Category: News

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

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 

The 2022 Year-End Points are now available on the website. This is your opportunity to confirm scoring and placing before we order embroidery! You have until Dec 9 to submit corrections.

2022 Points Accumulation

Your Most Grateful Year End Crew

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.

TTCC November 2022 Newsletter – Election Results and Notes from General Meeting

Congratulations to newly elected President, Ann Stacy, and Treasurer, Tiffany Janke.

FROM THE PRESIDENT, KATE LOVE HOLLAR

Buddy riders…beginning with 2023 – fees for buddy riders will increase and they will no longer register through the website.   Buddy riders were originally intended to give a friend a chance to see if they wanted to pursue competing.  Truthfully, buddy riders take up a spot on the trail, and we can only have so many riders at any given ride. Because Ride Managers (RMs) are independent producers, it will be at their discretion to admit buddy riders.   Space will not become known until 30 days prior to the ride, when registered riders who have not paid are dropped from the roster and the waiting list is honored.  RMs will manage the buddy rider requests, as opposed to the website.

Buckle Series moving forward…there will be one series per year.  Beginning in 2023, riders receiving a buckle 3 years in a row will become ineligible for 3 years, then may rejoin a buckle series.  This only pertains to buckle series and has nothing to do with yearend points/awards. 

IF YOU ARE COMPLETING YOUR THIRD IRON RIDER YEAR, PLEASE TALK TO KATE ASAP!

Merchandise sales…T shirts/caps/sweatshirts are all a revenue source for the club.  RMs for 2023 are offering merchandise at four rides.  TTCC will only sale calendar tees in the future.  However, the rides that do offer merchandise will be required to display our logo (one color is fine), or our full name, and pay a 50.00 “franchise fee” to the club.

TTCC is looking for new sponsors (250.00 each), as well as business card sponsors for our 2023 Rulebook.

Thank you to Lee Ann Boore and Scott Butcher for becoming new sponsors.

The Wrangler division…if the horse you are starting in Wrangler division was previously ridden by a buddy, that is when his Wrangler year began, or if you rode your horse in Buddy or Scout- that horse now has trail experience and it’s Wrangler year begins from that date.

Other items from election ballots, by law changes and suggestions/responses are at the end of newsletter.

FROM MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR, BILL PHILLIPS

Membership is currently at 201 following Monster Mash ride!

Clarification of family memberships…a family membership is within one household, family members living together.  Family membership may also include minor grandchildren, even if they aren’t living in your home.  Remember, each person on a membership must have their own log in to register for a ride.

Day Riders…anyone who shows up at last minute (i.e. if you bring a friend), must be prepared to pay with cash or check at the ride.  Lack of internet access at certain locations means no Pay Pal availability, and once the weekend is over all fees should have been received.

Volunteers…beginning in 2023, ALL MEMBERS are expected to volunteer ONE DAY during the year. There are many ways to do this as camp helper, judge’s assistant, trail marking, offer to be on clean up Sunday afternoon, work on committees (Celebration, T-shirt, Tracking Miles), even mentoring a new rider will count.  As of now, we will not be tracking your volunteer time, but everyone is expected to give back to the club a minimum of one day.

Dogs…no longer allowed at meals.  Please respect this and refrain from bringing your four-legged friends during the dinner hour.

FROM JUDGE DIRECTOR, GREG DIAL

Judge Requirements…Requirements to become a Judge or Senior Judge have been updated.  In the future, all judges will be “homegrown” or brought up and trained from within club membership.  Rules from when TTCC was formed have been revised to disallow judges from outside organizations.  TTCC judges will be expected to attend Continuing Education- Senior Judges Clinic once a year, other judges at a clinic, round table or one on one with Judge Director.

If your horse has to pull…TTCC intends for riders to finish their ride on the horse they rode out on.  However, if a horse comes up lame or is injured on trail (and this specific scenario HAS happened), a rider who happens to have a second horse available (maybe from your riding partner or a buddy), is allowed to complete the ride on the second mount after sending injured horse safely back to camp.  Ride score always follows the rider, so multiple horses may be competed on during the year.  In event of changing mounts DURING a ride, be sure to inform secretary, as horses accumulate scores as well.  If two horses are used to complete a ride, the horse score would go to the horse that completes the tenth obstacle, finishing the ride.

Trail Etiquette and Safety Form…new in 2022 and must be signed/initialed at each ride.  There will be stiff penalties for those who break the rules as listed on the page.  We are beginning a 3 strikes and you’re out policy.  This may also include unnecessary roughness to your equine partner.

In an effort to interest more Junior riders…we will be having a junior clinic/ride this spring, combined with an adult clinic.  Look for more info on this regarding dates.  It will be at Parrie Haynes, a one-day event, hopefully towards the end of March.  This will also be a form of community outreach and will require volunteer help.  More to come…

FROM TREASURER, KAREN BOONE

Once again, this year, TTCC covered the cost of club member’s meals at January Celebration.  We were also able to purchase a new laptop and printer for Ride Secretaries, and this year RM’s had their insurance and ribbons covered by the club.

This is the same criteria for riders competing per class.  In 2022, that is the top 8 ride scores.  The Honorary mention horses are those that have highest scores over 8 rides per division, after Champions are backed out.

2022 Year end places 1-6 is based on your top 8 scores.  Please see 2023 Rulebook in January to study if you are working on year end for next year.

IRON RIDER…Attendance at one day of every ride weekend.  Must ride 40% of rides.  Riding in the newly formed Scout division (judged but no score applied toward cumulative total), counts as well.  This is a riding award, not a placing award.  As mentioned above, talk to Kate if this is your third Iron Rider year.

FROM RIDE DIRECTOR, KAREN PANTEL

2023 Buckle Series…. These rides, as well as rides where general membership meetings will be held, will in the future be highlighted in the ride calendar located in Rule book.  The locations/rides for the 2023 Buckle Series were determined by putting all the 2023 rides in a hat, and each BOD pulled a name out of the hat (Greg’s hat to be specific). The Buckle Series rides for 2023 are Rocky Road, Hollywood In The Hills (or whatever name change it may come to), Spring Fling, Concho Valley Showdown and Wyatt Ranch Wanderer (name change from Grasslands Gallop). Riders that work at any of the Buckle Series Rides can apply the Worker Average Score for that ride.

There will be new Ride Managers for San Angelo- Cactus Two Step, and the Grassland Gallop is moving to the Wyatt Ranch (pending approval of paperwork from RMs -Bill and Annette Thurlow).  Greg and Leah, the former RMs of Concho Valley Showdown, we be hosting a ride on September 23/24 at a new venue. Details to be shared once they are finalized

When reading the following, keep in mind your CLASS is adult, senior or junior.  Your DIVISION is Tenderfoot, Maverick or Horseman.

As of now, to qualify for year end in 2023, you will need to RIDE 7 rides (days) – (50% of rides). Completion of 10 ride days makes you eligible for Champion and Reserve in your combined classes (adult and senior) division.

Yearend HORSE Awards…clarification from Rulebook and will be edited for 2023…the Champion, Green, Working and Seasoned horse will have their top 35% of total completed rides for the year compiled.

All riders will display their numbers on their horse, whether it be painted, or a hard copy hung on your saddle.  Even though we now are supposed to announce if there is a hidden obstacle at rides, numbering your horse guarantees identification and comes in handy in a loose horse situation.

While Karen has served as a judge, ride manager and mentor, she relayed at the general meeting that she has a brand-new appreciation for the amount of hours that go into making TTCC, now that she is on the board.  She especially wanted to share her gratitude for the tremendous amount of time and energy Kate has put in as President.  For that we are all very grateful.

There was talk about the possibility of ride meetings and/or learning moments being videoed, so those who arrive late can play catch up.  This of course would require a volunteer.

OTHER NEWS

Ann Stacy is your new President and Tiffany Janke is your new Treasurer.

Ride results in the future will be posted, along with obstacles from the ride. The existing definition of “Member in Good Standing” was passed.  Calendar tees will continue to be a fundraiser for the club.  Terms of office will now be 3 years. The following are comments/responses from ballots.

IF I ALREADY WORK A RIDE DO I HAVE TO VOLUNTEER? No.

I PREFER NO MANDATORY VOLUNTEERING. PERHAPS RMs NEEDING VOLUNTEERS COULD REACH OUT ON FB, SO CLUB KNOWS THEIR NEEDS.  MORE HIDDEN JUDGES TO MOVE RIDE ALONG, COULD ALSO EVALUATE TRAIL ETIQUETTE. AND A HUGE THANK YOU TO KATE AND THE BOARD FOR A GREAT YEAR OF RIDES AND FELLOWSHIP.  FB has not always worked, as people commit then don’t show due to whatever, weather, etc. There are many ways to volunteer…committees, help at a ride in camp or w judge, mentor new riders.  It is mandatory to give back, but we aren’t tracking it.  Members know they are expected to volunteer, it is in their barn now to do so.

PLEASE CONSIDER CREATING 2 ONE DAY RIDES, IN SPRING AND FALL, WITH CLINIC ON THE SECOND DAY. We got several requests like this, have shared with Judges Director

I LIVE FULL TIME IN NM, IM NOT ABLE TO BE A MEMBER IN ‘GOOD STANDING’. I ENJOY THE TTCC FB BUT DON’T MEAN TO CLOG MEMBER ROSTER. A member in good standing is a requirement for people who want to take a bigger role in the club.  Being an out of state member is fine, you will probably never manage a ride or run for office.  It needed to be defined, in terms of requirements for further involvement.

THE STATE IS DEVELOPING AN EQUESTRIAN PARK IN PALO PINTO COUNTY, TO BE COMPETED IN 2023. I WAS TOLD THEY WANT INPUT FROM HORSE GROUPS FOR IDEAS, TRAILS, PENS ETC.  Bandera has been suggested, too.  Working with the State, if you don’t have an ‘in’, can be very challenging from our past experiences. That said, if you want to host a ride there talk to Karen Pantel,Ride Dir.

I THINK YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO BE AN HONORARY MEMBER AND NOT HAVE TO RIDE, VOLUNTEER, ETC, BUT STILL GET THE NEWSLETTERS ETC. MAYBE NOT BE ABLE TO VOTE.  I ALSO THINK RIDE SECRETARIES SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY MEMBER FEES. SOME SECRETARIES DON’T COMPETE. Membership is 30.00/year.  Secretaries make a minimum of 300.00 per ride, and are expected to be dues paying members.

HOW ABOUT A RULE THAT NO WHITE ROPES BE USED IN OBSTACLES.  I’VE HEARD IT IS A POLICY BUT THEY ARE STILL USED.  There is no rule against this.  Shared with Judges director.

OVER THE LAST YEAR, I HAVE BEEN ASKED NUMEROUS QUESTIONS THAT  ARE ANSWERED WITH VERY BASIC HORSEMANSHIP SKILLS.  I SUGGEST EITHER IN OUR SPRING/FALL CLINICS OR LEARNING MOMENTS…THESE NEED TO BE TAUGHT TO THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED.  IM HAPPY TO VOLUNTEER FOR THIS EXTRA CLINIC TIME.  The problem with have a horse centric learning moment, is that horses have just come off trail and are tired.  It is a lot of work to bring a horse for the weekend for a 10 minute Learning Moment.  This has been shared with Judges and Ride Directors.  Knot tying is a great idea!

AS AN IRON RIDER THIS YEAR I HAVE LOVED ALL THE VENUES.  I FEEL THAT ANY PLACE THAT HAS HOOKUPS SHOULD BE A LOTTERY SYSTEM. THE RIDES THAT HAD PARKING MARKED WITH FLAGS WERE A GREAT SET UP.  A SOUND SYSTEM AT MEETINGS IS BEST! I ALSO REALLY LIKE HAVING ONE MAP AND THEN REVERSING IT PLUS THE OBSTACLES MARKED ON THE MAP IS GREAT. We appreciate your remarks! Some places have many hookups, others few, and after RM’s reserve hookups for judges, photographer, secretaries and themselves, often there are only a few left.  They are Independent Producers that apply for and sign a sanction form that states they will follow our rule book.   While it is an interesting suggestion, dictating how parking and sites are assigned is not something the Club is going to regulate.

SO MUCH CONFUSION IN MEMBERSHIP DURING SHOUT OUTS.  AS THE JUDGE SPEAKS, CLARIFY THAT THEY ARE GIVING A SHOUT OUT FOR “X”, EITHER A STELLAR PERFORMANCE OR A GOOD TRY ETC.  WE OFTEN DON’T KNOW WHAT ACTUALLY THE SHOUT OUT WAS GIVEN FOR The Board agrees shout outs have gotten confusing.  Greg Dial has begun having all shoutouts go through the Senior Judge.  A little history…they were started as a way to recognize a Rider’s commitment to hard work or for the person who got lost on the trail and recovered or ?? That was back before we were a club.  They are fun but do need to be reined in.

NOT TRYING TO SCARE YOU, BUT ALL OF OYOU DESERVE A BIG KISS!  THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE! IF YOU EVER NEED ANY HELP, IM HAPPY TO ASSIST!  We ain’t scared! But we do not know who you are, voting is anonymous.  However, if someone grabs me and kisses me, I will assume it is you and give you a job.

“PAID IN FULL” NEEDS A TIME FRAME SUCH AS JAN 1 People join the club all year round, and most pay at Celebration or at their first competition for the year, so not practical.

HOST CLINICS ON WEEKENDS WITHOUT A RIDE SO WORKING FOLK AND FAMILIES WITH SCHOOLKIDS CAN ATTEND. YOUTH RIDE FREE AS LONG AS A PAYING PARENT IS WITH THEM, COSTS ADD UP FOR FAMILIES. YOUTH RIDERS COULD BE COVERED THROUGH CELEBRATION FUND, IN LIEU OF PAYING FOR MEMBERS MEALS AT CELEBRATION.  THIS COULD BE REASSESSED IF YOUTH RIDERS INCREASE IN NUMBER AND PERHAPS BE CHARGED A NOMINAL FEE.  FOR LATE ARRIVALS/FAMILIES WHO WORK, MAYBE PERTINENT INFO COULD BE SENT OUT BY SECRETARY 3 DAYS IN ADVANCE (MAPS, AGENDA, RELEASE FORMS, UPLOADED COGGINS AND MAYBE RIDE MEETING NOTES, SO NO IMPORTANT INFO IS MISSED PRIOR TO START OF RIDE.  We have a youth weekend/clinic and Member clinic combo on the books.  Money collected each year must be spent within that year on the people it came from.  We do not carry a balance year to year.  Celebration monies are based on what is left in the account. That said, a few rides have a ‘Children Ride Free’ with paid adult, Rocky Road is one example.  As mentioned above, RM’s are Independent Producers, to do so is at their discretion.  Club cannot mandate this, because the club makes 7.00 per rider per ride, membership fees, raffle money and sponsorships.  It would be impossible to guarantee the Club could always cover the cost of children.  Great idea about the early sending for maps, etc.

REGARDING WEBSITE/FACEBOOK, AFTER LISTENING TO GAYNA, I TEND TO AGREE.  IT SHOULD NOT BE NECESSARY TO JOIN A SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM TO RECEIVE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CLUB/RIDES.  AN ADDITIONAL ‘ANNOUNCEMENTS’ TAB COULD BE ADDED TO THE SEB PAGE FOR PEOPLE TO LOG IN AND READ.  THIS COULD EASILY BE UPDATED BY THE PRESIDENT OR ANOTHER BOARD MEMBER.  RM’S COULD GIVE THEM THE INFORMATION OR BE ABLE TO LOG IN AND ADD IT THEMSELVES.  Good idea, the next administration can follow up.

ONE LAST NOTE FROM MEMBERSHIP MEETING…

General meetings are a place where those not on the board may ask for a place on the agenda to bring up a topic, with time limitations of course. In an effort to disperse information to ALL dues paying members who have a valid e mail,  I have taken the job of Newsletter Editor. While Facebook is a quick and easy fix for getting information out, it excludes those who do not FB.  We are working on remedying this situation, so stay tuned!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

What do Thanksgiving Day and a newly designed ride map have in common?  Both are started from scratch, require days to weeks of advance planning, earnestly prepared with guests in mind, and are consumed within a matter of hours.  As my mother used to say, don’t rush, enjoy (dine) and savor being together.  In other words, TAKE YOUR TIME, we’ve much to be thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving all, Gayna