Celebration! That’s the perfect name for our award night!  Free food and time to socialize with good friends is just the tip of the iceberg!  Members worked hard to attend ALL ride events (Iron Rider award), not once, but several times.  That’s perseverance!  Riders focused on accomplishments with their horses and were able to celebrate their successes! It was a gala for everyone attending.  Several recipients were shocked to hear their name called out, always fun to see them surprised. The Art Raffle was a first and it raised over $2000 – amazing!  TTCC offers multiple benefits to our members and the End of Year Celebration is our one gala honoring achievements and gifts for those working “behind the scenes”. Thank you to all those who participated in making it a success.  – Ann Stacy, President

Many thanks to the following, we could not be a club without the many who make it happen…

2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Karen Boone, Karen Pantel, Greg Dial, Bill Phillips and Kate Love Hollar.  Kate and Karen Boone are officially retired after their years of service as President and Treasurer.  Thank you both for jobs well done! We welcome incoming President, Ann Stacy and Treasurer, Tiffany Janke.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS – the unsung heroes of TTCC 2022

Webmaster-Peter Yovich

Photographer – Rhonda Fryer

Photographer and Celebration – Scott Butcher

Slide Show-Shirley Tarrilion, Nancy Fenimore, Leah Lynch, Jim Miller

Points System and Directory – Laurie Oehlerking

Ride Tribe – Doanna Daniel and Jean Brandau

Queen of Celebration Décor – Jean Wilson

Ride Pages – Annette Thurlow

Raffle and Celebration Art Show – LeeAnn Boore

Raffle Assistant/Celebration Runner – Katherine Mason

Prize Patrol – Suzy Tielke

Rider Patches – Lynane Plumlee

Newsletter – Gayna Smith

Mileage Tracking – Nancy Fenimore

Ribbons – Shelley Hilton

Christmas Ride sous Chef – Bambi Lang

RIDE MANAGERS AND JUDGES –

Kate Hollar, Nancy Williams, Mary Ann Brandon, Mark Brandon, Shelley Hilton, Teresa Corgill, Karen Pantel, Devin Pantel, Karen Boone, Nancy Fenimore, Kelly Beard, Ginny Mayfield, Cheryl May, LeeAnn Boore, Jim Miller, Susie Walker, Tom Walker, Leah Lynch, Greg Dial, Ann Stacy, Kris Maley, April Baxter, Evelyn O’Hara,  Jean Wilson, Jerilyn Stanka, Tracee Casarez, Doanna Daniel, Sybil Eagan, Melissa Neal, Lissa Rabon, Annette Thurlow, Bonnie Pasko, Laurie Oehlerking, Carol Warren

SECRETARIES –

Tiffany Janke, Annette Thurlow, Sharon Price, Kit Shadrock, Cindy Leatherwood, Marcy Stellfox, Nancy Fenimore, Leah Lynch

VOLUNTEERS

4 or more days …Tooter Smith, Shirley Tarrillion, Katherine Mason, Cathy Schulze, Scott Butcher, Kate Hollar, Nancy Kilgore, Leah Lynch, Devin Pantel, Eska Beckstoffer

10 + day Volunteer of the Year …. JIM MILLER

(we started tracking  volunteer hours in 2021 and award accumulative day pins)

10 Day Pin… Katherine Mason, Cathy Schulze, Eska Beckstoffer, Shirley Tarrillion, Tooter Smith

20 Day Pin… Jim Miller

2022 BUCKLE SERIES WINNERS:

Tenderfoot – Connie Standridge on Annie

Maverick – Kay Prince on Geronimo

Horseman – Lynane Plumlee on Fritz

Wild Card – Laura McLean on Vanna and Chief

IRON RIDERS

First timers – Lynane Plumlee, Teresa Ingram, Priscilla Butcher, Connie Standridge, Tooter Smith, Devin Pantel, Laura McLean, Ginny Mayfield, Kim Gehring, Katherine Mason

Second Timers – Karen Pantel, Carol Warren

THIRD TIMERS! – Jean Wilson, Jim Miller

2022 HIGH POINT AND RESERVE:

Tenderfoot – High Point – Connie Standridge on Annie, Reserve – Priscilla Butcher on Salem

Maverick – High Point – Kay Prince on Geronimo, Reserve – Devin Pantel on Gus

Horseman – High Point – Mary Marczak on Possum, Reserve – Lynane Plumlee on Fritz

TENDERFOOT AWARDS:

Junior – 1^st – Carolyn Smeltzer on Blue Bell and Skipper

Adult – 6^th – James Corgill on Journey

              5^th – Emily Gehring on Loki

              4^th – Annaliese Scoggin on Akane

              3^rd – Vicki Van Steyn on Pippa

              2^nd – Alex McStay on Tamosi

              1^st – Katherine Mason on Delilah

Senior   6^th – Marilyn Dardenne on Ranger

               5^th – Susie Jernigan on Echo and Heaven

               4^th – Teresa Ingram on KK Lady Fantasy

               3^rd – Kim Gehring on Josie

              2^nd – Priscilla Butcher on Salem

               1^st – Connie Standridge on Annie

MAVERICK AWARDS

Adult –  3^rd   – Tracee Casarez on Fancee and Blazer

               2^nd – Gina Stepchinsky on Jazz

                1^st – Karen Pantel on Windy

Senior –  7^th – Peggy Johnson on Kater

                6^th – Nancy Kilgore on Sky and Chief

                5^th – Brenda Hicks on Shiloh

                4^th – Jim Miller on Buddy

                3^rd – Shelley Hilton on Copper

                2^nd – Tooter Smith on Fly

                1^st – Devin Pantel on Gus

HORSEMAN AWARDS

Adult –   6^th – LeeAnn Boore on RC

               5^th – Carol Warren on John

               4^th – Mary Ann Branch Brandon on Maude and Remi

               3^rd – Becky Cash on Skipper and Truly

               2^nd – Lynane Plumlee on Fritz

               1^st – Mary Marczak on Possum

Senior – 6^th – Carolyn Mikeska on Scout and Chance

                5^th – Isabel Dean on Doc

                4^th – Linda Martini on Mate

                3^rd – Jean Wilson on Renegade and Rio

                2^nd – Kelly Beard on Joe

                1^st – Teresa Corgill on Abby

HORSE AWARDS –

Overall High Point Green Partner – Geronimo ridden by Kay Prince

Honorable Mention Green Partners by Division

Horseman – Dally ridden by Tiffany Janke

Tenderfoot – Princess Naiyir ridden by Barbara Knight

Overall High Point Working Partner – Possum ridden by Mary Marczak

Honorable Mention Working Partner by Division

Horseman – Fritz ridden by Lynane Plumlee

Maverick – Windy ridden by Karen Pantel

Tenderfoot – Annie ridden by Connie Standridge

Overall High Point Seasoned Partner – Abby ridden by Teresa Corgill

Honorable Mention Seasoned Partner by Division

Horseman – Skipper ridden by Carolyn Smeltzer and Becky Cash

Maverick – Gus ridden by Devin Pantel

Tenderfoot – Salem ridden by Priscilla Butcher

MOST IMPROVED –

Sandra Ladd Award – Alex McStay

Jennifer Severson Award – Shelley Hilton

WRANGLER AWARDS – Experienced Riders and Mounts with under 18 months ride time

3^rd – Barbara Knight on Princess Naiyir

2^nd – Tiffany Janke on Dally

1^st – Kay Prince on Geronimo

RIDE TRIBE –

GOLD – LeeAnn Boore, Carin Bauer, Mary Marczak, Laura McLean, Alex McStay, Jim Miller, Lynane Plumlee, Debra Salmon

SILVER – Tracee Casarez, Kim Gehring

BRONZE – Priscilla Butcher, Ginny Mayfield, Brandy Steele

MILEAGE AWARDS

1000 mile – Carol Warren

750 mile – Becky Cash, Teresa Corgill, Marta Covington, Carolyn Mikeska, Ann Stacy, Tracee Casarez, Bill Phillips

500 mile – Carla Chandler, Devin Pantel, Nancy Kilgore, Lynane Plumlee, Kay Prince

250 mile – Katherine Mason, Priscilla Butcher, Peggy Sue Johnson, Teresa Ingram, Tooter Smith, Laura McLean, Evelyn O’Hara, Brandy Steele

100 mile – Connie Standridge, Kim Gehring, Barbara Knight, Megan Smart, Annaliese Scoggin, Carolyn Smeltzer, Alex McStay, Marilyn Dardienne, Peggy Barron,  Kerri April, Ilene Cooper, Haley Altomire, Carin Bauer, Ellen Hagert, Jane Holland, Dawn Fraser

MOVING FORWARD…OTHER CLUB NEWS….

FROM TTCC JUDGES DIRECTOR, GREG DIAL

While we are all gearing up for the 2023 ride season, remember that safety is EVERYONE’S job.  Keep these points in mind:

1. We value all those folks doing two-legged jobs at our rides, such as judges and volunteers.  Any of them may be focused on doing their job for you, and some volunteers may not be “horse people”; respect their space at all times.  What may seem like a friendly nudge from your horse’s muzzle could knock an unsuspecting assistant off-balance, while a cozy closeness might result in a broken toe.  Not only is taking a bite out of a judge no way to win friends and influence people, but judges are allowed to warn you for unsafe behavior, deduct points from your score, or dismiss you from the obstacle with a no-score.  So please be aware.
2. If your horse is a known kicker, or if you suspect they might kick when crowded on the trail or while waiting at an obstacle, please give your fellow riders the courtesy of letting them know; a red ribbon in your horse’s tail is NOT a mark of shame, but a fair warning.  Also, if your horse tends to be a tailgater, do whatever’s necessary to keep them from “brown-nosing”.

Thanks for keeping safety and courtesy in mind.  Let’s all make 2023 a great year for TTCC!

Here’s a little trivia for you…Rocky Road Year SEVENTEEN has come and gone.  Did you know that was the ride that started it all back in 2007?  And yes, Rocky Road ice cream was served then, to the 84 riders who showed up for Saturday.  The Sunday ride that first year was a DRIVING challenge…horses, not cars.  Congratulations to the Saturday night potato cookoff winning team, “TWICE BAKED” comprised of Katherine Mason, Priscilla Butcher, Nancy Kilgore and Leah Lynch.  Please enjoy their photo below, as their outfits and the tokens they passed around were definitely the “high” point of the cookoff challenge, prompting much laughter.  Thank you to Kate and Nancy for another great ride.

See you on the trail, Gayna

TTCC NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2023

Happy New Year!!  Welcome to all of the new members from late 2022 and also to those who are joining us for the first time.   On the Texas Trail Challenge Website, please check out the “News” tab for recent newsletters, there is quite a bit of important information in those.  This month also begins a new feature, “Camp Life”, where valuable information can be found regarding life outside of the actual trail ride itself.   And for those of you who want the annual TTCC calendar tee, they are still available to order, reach out to Kate at [email protected].

FROM TTCC PRESIDENT, ANN STACY…..Get ready for the 2023 ride season! I am happy to invite everyone to an award filled evening, January 28, 2023.  We start off with a Celebration for achievements for both rider and horse.  It is a time to socialize and applaud members for the 2022 year.  Our first ’23 ride is the traditional Rocky Road-fingers crossed it is good weather this year! 

The Board of Directors hope that all riders will be encouraged to strive to be honored this time next year for the 2023 End of Year Celebration.

We offer rider clinics for the Spring and Fall seasons and hope you will take advantage of them.  I encourage everyone to ride as often as possible to condition both you and your horse – this is time well spent.  Personal fitness will give you confidence and improve your horsemanship.  Start out by making a daily activity into a habit.  Just a suggestion!

I encourage you to read your 2023 rule book to refresh your understanding of the rule updates and current rides.  It is amazing how we tend to overlook things because we have been here since the beginning! Familiarize yourself with trail etiquette in case you find yourself mentoring someone.

The Directory was a major accomplishment when we first started in 2015.  It has been a big help to folks on the road and needing assistance.  I can testify to that!  I’ve called on Mary Marczak, who picked up my horse on her way through Stephenville going to the San Angelo ride.  I’ve been called on as well to help folks on the same route that I was travelling.  I suggest you keep a copy of the Directory in your truck, “just in case”.

I hope you enjoy our new CAMP LIFE feature, written by Kim and Josie.  These will be brief and useful. If you have some ideas for topics or things others might enjoy, let me know. 

Thank you for your TTCC involvement, Ann

Camp Life articles will be found under the News/Camplife tab on the website, but we are taking this opportunity to give newsletter readers a sample of what’s to come.

Beyond the Trail Ride and the Obstacles

Who do you call when in need?

I have been asked to create a bi-monthly articles focused on topics to make your equestrian adventures more enjoyable. The topics will vary plus they will be on the website for your convenience. We hope you will find “Camp Life” useful and entertaining! Enjoy your adventures with your horse!

I made it!

I got to the ride without missing any turns with google maps, and I am looking forward to riding with friends across some gorgeous countryside.  That is until …… as I am setting up camp, I realize I forgot _ (insert any necessary item), OR I am all set up, a perfect little camp site, now my generator will not start! These things happen to all of us sooner or later – Yes, it has even happened to Jim Miller!

So, before you panic, resign yourself to a crappy ride, or pack up and go home. STOP, take a few deep breaths, and think about possible solutions. Missing a bucket, apple picker or snap and chain, try reaching out to your neighbors, they might have exactly what you need! Or reach out to the ride managers they really want you to have a great time at the ride!

Now for Generators, Flat tires or Dead batteries needing a jump & assorted other mechanical issues I have a wonderful camp husband who loves to meet new (& old) friends and lend a hand.  Jim Miller, or as the WWW ladies call him, “Mr. Fixit”, will gladly lend a hand and try to help you solve any problems that may arise.  He does this because he likes to be of service and help others out, but if you feel the need to pay, his hand fits a nice cold beer! Just no beer on Sunday, we must drive home! 

NOTE: Some folks have insisted on giving $ for Jim’s assistance, he has asked IF you feel the need to repay his kindness with $, please donate it to the Military EOD charity. Your charity will impact our veterans.
Jim Miller   254 368-0599   in case you want to add his number to your contacts.

See you out on the trail,
Kim and Josie

While on the topic of “Camp Life”, I took the liberty to reprise a little ditty that was published in years past, since we have so many new members.  While it is not in TTCC rules, it is preferred that members do not save spots when pulling in to camp.

After starting riding with TTCC (formerly TTC) in 2007, it took me probably two years to venture out of my little horse/dog and me shell, known as my “spot”, where I’d set up for the weekend.  I eventually gained enough confidence to move into a little more physically challenging CTR venue.  I drove all day, 450 miles, tickled to be hauling a newly acquired LQ after 7 years of camping in the back of my trailer.  I pulled in at dusk down a narrow forest road, hoping there’d be room to park my rig.  I saw a spot!  Oops, no, clearly someone was saving that for a friend.  Drove further, narrower, darker, only to find NO obvious open spots, except at the very back of this pine tree congested campground.  After finding an area the size of a Volkswagen, some people saw me struggling to park in the dark and helped me get settled.  Their kindness helped me feel less like the “new kid”.  I promised myself that night that I would pass on that kindness in one way or another.  Sure, it is fun to park by your friends, easier too, as my mare can just whisper to her bestie instead of nickering across camp.  However, the pleasure of being able to call you a  friend after a weekend of lending and borrowing muck buckets, water hoses and sunscreen, means a lot.  Most of all, I hope you go home having felt welcomed.

Here’s the ditty…

On Saving Spots…

Driving for hours, pull up at a ride, can’t wait to see who I get to park beside.

But  wait, there’s a cone, or a chair or a feedsack, I get out to move it and I hear “Put that back!”

“This spot is saved for my friend, you see” Well, heck, I was thinking that’s a good spot for me.

Now, I don’t know about you, but I do know for certain,

Saving spots to me feels like someone’s put up a curtain.

And if I feel that way, just imagine you’re new…

You’d heard such good things, hoped to make a friend or two!

You’re thinking that maybe you’re in the wrong place,

You’d hoped to meet up with just one friendly face

While spot saving’s not meant to be ill-intentioned,

What if you’re one of those first timers we never fail to mention?

At meetings, and ride outs, and “welcome, you’re new!” Sometimes there’s just one, often now there’s a few You may not agree, but give fate a spin, and maybe you too, will make a new friend.

Happy trails, friends, Gayna

Merry Christmas, friends!  Catching us up on the end of the year, including any news from the board, and upcoming ride managers.

Many of you suggested we hold a clinic separate from rides, that could occur on a weekend.  We now have a JUNIOR clinic scheduled Saturday at the end of March, as well as an ADULT clinic for the Sunday after.  Please remember, the JUNIOR clinic is intended for Juniors only, not adults or parents.  Of course, parents can be on hand to help or observe.  Please spread the word to your 4-H clubs, etc, to fill the clinic.  Hopefully, we will find new friendships forming among the younger riders and they will look forward to participating in future rides. 

OTHER NEWS FROM RIDE MANAGERS OF SPRING RIDES…

CELEBRATION…This ride is full. Please contact the rider managers to be added to the waitlist.

ROCKY ROAD ICE CREAM SOCIAL…We are hosting a Potato with Toppings competition this year.  Get your team together, pick a name and make a plan! Management will provide bowls, plasticware and water/tea to drink.  Let us know your team name and who is on it.  We are so excited this has become such a fun group event.  (Type of potato does not matter, nor how it is prepared). 

Also, please remember to make all reservations for electric, cabins and primitive thru Ona at Parrie Haynes Ranch.

We will be letting Waitlist Riders in 30 days from ride, and Buddy Riders the following day, both as space allows. 

YIPPEE Y O… No News

THE SMILEY RIDE…No News

CAT SPRING FLING…Registration for this ride opens January 1, 2023.  Spectacular new trails have been opened, old trails have been upgraded, and we are very excited to have you come blaze them with us. All hookups have been reserved but you can contact Karen Boone or Nancy Fenimore directly to be added to the waitlist.  All of our obstacles will be created using natural materials and terrain.  The Saturday evening meal will be catered, please use the comment section when registering for the ride to indicate if you want the meal.  For further details, please visit TTCC.

WILD WEST WRANGLE…No News.

 FROM PRESIDENT, ANN STACY

We had our first BOD meeting for 2023! It’s a pleasure working with folks focused on TTCC’s present and future.  Our Christmas fundraiser was very entertaining due to Greg’s inventive ideas plus the crazy gift exchange, we totally enjoyed! I hope you will all take a moment to read my post, see “MEMO” under news tab on the website, it is honest and heartfelt, as your newly elected President. I am looking forward to the 2023 ride season! Be safe on the trails and have a very merry Christmas with your family and friends!

FROM MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR, BILL PHILLIPS

Year end membership stands at 210, 159 primary members and 51 family members.

2023 Patches are ordered and will be distributed beginning with Celebration, the last weekend in January.

2023 Membership renewal applications will be available at Christmas party in December and also at Celebration.  REMEMBER, individual memberships are now 30.00, and family memberships are 40.00, and may include grandchildren.  For some reason, I occasionally receive applications with 20.00 enclosed, please help spread the word that membership prices have been raised since 2022.

We are trying to improve email communication.  It is imperative that we have a current, working email in order for this to happen.  Please verify this with an application renewal. 

FROM JUDGES DIRECTOR, GREG DIAL…We are hoping to have “judges tips” each month, as they are contributed.  From Nancy Fenimore…’turn on fore, hind end moves…turn on hind, front end moves” and Greg added that we should think of turn on fore as a “pivot” and turn on hind as a “spin” maneuver. 

FROM RIDE DIRECTOR, KAREN PANTEL

2023 Ride Managers will be receiving an e mail with the new Ride Manager Manual, Ride Sanction Form and Ride Webpage Form.  Since there are 2023 rule changes applying to Ride Managers, it is necessary to return the new Ride Sanction Form to me.  The new Webpage Form has updates as well, but it is not required to redo unless your ride information has changed since turning it in earlier this year.  The 2023 Ride Calendar, with all the new locations and dates, will be posted on the TTCC website, and it has already been shared on FB under the TTCC page.

Have you ever thought of being a Ride Manager?  If so, yet you have no idea where to host one, contact me.  I have information on several possible venues that would be happy to host one of our events.  RMs don’t have to commit to an annual ride; we have several RMs who are planning to only host every other year.  Being a Ride Manager is so rewarding! Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions. 

FROM TREASURER, TIFFANY JANKE…I would like to thank everyone for the opportunity to serve on the board as their treasurer!  The Christmas Ride was a huge success raising nearly $3,000 for the club! Woohoo! Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the Club and had some fun!

Editor’s note:  Santa called…he was thinking of giving all club members a 2023 Calendar tee, whether naughty or nice…but Mrs. Claus reminded him they aren’t gonna be ready for Christmas.   But there IS news!  Included is a sneak preview of the long-sleeved shirt.  Short sleeves will be V-neck, mauve in color with a green and turquoise horse.  Prices will be $20.00 for short sleeve and $25.00 for long-sleeve, any size above XL will be an additional $5.00.  Email Kate at [email protected] with your order,  then you will pay for it to our treasurer, Tiffany.  Please make a note of Tiffany’s address…

Tiffany Janke:  851 County Road 309, Gouldbusk, Texas 76845

Remember, order the shirt through Kate and send money to Tiffany and please tell her it’s for a shirt. You can also use Pay Pal Friends and Family option to [email protected]  

Merry Christmas, Friends!  Gayna

I am honored to be your President and look forward to being a part of continuing the BOD’s progress of keeping TTCC moving forward.

I was part of the 2015 exploratory group that created TTCC from the original TTC. Our responsibilities were to develop a CLUB run by a board for members. We developed job outlines and responsibilities for board members, election guidelines, rules, by- laws and various necessities for a membership driven equestrian focused club.

The exploratory group focused on a board of directors who followed established directives, listened to its membership, stayed transparent financially and informed members regarding debatable decisions. Two general meetings are held yearly with opportunities for members to speak and provide input. Those meeting dates are to be posted in advance to allow members who are unable to attend the same opportunity to provide input.

My first elected position was Membership Director with a focus on membership advocacy. I started the raffle and selling TTCC items to raise funds for EOY awards. We were very fortunate, that first year, to provide appropriate prizes. Every year the prize budget has improved! Plus, Kate (President) budgeted to provide free meals at Celebration! TTCC has experienced healthy financial growth.

During my first term as president, we focused on clinics for judges’ training and improving Senior Judge instruction. TTCC has the reputation for judging consistency. It took hours to develop the judges codes (others have requested copies of these codes due to its quality) used for judging. It is continually updated.

I bring the beginnings of TTCC to your attention as a reminder of HOW FAR we have come and WHAT is required to continue our progress. I strive to keep my finger on the pulse of our members, what will serve TTCC the best for the present and in the future. It’s vital to maintain the relational capacity that has served TTCC so well. It’s the heartbeat of our club and our desire to build the bond between horse and rider thru education that attracts riders to TTCC.

Greg Dial has the experience and training to step up our judges’ education. His clinics for judges and riders improves the overall TTCC riding level.

Ride Managers have received more attention and guidance since we first started in 2015. It was clear a Ride Managers handbook was needed to provide sanctioned expectations. It was published to provide RMs with necessary information required for consistency at ride events. It’s due to Karen’s focus on handling potential problems and helping RMs adhere to policy, that provides TTCC with successful sanctioned events.

Bill works diligently keeping records accurate for single/family memberships. He creates yearly patches, updates membership directories, distributes club shirts and updated rule books.

Tiffany has been working with Karen Boone to transition our funds and records with fluidity. Her job is one of continuous responsibility throughout each fiscal year.

When preparing to attend a scheduled ride, we look forward to the experience with our horse, socializing, enjoying nature and knowing we can depend on others if help is needed. How great is that!

I look forward to making memories with you on the trails!

Merry Christmas . Happy New Year 

Making memories on the trails, 

Ann Stacy 

Ride Raffle changes for 2023:

Raffles will be held at the first ride of each month only.

For 2023, those rides will be
Rocky Road
Yippee Y O Ride
The Smiley Ride
Wild West Wrangle
Hog Wild
Concho Valley Showdown
Salute to the Troops

Going forward, assume first ride weekend of each month is when Club raffle will take place.