PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
What a great time we had at our reunion campout at Forever Florida!
It was the culminating activity for the club’s 30th year anniversary
celebration. Can you imagine seeing about ninety horses parading
down a trail in Florida’s natural ecosystem? That is what we
experienced at this campout. Frequent sightings of wildlife was a
pleasure. Thanks to everyone for attending and taking part in this
event. The raffle/silent auction was a great success. Thanks to all
who brought items and purchased items. A special thanks goes out
to those who organized this campout. It took a lot of work to pull
this together. Thanks to Andrea Sante and Nancy Krause for making
all the arrangements. Wendy Lewit did a great job setting up the
raffle/auction. Thanks to Mike and Deda for handling the merchandise
end of the campout. For those that I missed, I apologize, but thanks
to you also.
We need your help. I have always been told that you get out of something
whatever you put into it. Your help would be greatly appreciated
in trail bossing local rides. It seems that the same people always
step up to the plate to be the trail bosses. Their willingness is
very much appreciated, but getting more people involved would be
great. If you have a favorite riding area around your barn, please
step up and be a trail boss. You will even get a “trail boss” shirt
at the annual banquet.
Also at the banquet, new officers will be installed. Before the
voting takes place there has to be nominations. If you would like
to volunteer to hold an office in the club, please let Andrea Sante
know so your name can be added to the nominations. If you know someone
else that you want to nominate, give those names to Andrea also.
Then, when the opportunity to vote is available, please exercise
your right to vote. If you do not know the candidates, ask other
horse owners, veterinarians, farriers, friends, or anyone else who
may know the people. Try to find out something about the people who
operate the club.
Speaking of the banquet, it will be here before you know it. Now
is the time to make plans to attend. It will be the first weekend
in June. More details will be available in future newsletters. At
the time of this writing, there are only two camping trips left this
season. If you did not get an opportunity to go this season, please
plan to go next year. You will have a wonderful time.
See ya on the trails, Wayne Hershberger
NOMINATIONS 2008 - 2009
It’s that time of year when we need to accept nominations
for all of the Board. Available positions are President, Vice President,
Secretary (appointed), Treasurer and (7) Board of Directors.
Krause with their names. You can nominate as many people as you want.
We will contact each person and ask them if they would like to accept
their nomination.
You can always get your feet wet by being on the Board. The Board
makes all the decisions and listens to new ideas. It is a lot of
fun and you get to know a great group of people by keeping in touch
with the pulse of this organization.
In April we will list all the people who accepted their positions
and in May we will VOTE at our General Membership meeting. We will
have the Ballot box at one of the rides before the May meeting so
everyone will get the chance to vote. Please exercise that option
as these are the people who will be running your club.
Contact: Andrea Sante (305) 258-7780 or pasocorto@aol.com or
Nancy Krause (305) 248-7776 or outriden2@bellsouth.net
SOUTH FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS 30TH ANNIVERSARY CAMPOUT
The South Florida Trail Riders are 30 years old!! Can you believe
that?? I have been in this club for over 25 years and I still enjoy
the rides, camping, people and camaraderie of the club. This club
has seen it’s share of children grow up through the years,
births and sorry to say, passing of friends & family. 30 years
is a long time for a horse club.
We celebrated at a ranch in St. Cloud called Forever Florida. The
people at Forever Florida were very accommodating and did everything
they could to make our stay comfortable. They catered our dinners
which were excellent and you did not go hungry, put our lunch bags
together for the trail and even brought in extra portolets when they
had a plumbing issue with their bathrooms.
Trail Boss Joe kept everyone in line on the trail as much as you
can with 86 horses on Saturday! Sunday we had 60 horses in the long
ride group, I never did hear how many in the short ride group. Monday
was another nice ride to finish off the weekend. The rain never did
come in until later in the afternoon. We only had one “rough
rider,” Carol Lazzarino almost went 8 seconds with her horse
but then decided to hit the ground. She was ok and riding the next
day, thankfully. There were some real nice areas that we rode, through
a pretty creek area but most of the riding was out in the open woods.
Some members got to chase and round up some cows. This was a blast
to watch. We rode through other pastures full of cows and their newborn
babies and through a herd of Cracker horses. It was different riding
and learning about the background of why this ranch is here, it was
very interesting. Check it out at www.foreverflorida.org or http://www.floridaeco-safaris.com/
We had 49 rigs attend this campout and 105 people for dinner each
night. Peter, Wayne & Joe Cline set up a huge campfire for us
and that is where our entertainment began. Our entertainment on Sat
was Judge Nelson Bailey, who told stories about old Florida and it’s
Cracker history. On Sun we had Jerry Mincey and his friend playing
instruments and singing about old Florida stories and history. It
was very enjoyable and the weather cooperated beautifully.
The raffle and silent auction went very well, thanks to all the people
who donated items for it and thanks to Wendy for running the raffle.
We made $1200 from the raffle/auction. This raffle helps our overall
cost for the weekend. We are very happy with all the people that
attended and helped us out.
We had several members attend the reunion that have been in the club
since the “old” days. Beverly, Tom & Tim Spuckler,
Mollie “Lettieri” Zell, Woody & Kathie Charles, Becky
Swerdloff, Leah “Diamond” Fischer, Manny & Alan Alvarez,
Wendy Lewit, Andrea Sante, Debi “Catarineau” Priest & Augie
Saavedra. Most of these people have over 20 years in the club. It
was great seeing everyone riding together again.
Wendy Lewit, you all know her, was actually riding a horse the whole
weekend. She rode every ride we had. The Cracker mare’s name
was “Buckette.” She and Wendy got along great and Wendy
had a great weekend riding. Glad to see her back in the saddle.
I was sad to see the weekend come to a close. We took our last ride
out Monday morning and waved goodbye to everyone. It was nice seeing
all of our friends from the North. I wish all of you guys would camp
a little more regular. It is so nice to have everyone riding with
us! Andrea Sante
MESSAGE FROM VICE PRESIDENT
As I sit around listening to the radio and watching TV, I can’t
help but notice all the attention the elections are getting this
year. The arguments within the democratic parties and the fights
to come between the republican and democrats later in the year. The
great thing about this process unlike other countries is that we
may voice our opinions and vote for the candidate that we think will
best represent our interest and beliefs. What a great country we
live in. I know many times we forget how many privileges we enjoy
everyday because there are so many. Which brings me to my point.
This year as every year before we must vote for a new board. We will
also have the committee spots that we must fill in. If you know of
someone that might want to volunteer please nominate them for any
of the committee or board member spots. This could include dropping
your name in the hat as well. We will have someone contact the person
who you nominate and ask them if they would like to run for the position
that they were nominated for.
Please make every effort to vote in the coming elections both for
our country and especially our club. In the past years we’ve
had an increase in votes but 60 votes out of 300 plus members is
not a good turnout. But I guess we should not frown on about 20%
turnout.
If you feel that you do not want to sign your ballot in fear of hurting
someone’s feelings or that someone may criticize your vote,
don’t fear. You may give your unsigned vote sealed to a board
member at any of our collection events. They will check off your
name from the master list and no one will know how you voted.
Remember all members over the age of 12 may cast a vote. You will
see in the newsletter the names of the nominees. This will give you
time to decide on who to cast your vote for. But please do vote this
year.
If you have any questions please contact me or any of the board members
who will help you with your questions. I know many things in our
everyday lives sometimes distance us from the club, but what keeps
us all together is the love that we have for our four legged companions,
and the camaraderie and strong friendship that we have developed
in the past.
Hopefully, see yaw’l on the trails,
René Gomez V.P.
Classics at the Bay (Sun, sand, hawgs & horses)
Last month the club was invited to go to Homestead Bayfront park
to join in the car show, Classics at the Bay. There was a display
of Harleys and classic cars that we were invited to put on a horses
show on the beach. We were to put on display like Ribfest with the
added attraction of going up to our horses knees in the water.
About 14 horses and 18 people turned up and we had a great time,
showing off the various breeds, playing sand soccer and having a
jumping display. We played on the sand for about 2 hours and as it
looked like a storm coming up we went back to the trailers. Jose
and Maria had put together a great feast of pork and trimmings, as
usual the trail riders did not go home hungry.
Thanks to everyone who turned up. Kami and Ellen came in costume
or barding, Kelly and Anne Marie struggled to put up jumps and then
did a nice demonstration and Wendy did all the announcing in spite
of the nearby Judo display and of course great food by José and
Maria. Everyone else had a good time on the sand. Jacky Shaw
Miami International Agriculture & Cattle Show May 15-18, 2008
Ronald Reagan Equestrian Center at Tropical Park
7900 SW 40th Street
Friday, May 16 • Youth/Education Day
Tropical Park & Miami Dade County Youth Fair
Agri-business Lectures, MDC Youth Fair Tower Building
Educational Lectures, Product Vendors, Information Demonstrations,
Tropical Park
Dog Time Trial Event. Watch dogs compete in skill maneuvers and time
trial events.
Saturday, May 17 • Agriculture and Cattle Show
Tropical Park
Brangus Breed Cattle Judging, Equestrian Center Show Ring
Educational Lectures, Product Vendors, Info Demonstrations, Kids
Zone Area, Music Stage, Food & Beverage Vendors
Rodeo roper teaching kids rope tricks
Kids Salsa Show
Rodeo Demonstration, Equestrian Center Show Ring Watch our riders
prove themselves at various rodeo skills in our show ring
Skill Contest Compete for prizes in our Cow Chip Toss skill contest.
Don’t be afraid, our chips are completely sanitary. Even local
celebrities will get into the game.
Brahman Breed Cattle Judging, Equestrian Center show Ring.
Sunday, May 18 • Agriculture and Cattle Show
Tropical Park
All Beef Breed Cattle Judging, Equestrian Center Show Ring Watch
as all breeds of beef cattle from throughout Florida are judged for
cash awards
Rodeo roper teaching kids rope tricks
Educational Lectures, Product Vendors, Info Demonstrations, Kids
Zone Area, Music Stage, Food & Beverage Vendors Learn from our
sponsors and vendors the importance of the agri-business and livestock
raising. The Kids Zone will have free slides, rock wall climbing,
storytelling and face painting for the youngsters. Continuous musical
entertainment will be provided on the stage. Hayrides will be available
in the Kids Zone. Purchase arts, crafts, plants, food and beverages
from our product vendors.
Horse Show, Equestrian Center Show Ring See horses put through their
paces in competitive maneuvers and stylish activity.
http://www.miamidade.gov/cattle/entertain.asp
CAMPGROUND FAVORITES (Revisited!)
We had such a good time putting together the Broward South Florida
Trailrider's cookbook, Campground Favorites, several years ago, we
have decided to do it again. Our first home produced printing sold
out quickly, and we are still fielding requests for non-existent
copies. Rather than just do another printing of the original book,
we thought it would be more fun to solicit updated additional recipes,
pictures, and stories, so that those who missed out on the original
book could also be included.
We have recently had some truly memorable dishes at trail rides...Doris
Cline's "Chocolate Eclairs" at the Sebastian Buffer was
outstanding, for instance! We hope to get Doris to share that recipe
with us. So please send us favorite recipes you might have discovered
since the book's original printing, and also any pictures, stories,
etc. you might like included in the new book. Someone also asked
if she could "tweak" her original recipe before it is printed
again, and now is a good time to do that. Just let me know the corrections
to make.
We could also use a photo for the cover which hopefully depicts some
aspect of our group horse-camping or trail riding. So get those cameras
out and get clicking!
So, get busy and send me the recipes, etc. you want included. This
is your window of opportunity to be included in YOUR new updated
cookbook, and it won't be open for long! We want to hear from you.
E-mail or mail your recipes, pictures, stories etc to:
Trudy Hatfield (Dade & Broward member)
4401 SE 134th Ave.
Okeechobee, FL 34974
jimtrudy@earthlink.net
CLASSIFIED ADS
FOR SALE: 10 year old TB grey gelding. Experience rider only, can
only be ridden lightly. Excellent barn buddy, since he gets along
with everyone and every type of animal. $500 obo to a good home only.
If interested please call Fay at 305-979-6376.
FOR SALE: (Two) gaited horse saddles. 16" Black Tennessean
western endurance style, excellent shape. 16" Brown western
style Shenandoah, nearly new, $350 each. (863) 467-6361 home, (863)
236-0185 cell.
FOR SALE: 2000 AQHA sorrel gelding. Knows the basics. Would make
an awesome Hunter/Jumper. Big smooth gaits. 15.2 hh Paul 239-290-7950.
BOARDING: Stalls available in Homestead. Arena, trails, lots of
turn-out, attentive care. Inside stalls for $325, stalls with runs
for $425. Includes bedding, quality hay, communal turn-out. Lessons,
training and other services available. Contact Kami (305)781-3882.
TRAINING: Announcing Kami's Colt Kindergarten; got a weanling who
needs manners? Having trouble separating mom and baby? Send the little
one to me for a good start. I'll teach them basics of leading, lunging,
handling, manners and socialization, and prepare them to be a good
and willing partner once they are ready to ride. Call (305)781-3882
or email kami@fastmail.fm
FOR SALE: Grey Appendix. Rides english or western, jumps, trail
rides, Parelli trained, sound, and mellow. See pics at www.CornerstoneHorseFarm.net.
Price negotiable. Call Sal 305-491-9234.
BREEDING STALLION AT STUD: 5 Year Old Andalusian (Guardiola Line)
in Miami area. Registered and Approved by Cria Caballar in Spain.
Gentle, Gray, Excellent Conformation. $1200.00 (Pure Breed) $700.00
Others. Call 786-586-6272.
ROOM MATE NEEDED: In Redland home on 5 acres. Everything included!
Call for details. 305-798-8920.
FOR SALE: COWBOY NEEDED for 11 yr old, chestnut quarter horse. This
horse is well trained & smart. He will test you at first trying
to buck you...get past that and you have a great horse! Call for
details...305-798-8920.
FOR SALE: Rosie, a cute and loveable miniature mule, is for sale.
Rosie can pull a cart or be a companion for a horse or pony. $800.
Call Mary Ann 305-975-3450 mfletche@med.miami.edu
FOR SALE: Registered APHA black/white Tobiano gelding - $4,000.
For more information, contact Jose - (305) 642-9306.
FOR RENT: 4 /2 with pool 2100sq ft. $1,800 a month. Whispering Pines,
in Cutler Bay with it own A elementary school. Very quiet community.
House has a 6' cherry hedge for privacy while taking a swim.. Pets
allowed. Very close to everything. Yard maintained once a month by
owner. Please contact Fe @ 305-979-6376 if interested.
FOR SALE: English Close Contact 16" saddle $300; 48" girth,
like new $50; Girls size 12 show jacket $50. Call Mayra 305-385-6851.
FOR SALE: 4/3 on 1.25 acres, best price in the Redland, $525,000.
236 St & 214 Ave. Please call Ciro 786-326-4599.
FOR SALE: 2001 Sooner, all aluminum 3 horse slant with living quarters.
Excellent condition. 8' short wall with all the extras. Asking $26,500.
786-253-2175.
FOR SALE: Reg. QH gelding. “Mr Peppy Rio” 15.1 hh, 11
years, sorrel w/ blaze. $3,200 obo. Julie 786-261-9020.
FOR SALE: 2007 Ford F-350 XLT sports package, 4 w/d dually truck,
11,200 miles, 6.0 turbo diesel, auto, ac, power all, tilt wheel,
cruise control ,am/fm/disc, leather power seats, red w/ black interior,
running boards, bed liner, towing package, GN hitch, like new. Blue
book retail value $42,080; private party value $37,390 - MUST SELL
$35,000; can arrange financing. CALL JUAN at 305-215-4125.
FOR SALE: Corral 8 panels, galvanized, 6 ft long 5 ft tall. Doesn't
tip over or be pulled inward. Used for camping. $275. Wood fence
panels, 8 ft wide 6 ft tall. $20 each or three for $55. WeatherBetta
Landa sheet $45. Michele 305-259-3222.
FOR SALE: "Classy" Black and White Paint Mare, 8 yrs.
clips, loads, trail rides, smooth trot, no vices $3500. Call 305-522-1407.