Category: News

Hello TTCC Members, 

I want to take a moment to introduce our two candidates who are running for the Membership Director Position this Fall. They are Mary Ann Brandon and Teresa Corgill. 

They have both written an introduction about themselves that is posted below.

Thank you for taking the time to read and “meet” these two amazing ladies. They will have the opportunity to speak at Wyatt Ranch next weekend. 

Thank you so much,

Tiffany Janke 

TTCC Treasurer

___________________________________________

Hello fellow members! 

My name is Mary Ann Brandon, and I have been a member of TTCC for eight years. 

During this time, I have been a ride manager, judge and volunteer. This year I am educating my fifth horse in the club! 

My background is psychology and teaching in secondary education. I am a people person and looking forward to meeting every member. 

I love sharing what I have learned in the horse world, from professionals and members of this club.  

I have some exciting ideas for fundraising, such as TTCC logo number holders, and a saddle raffle!

I also have corporate sponsors ready to support our club. 

In other disciplines I participate in,   there are often pre-ride clinics, which are incredibly helpful… I would love to explore this idea in TTCC. 

I would also like to research and create a “living document” that delineates the history of this club from the start!

I am excited to be your next membership director!

……………..

Let me introduce myself to the TTCC members who do not know me. Are there any? If so, I will be stalking you if I’m elected Membership Director because I believe that is part of the job. I want to know all of you personally so you will be comfortable approaching me with any new ideas or concerns that you have about our club.

I am Teresa Corgill, also known as TJ, and I ride the cute little black and white Gypsy Vanner Abby. 

In 2015 I joined TTCC, and I found my tribe. I love that we care more about camaraderie and partnership with our horses than about competition. I will fight to keep it that way.

For those of you who do not know me, I have been into horses all of my life. From riding horses all over town with friends in junior and high school, to showing in weekly open shows after college, to big time showing in AQHA, to building an equine business where I stood an AQHA Champion at stud and sold horses all over the world, to a partial retirement when I found competitive trail riding. I wish I had found TTCC much earlier. It has been my favorite of all.

During my AQHA days I was on the Board of Directors of Arizona Quarter Horse Association. We put on one of the largest show circuits in the US. It was a week long and sometimes had up to eight arenas going at once. That endeavor took quite a bit of planning and organization. I also served as President of the Board of Directors of Alamo Quarter Horse Breeders Association where we sponsored two large circuits every year at the Rose Palace in San Antonio.. 

As a member of both BODs I learned to listen to all sides of a problem and to do what is best for the club, even if it means going against friends.

Since joining TTCC I have been very active in the club. I was awarded the Iron Rider vest in 2017. I’ve only missed one or two rides during all of the other years that I’ve ridden with TTCC. I am a judge, a senior judge and a ride manager. I purchased year end awards for Celebration for two years.

Please consider voting for me at the Membership Director. TTCC is genuinely a big part of my life and I feel the need to give back to a club I love.

— Teresa “TJ” Corgill

One of the wonderful things about this club is the sense of ‘family’, and the friendships formed both at rides, and subsequent socializing outside of TTCC events.    As with all relationships, sometimes we share loss together.  In recent months, we have mourned the loss of our friend, ride manager and former treasurer, Karen Boone.  She fought a brave and quiet battle with cancer for many years, yet continued to show up doing life, with rarely a nod to the disease.  One of her concerns in her final weeks was finding good homes for her beloved pets and TTCC family stepped right up to see that her horses and dog have forever homes.  May you rest in peace, Karen.

Button May, Cheryl’s husband, also is now riding herd in Heaven.  Cheryl said it best in her note to this club, which is shared below, July 24, 2023…

“My TTCC Family, And ya’ll are Family!  Thank you for all the texts, emails, phone calls, and heart felt comments on social media.  This club is amazing at how much we generally care for one another.  Every time you reached out and said we were in your thoughts and prayers, helped us make it through another doctor appointment, hospital stay and procedure.  In the end, of course, not the outcome we prayed for, but I know, without a doubt, Button is the winner.  He is in a far better place, riding the best horse and rounding up strays.  Thank you for your cash gift.  It will help.  Love ya’ll!  Cheryl May”

It is a good thing to rejoice with those who rejoice and to mourn with those who mourn.  Pretty much the essence of our club.  RIP, Button.

FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS…

Ann Stacy, President…   Hello, TTCC! Our fall ride season is fast approaching, ready or not!  I want to share a few general reminders to help you be prepared.

1. Current coggins (paper copy)
2. Tires and trailer are roadworthy
3. Carry extra water for yourself
4. Electrolytes – (people and horse)
5. Update your first aid kit (horse and people)
6. Sharpen your pocketknife
7. Inspect your tack for weak spots, oil and clean tack
8. Inspect saddle pads for wear and dirt
9. Write down your horse’s normal pulse and respiration rates
10. Replace flashlight batteries if needed
11. Generator maintenance                 

We enjoy time with our friends, horses and nature!  It is best when we adhere to trail etiquette, be mindful of others performing at an obstacle and check with the rider behind you to see if you should wait prior to leaving the obstacle.  These courtesies create camaraderie and positive competition among members. 

The ride out sheet is needed to spread the riders out and avoid obstacle backups.  I encourage everyone to keep their “ride group” to 4-5 or less.  We understand folks enjoy riding trails with friends; however, backed up obstacles and large gaps between riders impact the ride flow and moving judges. 

TTCC rides are filling up very quickly, waitlists are the norm.  Ride Management appreciate members who contact them as soon as possible if they need to cancel.

“WHEN I COMPETE, I NEVER LOSE, I AM ALWAYS LEARNING” is a valid comment for TTCC members.  I hope the fall 2023 ride season is a successful one for you and your equine partner.  I’d like to thank the following volunteers…

Kim and Josie, for writing the Camp Life article below. It is relevant as we kick off this ride season.  Do not miss it, I know you will find it useful!

Thanks to Gayna’s efforts, we are enjoying our newsletter.  It is such a good way to be in touch and share information.

Thanks, also, to Laura McLean for working to have wonderful raffle items for you this fall.

One last note…our next general meeting will be at the last ride, Salute to the Troops, at C Bar in November. 

Looking forward to seeing you on the trails, Ann Stacy, President

NEWS FROM UPCOMING RIDES

HOG WILD…In addition to the TTCC raffle held the first ride of each month, we will be hosting a raffle for TETRA (Texas Equestrian Trail Riders Association).  This nonprofit organization helps maintain horse trails in parks all over Texas.  Raffle will consist of a free weekend ride (Sat/Sun) AND an electric site for next year’s Hog Wild Ride.  All proceeds are donated to TETRA.  Cost is 10.00 a ticket.  In addition to the TETRA raffle, a baby shower will be held for Thomas and Tiffany’s baby due just around the corner.  Some needed items are diapers, wipes, gift cards to Wal Mart.  She still has a lot of clothing from Miss Avery Jo, so necessities are appreciated.  We look forward to having a new little member of our TTCC family joining us in October!

CACTUS TWO STEP… There will be a TTCC raffle as it is the first ride of the month.  In addition, to the TTCC raffle, we are having a “Calcutta”.  Riders will be placed (on paper) in teams of 5, and each rider preselects 2 obstacles that count toward their team’s total score.  Ride Managers select the teams and our goal is to keep teams as even as possible.  Teams are announced Friday night at the Ride Meeting.  The top 3 teams will receive awards, and this is all in fun and has no bearing on year-end scores.  Winners will be announced Saturday at the end of the regular ride awards.  You are encouraged to ride with your team members on Saturday.  We understand that this is not always possible due to horse speeds and rider preferences, but it would be fun to cheer each other on throughout the ride.  The GOAL of this event is to get folks out of their normal patterns and meet new riders.  There will be a lot of new riders at our ride, so this is a great chance to mingle a little and broaden our horizons! Also, there will be a side pot going in the event anyone wants to bet on the teams.  Anyone can do the side bet but it’s also a chance for riders to bet on themselves.  The pot will go to the winning team, divided among its members.  If you choose to participate in the side bets, you will need cash.  More details will be included later, on the ride page, so stay tuned! We are so looking forward to this ride!

Election time is just around the corner. This year, the Membership Director, Ride Director and Judges Director positions are up for election. If you are interested in running for a position, please contact the TTCC Treasurer, Tiffany Janke. Future dates and timelines are to be determined.

Please enjoy the following CAMP LIFE article submitted by Kim Gehring, final installment of the series she began earlier this year

Home from “the Ride”, now what?

Home from “the Ride”, now what? (August 2023)

And, that’s all she wrote, friends. 

Stay cool and happy trails

Ya’ll get your ponies in shape, and yes, it’s hot!  Gotta get out early.  See you on the trail, Gayna

Spring ride season has officially ended following the WWW ride this past weekend.   The weather, food and company were all perfect, Friday night we were entertained during supper by a young man named Luke Powell, and Saturday night a historian from the Fort, Eric Abercrombie, talked to us about the characters who travelled through the area, prompting the “Tombstone” themed ride. The wildflowers were beautiful as well.   The WWW gang announced they are taking a break in 2024 but plan to return with this ride in 2025.  Carla put together a wonderful raffle table, and cash was raised to donate to Fort Griffin during a special “side” raffle. Many thanks to Kelly and Ginny, Greg and all the judges, all the volunteers who made this weekend possible. 

There were a couple of new riders, prompting a discussion among some of us waiting to head out on trail Saturday morning.  If you were giving a new rider one piece of advice, what would it be?  Out of about 8 of us standing around, here are their answers:   Have fun (and smile)! Don’t rush at the obstacles. Have a plan.  Try to take one new tip away from each ride.  Get up early enough to warm your horse up well. And this one applies to so many aspects of life, always remember to STOP AND SETTLE!

Kate has offered to do a new order of a pullover many members purchased prior to 2023, see below.  This reorder is not meant to be a profit-making venture for the club, nor for Kate.  Please get with her if you think you want to order, she will be collecting your money and sizes.  Thank you, Kate, for offering to handle this.

I had asked Carol Warren earlier this spring about submitting an article regarding hauling horses in the heat of summer.  (I hauled Jill to NM last September, taking two days, and when we arrived at Gila Wilderness, I unloaded a dehydrated mare).  Please enjoy and learn from her article which follows.

Traveling with Your Horse in the Summer:

Many of us enjoy traveling with our horses in the summer.  Traveling through the Texas heat is hard on our vehicles and our horses. Planning our route wisely, timing our travel, preparing our vehicles, and preparing the horse can help everyone arrive less stressed, healthy, and ready to ride.  Here are just a few tips that I have found helpful in my 30 years of hauling.  There are so many do’s and don’ts out there, and we all have our routines, but I hope this is a helpful starting point. 

Vehicles–Make sure ALL tires are properly inflated and have not dry rotted.  Tires 4 years and older are considered past their useful life when towing, no matter what the tread looks like.  You can check the age of your tires by using the DOT Tire Date Code system published anywhere.  The extreme heat from the asphalt and high speeds can easily fatigue tires leading to a blow-out.  Be able to change a flat tire by yourself.  Consider purchasing a battery powered impact wrench and drive-on trailer jack.  Have a good truck jack and know where to place it on your truck to change truck tires.  It’s not always safe or even possible to wait for help.  Two spare trailer tires are even better than 1. 

—Make sure your vehicle is capable of pulling AND STOPPING your fully loaded trailer.  If you are going into the mountains, this is essential that your transmission, brakes, and engine can handle the load.   Many a flat lander’s truck has failed going up mountain passes because it has been over-loaded.  Worse yet is if the brakes overheat and make stopping difficult or even catch on fire!

—Make sure your trailer floor is sturdy and clean.  If traveling longer than a couple of hours, I like to put shavings down.  This adds insulation from the road heat and noise, and allows the horse to urinate without splashing himself.  If I am traveling quite a distance and in the heat of the day, I like to place at least 4 inches of shavings.  I will also sprinkle the shavings with water to keep dust down and to allow some evaporative cooling. 

—Make sure your axles are straight, bearings lubed, lights and brakes work.

—Great ventilation is essential to keep your horse cool.  Open the windows to allow ventilation but don’t forget to protect your horse’s eyes.  Either a fly mask or screen on the trailer windows helps prevent road debris from hurting your horse’s eyes.  Open the front roof vents to face forward to catch the air and open the last vent backwards to allow the air to escape, or flow over the horses.  Fans would be great, especially for when you are trapped in traffic unable to generate ventilation by just moving.   

Planning your route.  Consider this as important as having a safe vehicle.  In Texas, road construction is everywhere.   Especially try to avoid construction in densely populated areas, as this usually means prolonged traffic jams.  No movement means no ventilation for your horse.  Stop and go traffic is more likely to result in traffic accidents causing even more traffic problems.  Stop and go is also very taxing on our horses as well.   I prefer to drive on the secondary roads and try to avoid the typical high volume traffic rush hours.  Secondary roads usually go through the smaller towns.  Smaller towns have great places to stop and allow you to give your horse a break.  County fairgrounds, rodeo grounds, auction barns, even small city parks are safe places to unload, giving you and your horse the much needed lunch and potty break.  I prefer these places over roadside parks because they seem to be safer, are away from traffic, and often have helpful and friendly people.  

I stop every 3-4 hours if possible.  If I have a 12 hour trip, I plan to allow my horse to get off the trailer around the 6 hour mark.  If my trip is only 6 hours, I plan to stop around the 3-4 hour time mark for at least 30 minutes to allow my horse just to quietly stand and rest in the trailer.  I think offering some water and soaked feed around the halfway point is a good idea.  Some people keep hay in front of their horses.  Mine do not like to eat much while traveling and I think the hay just blows in their face and eyes.  Of course, soaked hay cubes and water is offered at each stop.  If you are making the trip in a stock trailer or box-stall type trailer, unloading is not as necessary, but please stop to allow the horse a chance to relax.  It takes a lot of effort to balance going down the road!

Horse—The most obvious things first.  Make sure your Coggins is current for your destination.  Health certificates are may be required by some equine events and  for out of state travel. Find out if your destination requires weed-free feeds and start feeding it at least 1 week (or appropriate time frame recommended by your destination) prior to departure so your horse is adjusted to the new diet and his system has cleared all the noxious weed seed out.  Vaccinations may be required depending on your destination.   Make sure to pack all needed documentation in a convenient location, and double check they are actually packed!

Traveling in the heat can rapidly dehydrate your horse.  Do your very best to super-hydrate him before the trip.  Beginning at least one week before departure, I like to soak my feed as much as my horse will tolerate, serving it as soupy as he will eat it. Begin feeding small amounts of electrolytes or salt early to encourage drinking and to get them used to the flavor in their feed.  Pack plenty of water from home and offer it frequently during the trip.  Have enough water for your horse for a few days until he gets used to the local water.  Plan to have some cubed hay that can be soaked as well.  Keeping the gut well hydrated will keep your horse hydrated!

If it is already hot when I have to load my horse, I like to hose him off, then scrape off the excess water.  I will sprinkle the shavings in the trailer with water.  These steps will add some evaporative cooling to keep him a little more comfortable during the trip. 

Check on your horse at least every couple of hours.  If he is really sweating, you should consider stopping and unloading him in a shady area, give him plenty of time to rehydrate and rest.  Your horse should only develop a mild sweat in the trailer.  Too much sweat indicates a ventilation problem or excess stress.

How do you know if your horse is dehydrated?  The skin tent test is a simple test.  Just pinch some skin on the neck, pull it up, then release it.  A normally hydrated horse’s skin will immediately go back to normal position.  A prolonged return to normal position indicates at least 5% dehydration.  The longer the delay, the more dehydrated the horse.  Check the horse’s gums.  Look at the upper gums where they meet the upper front teeth.  Normal gums are pale pink and moist.  The gum will blanch white when gently pressed, then return to normal within 2 seconds.  If it takes longer than 3 seconds to return to normal color, there is a problem.  Red or purple gums are abnormal and indicate a medical emergency.   Practice evaluating these on your horse now so you know what his normal looks like.   A horse that is 5% dehydrated (that has a prolonged skin tent) will require up to 25 liters of balanced IV fluids to return to normal hydration.  This is approximately 10 gallons!   A dehydrated horse is a medical emergency!  Dehydration leads to colic, electrolyte imbalances, muscle weakness, kidney failure, shock and eventually death.

A quick note on using electrolytes.  Do not give a full dose of electrolytes to a dehydrated horse.  The salts and sugars just pull more fluid out of the horse’s body into the gut, causing more dehydration.  It is ok to offer some electrolyte infused water, but make sure there is plenty of fresh water as well.  The best electrolyte is just plain old salt added into the feed daily.  Avoid the electrolytes with lots of sugar—these have very little value to the horse.

These are just a few tips I have learned over the years.  I hope this helps.  We all want our partners to arrive safe, healthy and happy. 

Happy Trails, friends, enjoy your summer! Gayna

Did we have fun or what?? First (hopefully annual) Junior Clinic was held at Parrie Haynes March 25, with 16 Junior riders attending, accompanied by parents, grandparents and adult friends.  It did my heart good to see friendships form, and relationships between riders and mounts expanding.  BIG THANKS to Karen and Greg for all the hard work, good ideas, great format, interesting obstacles, as well as the practice challenge on a 4-mile trail with 6 obstacles.  A hamburger lunch was provided, and awards given out as well.  Thank you, too, to secretary Tiffany, and all of the above who served as clinicians and judges, as well as Kelly, Cheryl and Nancy.  Alex orchestrated a taco dinner potluck for the night before as well.  This couldn’t have happened without all the extra volunteers and especially the adults who got the kiddos there for the day.  Sunday followed with a full adult clinic, again managed by Greg and Karen, with Nancy as secretary and everyone working again in judge, clinician and volunteer positions.  We had 42 participants, many of whom were new faces.  Again, thank you Greg and Karen, for your hard work and labors of love to this organization. 

THOUGHTS FROM ANN STACY, PRESIDENT

We had our first General Meeting for 2023 at the Smiley ride.  We had between 50-60 folks attending. Tiffany handed out information related to our financial status (see below), Bill updated folks on our membership numbers, Karen encouraged folks to consider being a Ride Manager for 2024, Greg provided information on the clinics for youth and judges, and I discussed the various ways of communication used by the Club.  The web site is the recommended manner to reach members, FB is not a primary source.  Refer to the website for updates and our newsletter is an excellent way to keep current as well. 

There were two clarifications of rules discussed.  Keeping on the marked trails is important for safety reasons (getting lost is not intentionally departing the trail).  Also, we provided the definition of equine professionals verses an equine instructor.

The BOD is here to serve our club and answer your questions, you may contact any BOD member if you have questions. We look forward to our next General Board meeting at Salute to the Troops in November!    Stay safe on the roads and enjoy your equine partner! Ann

Editor’s note:  I had the privilege of attending the Smiley ride this past weekend, and Carol, Karen and Devin did a wonderful job of incorporating Texas History of the area into the obstacles.  Specifically, the Runaway Scrape.  Our learning moment was provided by a young man, Alamo reenactor, and associate of the Texas Historical Commission, a veritable font of knowledge.  Thank you all for the extra effort, proving we are never too old to learn!  See page two for income statement provided by Tiffany. 

Happy trails!  Gayna 

Next weekend is our first attempt at a Junior Clinic….and it appears we have found a new obstacle!  Kid team sports!  Not sure how to get around the fact that many youth are involved in their local area sports teams, but if a handful of juniors show up to do the clinic,  it certainly will have been worth the time and effort of leadership and volunteers.  Saturday’s clinic is followed by an Adult clinic on Sunday.  It appears some of the youth are riding Sunday clinic as well.  What a wonderful way to maximize their time with their ponies, while building on their trail and obstacle skills. 

SPRING RIDE UPDATES

*Smiley Ride is the first ride of April, so expect to have a TTCC raffle there!

*Cat Spring Fling …. from Nancy Fenimore…Please post your ride fee prior to 3/29/23.  The ride is full and the waitlist is long.  If your payment is not received by 3/29, the 30-day rule will be enforced and your name will be moved to the waitlist.  Also, if you have to cancel and have reserved an RV spot, please call Nancy, 979-338-0133, as there is a long waitlist for hookups as well.  The BBQ meal is brisket and chicken, 2 sides, tea & dessert, $20.00, payable to Karen Boone, see paypal below.

We are taking orders for this cool red cap, also $20 payable to [email protected].  Remember to use friends and family.               

*Wild West Wrangle…from Kelly Beard…The WWW gals are putting together a fun trail, new and fun obstacles (along with a few challenging ones!), and great prizes!  Jean and Gary Prescott will entertain and the Albany Icehouse will once again cater.  Praying for great weather…no hail…and for a fun ride with the Tombstone characters!  Remember to send Ginny Mayfield a copy of your coggins at [email protected] .  See you all at Fort Griffin in May!

 Happy trails to you all!  Gayna (Please enjoy the following bi monthly feature by Kim Gehring)

CAMP LIFE.   PREPARING FOR A RIDE WEEKEND 

1 Clean and Prep Trailer…Oh Boy, there is a lot that is involved in getting ready to head out for a ride! So much so that I am breaking it into multiple parts.  (trailer ready, pack for human, pack for horse(s), load and go) As you all know, Jim is very particular about the generators!  Ours are run a week or so before the ride, to ensure all was good to go.  REMEMBER, always use premium gas in your generators, Jim says some of the additives help keep them running better for longer. I like to start on the outside of the trailer, so I check tire pressure and air up any low tires with a small battery operated DeWalt air compressor.  I hate looking for the correct psi on the tire, so I write it inside one of the side storage compartment doors in permanent marker.  If there is a Blocker Tie or any ropes hung on trailer I remove them. I check the inside of the horse area to make sure old poop has been scooped and the area has shavings evenly distributed.  I know some folks don’t use shavings, it is a personal preference, as I think it helps with road heat in summer and if a horse wants to pee it cuts down on them splashing. I put in hay for the ride and check that the water tanks are also full.  We have a 50 gallon tank mounted in the hay pod, another 25 gallons in the tack area, and one that fits in the truck bed.  I also top off the water tank in LQ.  I believe horses drink better if they have water from home.  Sometimes we take three horses, so we use a lot of water.  

Once inside LQ I like to spray and wipe down:  shower, counter, sinks and commode.  I also check that I have a few extra garbage bags, rags and that there is plenty of drinking water in the fridge.  I always check the microwave, because sometimes we store a few things in there for travel and I have discovered a “SCIENCE EXPERIMENT”.  Yuck!  I check our closet to make sure we have emptied our cubbies and have room to bring out our clothes, and that Jim has enough beer for the weekend.  Our tiny living room also gets straightened up, as does the bed.  I finish by vacuuming the floor.  We put down a carpet remnant and have welcome mats outside and just inside the door.  It helps cut down the grit on the floor.

Next, I pack for humans. I lay out everything I want to bring for the weekend on the bed.  I have small piles of riding clothes for each day, one more change of clothes and then pjs.  I also have a small gathering of essential non-clothing and comfort items like my medicine pill box, massage pounder, red light, sunscreen, lip balm, toothbrush, etc., plus a phone charger. About a week before a ride I start monitoring the weather for the ride location so I can bring appropriate clothes.  I rode Equi-Frost 2022 and did not have enough socks to keep my feet warm and dry! I roll each day’s clothes to carry out to the trailer.  Our storage is limited so I want things to be easy to pack and get in and out of my cubby.  I also pack a jacket/vest, gloves, hat and even a scarf if the weather is cold.  Now, try getting Jim to pack like this -HAHAHA. Oh no, he is always bringing way more than he needs, yet wears the same jeans 2 days in a row. He says because he puts on a clean shirt each day, no one will notice! Has anyone ever seen Jim in a clean shirt??  So, at the end of the weekend, we haul all of Jim’s clean clothes back into the house with the dirty clothes! Other items useful for cold weather weekends are hand/foot warmers, earmuffs (would really have loved those for Equi-frost), extra set of dry boots and gloves, etc.  Living in Texas for 30 years has dulled my cold-weather comfort knowledge. 

Meal planning…We frequently go one or two days early, so meals are planned to cover all days. We always buy the catered meal if offered; one less meal to plan.  During the week I try to prepare a larger meal to package into portions and freeze.  Jim likes a quick easy breakfast of oatmeal, and I can do it with a granola bar.  I usually bring a bag of salad and some fresh fruit.  Occasionally, I bring something that needs more than a microwave, so I have a neat little electric griddle that is also a panini press. I just must try to remember not to run it while the micro or coffee pot is on or risk blowing a fuse! We use real cups and silverware, and paper plates and bowls.  I keep a small dishpan under the sink to run things into the house and put in the dishwasher upon return home.  Rides are for fun, not for washing dishes!  Other food items include yogurt, pickles, chips or pretzels, and a bag of ice for the freezer.  We bring several small folding chairs and a folding table.  I also have a battery powered stick vacuum and a small fan.  It can be freezing on the floor and roasting up in the bed area, so a fan helps to move the air as long as temps outside are not extreme.  NEXT TIME …PACKING FOR HORSES, SEE U ON THE TRAIL! K & JOSIE

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