To see video of the SFTR Parades please click on this link.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

This club’s mission from the beginning was to promote dedicated trails and protected open green spaces where present and future generations of riders could ride their horses. We always fought for the best interests of all horse owners, not only club members. You would think that horse owners would join our club if for no other reason than to make sure we continue our efforts on behalf of the horse community. Many of you have friends that don’t join the club because they like to ride on their own. That’s ok. Next time you see them remind them that they do not have to attend our scheduled rides. Point out to them that by joining the South Florida Trail Riders they are helping to preserve and create more trails and open more public lands where they can ride on their own. I encourage all members to try to recruit at least one new member in the next 2 months.
           
Another activity we have embraced from day one is the prevention of animal abuse. While education is the best way to deal with this problem, sometimes legal and decisive measures must be taken to stop on going abuse. Over the years we have donated time and funds to work with several horse related charities. We have reached out to these organizations and many members devote countless hours working with groups such as the South Florida SPCA.  Last year the SPCA invited us to have a representative at their monthly board meetings and we designated a liaison for this position. We have worked closely with them in the issues pertaining to the horse thefts and slaughtering and we have also contributed to the reward fund.
           
We should never forget that the horse is what brought us together to start this club, and the welfare of the horse is our responsibility.  The horse is at the heart of this organization. That’s why over the years we have had zero tolerance to harsh and cruel equipment or training methods. In any trail ride we sponsor that goes unsaid. We are not against schooling or correcting a horse. However, we know the fine line between schooling and abuse. I’m happy to say that as a club we have some excellent and responsible horse owners and riders.
           
We will continue to work for the preservation of places to ride, and we will continue to be a voice for the horse.
           
The Saddle Up St. Jude’s Ride-a-Thon is coming up on Feb. 20. Please use the form in this newsletter or pick one up at the feed stores and collect as much money as you can. St. Jude’s is a great cause and I hope to see you there. Robbie’s is also offering 20% discount to people that collected sponsors.
           
We are continuing the Redland 100 with 2 rides and 1 makeup ride behind us. Come out and join us on a ride. These are history making rides as some of them are not usually open to horses.

Ride strong… on a well cared, happy and healthy horse.
Manny Alvarez
redlandtrail@aol.com

 

PHOTOS AT CLUB RIDES

If you see Bonny George taking photos at any of the rides, thank her!

She will make you a CD for $1 plus cost of mailing, unless you pick it up from her. Money will go towards a projector for the meetings.

Please take advantage of that while we have her as a photographer!

Bonny is doing a great job.
305-233-1897

 

FLYING HORSE RIDE

Brian and I purchased 5 acres of avocado grove in the Redlands this past summer.  It will eventually be our ranch.  Brian loves pirate stories, and The Flying Horse was a pirate ship.  Alas, our property is “The Flying Horse”.  The ride began from The Flying Horse.
           
What a beautiful day for a ride!  The weather was cool and sunny.  It had rained all day the day before so all 23 of us were ready to get out, including the horses. 
           
There was one llama, on fenced in property backing up to the canal bank, that we did not expect.  The llama was curious to see us, but most of our horses did not want to see him.  Samantha (Sam) Raulerson and Kelly Murphy were the first to come across him as they cantered out front.  Sam was on my horse, Shadow, who does not do foreign animals well.  She had to dismount, and good thing she did because when the llama moved again Shadow pulled the reins from her hand and flew backwards nearly ending up in  the canal; I heard a collective gasp from our group as we watched what was going on ahead.  Shadow then raced the canal bank to catch up with Indy, Kelly’s mount, who thought nothing of the llama due to recent exposure at Tally Ho farm.  Probably half of the riders dismounted to walk their horses past the llama.  Reggae pulled away from Jacky Shaw and ran to his forward herd also. 
           
We rode on to Whitney’s; tied up to the tie out posts and the trees, watered the horses, and enjoyed good food and fellowship.  Whitney’s owners are so accommodating to us and our horses.
           
Back at The Flying Horse, Brian had set up a feast for us with picnic tables,  chairs, and the works.  Life is good!
Renee Reynolds

 

Hampton Tract (Green Swamp East) Campout
February 12 thru 15
By Gail Dixon

The President’s Holiday weekend is a great time to go for a nice long 4 day campout and since I’m in both the Broward and Dade clubs, I’m trail bossing a campout for both clubs to attend. We’ll be heading north to Hampton Tract (Green Swamp East) from Fri Feb 12th through Mon Feb 15th.  It’s located north of Tampa and offers great riding and a nice campground.
   
Primitive camping, water for the horses, bring electric fences, portable paddocks, maverick ties or there are trees for tie-outs. There are picnic tables and grills scattered around the camping area. Riding is through lush oak hammocks on grassy two track trails and backs up to one of the State’s newest parks, Colt Creek. We’ll be riding over to there on Sat, so be sure to arrive on Fri.
   
Fri night after dinner, we’ll gather by the fire and make upsidedown pineapple cakes on the grill.  Please bring a clean empty tuna can for your personal cake.  I’ll bring the cake mix, pineapples, and frosting.  Sat night is the traditional covered dish dinner.  Please bring a dish to share, your own paper goods, utensils, and drinks.
    
Ride cost is $5.00 per person and will be used for the cakes, with any leftover funds going back to both clubs for their Trail Funds. Please be sure to RSVP to the trail boss, Gail Dixon @ (954) 464-5426 to get the gate code and permit.
    
Directions: Take US 27 North until you pass I4.  Pass McDonald’s, then turn left on Deen Still Rd, there is a traffic light here.  Take this road for 18.5 miles. Make sure at 18.5 miles you turn right as the road changes into Rock Ridge Rd and you don’t know it.  When you come upon a big curve to the left, slow down as you will make a tight turn and the entrance is straight ahead on the dirt road.  Camp is about ½ mile down on the left.  You’ll see the pavilion when you get to the turn. The lock on the gate must be pushed in before it will open with the combo.  It won’t lock until you spin the dial.

 

ST. JUDE’S RIDE-A-THON
FEBRUARY 20, 2010
SADDLE-UP AND MOVE 'EM OUT!

Yes, it's that time again!  Time to SADDLE-UP FOR ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL. 
           
We have another fun and worthwhile benefit ride scheduled for Saturday, February 20, 2010.  There's plenty of trailer parking @ Robbie’s Feed, 22390 SW 177 Ave., with registration beginning at 9:00AM and the ride moving out @ 10:00AM.  So grab a sponsor sheet, start collecting your donations and SADDLE-UP FOR THE CHILDREN! 
           
Did I mention the GREAT PERKS for having a great time for a great cause? Collect a minimum of $35; a Saddle-Up Lapel Pin and T-Shirt are yours! $75 a Baseball Cap, AND for $150 a Pommel Bag for your saddle! I say bring them all home! Did I mention the OTHER WONDERFUL PERKS for having a great time for a great cause? Once again,

Robbie's Feed has generously offered 20% off  (excluding feed)  for all ride participants donating a minimum of  $35. Did I mention the PRIZES for the top three money makers?!        

You could win a Coggins test &  Summer shots from Dr. Franklin's office, a $125 Gift Certificate from Robbie's Feed or a dinner for two at a popular restaurant!  So be a STAR and ink-in SADDLE-UP on this year’s calendar, collect all those checks from your sponsors and bring your appetite for a sandwich and soda after the ride - you'll need the extra energy for all that shopping!
           
Your efforts and generous spirit are appreciated even more during these difficult times.
           
Thank you! Augie & I look forward to seeing you there!!
Debi Catarineau-Priest      

 

ANDREA’S POLAR RIDE

My ride was supposed to be on Sat. Jan. 9th BUT what an awful day! Rain, wind and cold all day. So, we moved it to Sunday.
           
Sunday was beautiful although very cold. I woke up and it was 32 degrees with a wind chill of 25! Yuck! Ok, let’s see who shows up at 9:30 to ride.
           
Wouldn’t you know, Augie gets here at 9AM. I guess I will go saddle my horse now. First, I put on 3 layers of clothes to stay warm and hooded jacket that save my butt!
           
9:30 arrives and we have 7 riders! Can you believe that! It was about 35 when we left. The brave ones came from far. We had Ray & Ken from Key Largo, Walter & Mike from Broward, then it was Augie, Ciro & Andrea.
           
The ride was actually really beautiful. The clouds burned off and the sun came out to warm us up to a nice 48 degrees. We rode for 4 hours and 14.1 miles. This ride was also a make-up ride for the Redland 100.
           
We didn’t have a camera on the ride with us but when we got back Ken grabbed his out of the truck and took pictures of the “Polar group” Sorry you can’t really see who’s who but take a guess.
           
Everyone piled into my house while I put on water for hot chocolate and started grilling hot dogs. Debi & Craig brought the chili for the hot dogs. Carrie & Wayne also joined us after the ride.
           
We were so glad to get in the house after the ride. We had a great time warming up and socializing.
           
We also looked at Google earth to see where our next rides will be. This Redland 100 is going to be a lot of fun exploring different areas that we usually cannot ride.
Andrea Sante

 

Parade Team News
           
Our special thanks go out to all parade team members who participated in last Saturday’s Jr. Orange Bowl Parade and our sponsor “The Vettesmith” 
           
All members got to the parking/staging area on time (Jacky Shaw, kudos to you!!! LOL); everyone looked great in full parade gear and the horses were a hit with the audience. 
           
Considering that we had to be at the parking lot 3 hours before the parade started, the horses were very calm and it gave us members a chance to comingle and enjoy good eats. 
           
Thank you Denise B. for the delicious brisket, Wendy for the guacamole, Anne Marie for the cookies, and we also had other parade team members who brought other delicious home baked sweets.  
           
Darlene, thank you for providing your truck for this parade, and a special mention and thank you goes to Pedro (Emily’s dad) for volunteering to be our pooper scooper, and to his assistant, Edward. 
           
Finally, when we returned to the parking lot after the parade, Wayne and Carrie, Pedro, Esther, Maria all pitched in and helped Jose and I clean the parking area leaving no evidence that any horses had been there.  All of you guys made this parade a success!!!! THANK YOU.
           
Our next parade is the Homestead Rodeo Parade. All SFTR members are invited to join us. You must wear black pants, white long sleeve, collared shirt and a straw western hat. Your horse needs to have all dark tack, no bright colors.
           
Please contact Wendy if you plan on attending at 305-248-4858. You must have your parade outfit complete.
           
Sign up with the Parade Team now if you are interested in the parades.
           
There are 5 parades a year. We look awesome and want to continue this. We hope you and your friends will join up. If you like to show off your horse this is the event to do it.
           
It takes a while to get parade equipment, call Andrea if you need the equipment at 305-258-7780.
           
Call Maria or Jose Vidal at 305-642-9306 for a parade application package.

 

CLASSIFIED ADS

FOR SALE: SFTR has 2 new huge galvanized water troughs. They are 2’ deep and 8’ round. We are asking $100. You can use them for a fish pond, horse/cow water, etc. If you bought these new they would be $300. Please call Augie at 305-233-7927 to see them.

FOR SALE: Used metal GATES, rail-panel style, 3-12' long, 2-10' long, 1- 8', 1- 6', & 2-4' gates, $25 each, hinges included. (They are NOT corral panels.)  Call Liz 305-281-6166

WANTED: 3-wheeled adult bicycle.   Call Liz 305-281-6166.

BOARDING: 30/10 covered paddocks / full board $300 / part board $150. Lighted training arena, working round pen, very clean facility. Krome & 216 St. 786-286-0617 or 305-775-8028.

FOR SALE: Wintec 12” western youth saddle, black with a deep seat. Excellent condition, this is a great beginners saddle, $200 obo; Abetta cordura 17” square skirt, black western saddle in very nice condition, $175 obo. Call Kim @786-255-0740. 

FOR SALE: 2 horse, 7 ft. step up trailer, bumper pull, in VERY useable condition, excellent tires, NEW floor, plus floor mats! MUST see, if you are looking to not spend much on a trailer!! $800 or best offer  PH: 305-559-7868.

FOR SALE: Reg. Paso Fino bay mare. Super sweet, nice trail horse, 14.1 hands, $1,500.  www.whitestarfarms.com or 305-247-3211.

FOR SALE: Treadmill with computer and adjustable tension $75; Reinsman Bareback Pad Contour Tacky Back used once $45; Saddle: Tucker Endurance Gen II model 158 like new, hardly used $1,300  Michele 305-259-3222.  

WANTED: Maverick ground tie Michele 305-259-3222.

FOR SALE: Youth Roping Saddle, new, made by Ruffs Saddle in Altoona. $450.00. Call Chris 305-796-9107.

FOR SALE: 10-year old dark bay Paso Fino gelding.  A smooth moving pillow ride – he loves to go, go, go.  Call Sharon at 305 322-5153 or Charlene at 561-747-1984.

FOR SALE: 13-year old bay Paso Fino gelding.  Smooth ride, great disposition and easy keeper.  Call Sharon at 305 322-5153.

FOR SALE: Large canopy, with side screens.  NEW.  Never used. 10 x 20; Two boys bike in good shape. One Huffy, blue $20, One Pulse, red $20. Sold as is.  They have been hanging in the garage, tires may need air. Pam 305-242-9070.

TRAINING: January training special. SAVE $100 on a two month package for you and your horse. Learn to teach your horse to be light and supple. Together we will design a program to take you and your equine friend to the next level of horsemanship. For details call Sal Landa at  305-491-9234 or e-mail: horsetamer@bellsouth.net. Visit www.HorseTamerMinistry.org to see pics of recent activities.

BOARDING: turnout, leasing, instruction & horse training, sales, and transportation available. Redland Riding Academy 305-323-4038.

FOR SALE: Waterfront Home 4/2 1/2, double garage, Killian area,  on clean lake with dock & beach. $375K. Barbara (305) 380-7341.

FOR SALE: 3 - 5 acre parcels of  land at 365,000 obo each. On 197th Ave & 232nd St. Bishop Realty or 786-402-0376. Make offers!

BOARDING AVAILABLE: Two stalls with open paddocks available in the Redland.  Full or Part board. Call  Denise, 305-798-8920.

BOARDING: Redland Trails Ranch. Part board $120 month. Extra care available. Riding arena, round pen and turn out. Jim 305-798-5185 or Caren 786-382-5837.

FOR SALE: 2+ acres, horse ready home, 4 bedroom, 2 bath, large patio and garage. Call Debi @ 305-342-2248.  No calls past 9pm.

FOR SALE: Sunbeam Oster Variable Speed Clipmaster,  EXCELLENT condition, new blades. $150. (New $269) PH: 305-559-7868.

FOR SALE: English saddle, black, 18 inches, leather, with girth, stirrups, everything. Almost new, $250 OBO Contact (305) 282-2946.

FOR SALE: Reg. Paso Fino weanlings. 1-Chestnut colt, $1,500 and 1-Chestnut filly, $2,500. Both have excellent bloodlines. Colt will make a nice pleasure/trail horse, filly will be an awesome show horse. White Star Farms 305-247-3211 or www.whitestarfarms.com