau, and Mary Mallory. Don Brown lead a spirited fundraising auction of donated items. The follow business donated to SHTRA: Tom’s Western Store, The Wire Horse, Sleezy Barb Horsewear, Clinton Vet Services, Bee’s, Dr. Roger Massa, Modern Concerts Salon, and TZC. Thanks! Check our web www.shtra.org for the latest in photos.

Plans were discussed for upcoming events. Here are some of the events- March- Expo, Rotten Egg Hunt -April 22, Plow Day-May 5, Blazing Saddles 4-H Camping at Sleepy May 26-28, Drive in the Park July 13-15, The DAMN Ride w/Ice Cream Social-July 27-29, The Legend of the Haunted Hollow CMO Aug. 24-26, The Great Sleepy Hollow Treasure Hunt or Can You Ride Like a Pirate?-Sept. 7-9, Full Moon Madness Sept. 28-30 w/ GLHA and Sunday’s Rangers 4 -H Club Judged Trail Ride, Ichabod Crane Days and The Spooky Ride Oct. 12-14. Remember that our new trail is open- for riding and driving.

For your information, the annual meeting for the Friends of Fred Meijer Clinton-Ionia-Shiawassee Rail Trail (CIS) will be held Wednesday March 14, 2012 at 7:00 pm at the Ionia County Commission of Aging Building, Ionia, Mi at 115 Hudson St., Ionia, MI. The public is welcome and any interested persons. Equestrian use of the total trail is NOT BEING ALLOWED. Only several sections of the east end near Owosso/Ovid are currently being discussed as horse accessible. See www.cistrail.org.

Be looking for your memberships in the mail or use the handy electronic forms at the web or in this publication. Come join us-we have membership perks, great times and finally more trails and dates to camp!

Marsha Putnam, President

FEBRUARY

Mark your calendars for February 4th. That's the date for our annual meeting, potluck and auction to be held at the Victor Township Hall, 6843 Alward Rd, Laingsburg, MI. Hall set up starts at noon and Danny and Rex with friends will be playing before the 2:00pm dinner. Bring a dish to pass and any donated horsey item to auctioned off by the well-known auctioneer, Don Brown. Elections of Board Members will be held during the brief meeting after the dinner. Interested candidates, please contact me at 989-661-2541. SHTRA apparel will be available for purchase. Drawings for gas cards for paid memberships. It's a great chance to visit and see our 2012 plans. Get your jacket orders in!

Please check out our website www.shtra.org for a new map and photos of the south trail's opening and new pictures of the bridge. There will be a TBA workbee to cut out dead ash trees hanging over the trail. At the last meeting, the purchase of movable bleachers for the park was finalized. This will be a donation to the Park system and will help them and us at our many events.

Our next Board Meeting will be Feb 21 at Par Brown's. We'll be planning 2012 events, election of officers and projects. Here are some of the events: March - Horse Expo, Rotten Egg Hunt - April 22, Plow Day - May 5th, Drive in the Park July 13-15, The DAMN Ride w/Ice Cream Social - July 27-29th, Legend of the Haunted Hollow CMO August 24-26, The Great Sleepy Hollow Treasure Hunt or Can You Ride Like a Pirate? Sept 7-9th, Full Moon Madness with Riding and Driving September 28-30th and Ichabod Crane Days and The Spooky Ride October 12-14.

Remember to be looking for your memberships in the mail or use the handy electronic forms on the web or in this publication. Come join us - we have membership perks, great times and finally more trail!

Marsha Putnam, President

JANUARY

Check www.shtra.org for a new map and photos of the south trail's opening and new pictures of the bridge. On December 12th, Gale Moore and Mike Wood installed bridge railings using our MHC 2011 funds. SHTRA thanks Michigan Horse Council for its support. The bridge looks great and I know many will love it! Thanks guys!

There will be a TBA workbee after hunting/holiday season to install additional signs and cut out over hanging trees.

Our next Board Meeting will be January 10th at Pat Brown's. We'll be planning 2012 events and projects. Here are some of the events: Feb. 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 w/Ice Cream Social - July 27-29th, Legend of the Haunted Hollow CMO August 24-26, The Great Sleepy Hollow Treasure Hunt or Can You Ride Like a Pirate? Sept 7-9th, Fall Driving and Riding September 28-30th with GLHA and Ichabod Crane Days October 12-14. These are tentative dates with other events to come. Any one interested in hosting July 4th or Labor Day campovers?

Be looking for your memberships in the mail or use the handy electronic forms on the web or in this publication. Come join us - we have membership perks, great times and finally more trail!

Marsha Putnam, President