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

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Wow, those of you that didn’t get to the Reunion, you guys missed a fantastic SFTR weekend at Picayune State Forest! The weekend was cool and breezy. The trails, although a little dry, were great. The camaraderie was phenomenal. Everyone had a wonderful time. The campfires at night, the entertainment, the jokes pulled on people and more. I don’t think anyone wants Augie to trail boss a ride there again though. :-) He had riders dropping left and right on the long rides. I think our trail riders like short, slow rides the best. A lot of people rode on their own and as far as I know, no-one got lost and I don’t think we had any rough riders either. All in all it was a super weekend. We will get a detailed article and pictures in the next newsletter.
           
I can’t thank people enough for all the help I had putting on the Reunion. Everyone jumped in and did what needed to be done at Picayune and I really appreciate your efforts! I can’t wait to see what another 5 years brings.
           
I attended the Phil’s Berry Ride and rode from my house to Sandy’s down the busway with Augie & Linda. It was a great ride to Phil’s. Sandy had picked a good route and had some real nice back trails I didn’t know about. The shakes & hot chocolate were good and Phil had hot food for us to buy also as it was chilly outside.
           
I had an impromptu Chili Ride from my house as the Trailer Rodeo fell though. We had a great 4 hour ride along the Greenways by Black Point Marina and back thru some tree farms. Great chili, great people to ride with.
           
We are in the process of contacting members for the SFTR Nominations. I  hope you accepted your nomination for office. We need you to continue the efforts of our club. Our club is the strongest in Florida by numbers and we hope to keep it that way. People come up to me and say that we do so many events that it is hard for them to choose what they can do and they want to do it all! We have people joining from all over Florida just because of our trail rides, camping, website and our Facebook page. It is great that we are that well liked as a club.
           
We have one last Va. Key Beach ride coming up on May 4th. I hope you all get in on the action now that we are finally back on the beach. It has been over 10 years since we were able to ride on this beach. Augie & I have worked very hard to have this happen again. We have a large area to park and picnic with a short ride to the beach area. You can also picnic on the beach as it has a few picnic tables by the water.
           
The Black Creek Trail System is almost complete. The County put a nice asphalt walk way from Larry & Penny Thompson Park all the way to Black Point Park. Eventually it will have grass along side of the walk for us to ride but we ride it anyways! This trail is planned to continue to Biscayne National Park with lookouts to the water. This means we will have this multi-use trail available to us. I plan on bicycling the whole path soon and hopefully horseback ride it soon too!
See you on the trail. Andrea Sante
           

NOMINATIONS

PRESIDENT
Mike Maldonado

VICE PRESIDENT
Wayne Hershberger

TREASURER
Julie Gonzalez

BOARD
Debbie Brunson
Richard Dunmoyer
Sandy Fobb
Bonny George Jr.
Carrie Hershberger
Amaris Hess
Wendy Lewit
Vicky Maitland
Willie Perez
Jackie Suarez

If you see your name here and do not want to run, please contact Andrea or Wendy OR if you would like to run for a position please call us.

VOTING WILL BE AT THE MAY MEETING.

Contact: Andrea Sante (305) 258-7780 or pasocorto@aol.com
Wendy Lewit (305) 248-4858 or wlewit52@aol.com 

 

PHIL’S BERRY RIDE
           
The day was cold and cloudy. Twelve riders set out from the Fobb farm. Only two returned. Northwest we rode, through avocado groves and alongside country roads. The gang turned back east, riding canal side and bushwacking through tall cane grass.
           
All twelve riders arrived at our destination, Phil’s Berry Farm, after about two hours of riding. Hot food and cold milkshakes awaited us. We tied our mounts and enjoyed our meal and then the gang split up.        Some rode east, some rode west. Only one rider remained by my side as we turned toward home. This was one of our newest members, Sue Campbell, riding her pretty paint mare, Jasmine.
           
We hope they will join us for many more rides . This was a nice ride and Phil’s had some good food and a nice spot to eat and rest. I think we’ll do this one again ! Sandy Fobb

 

SUNSHINE REPORT

A Sympathy Card was sent to Lulu & Zack Franklin for the passing of Lulu’s mother.

And for those who camp know Debi & Craig’s Great Dane, Crissey, who was humanely euthanized due to renal failure.

Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sunshine Committee

 

DETERMINING the WEIGHT of YOUR HORSE …or MULE !

You need a fairly accurate weight of your horse for several reasons such as: dosing medications, worming treatments, monitoring weight gains/losses for health reasons, feed or supplement measurements, and more.
           
The most accurate way to get the correct weight on your horse is to use a calibrated weight scale.  Most of us do not have a scale to use so we depend on other methods. The method most often used is a height and weight tape, which is used to measure the heart girth (around the horse's body at the withers). This tape does not take body length into consideration and we all know that a tall horse can be short backed and a short horse can have a long body.  There are also different tapes specifically for ponies, horses, and drafts.
           
Another way to get an estimated weight on your horse if you do not have a scale is the method shown below. This method is a little more complicated, but results have been found to be closer to the horse’s actual weight.
           
First, measure your horse’s heart girth in inches. This would be from the base of the withers around the belly a few inches behind the front legs and up the other side to meet the tape at the withers. The tape should run at an angle, as shown on Molly.  Molly’s heart girth measures 80 inches.

Measure your horse's body length in inches.  Measure from the point of the shoulder to the point of the hip. The tape should run at an angle as shown on Molly.  Molly’s body length measures 68 inches.

Multiply the heart girth by the heart girth       
80 x 80 = 6400
Multiply the above result by the body length  
6400 x 68 = 435200
Divide the result by 300, then add 50          
435200/300 =1450 + 50 = 1500 lbs

Use the internet address below for a short video on how to get a weight estimate on your horse. It also contains a calculator so you can just fill in the numbers and get the weight results.
http://www.thehorse.com/Tool/Weight-Calculator.aspx

Note that using either method gives you an estimate.  If you need an accurate weight you must use a scale.
Susan Boyd

 

CHILI RIDE

Beautiful day for a ride. We had a total of 12 riders. We left on time and met up with AnnLouise. We were riding down the canal when I get a phone call from Ciro. He thought the ride started later. He & Laida caught up with us pretty quickly.
           
We rode the loop that takes us thru a mitigation area near Black Point Marina. A few people spotted a Bald Eagle flying above. It was beautiful. I scared a 2 foot alligator out of the grass and it jumped into the canal, then it turned around in the water and looked up at us. It was funny, it was like he was saying “Who are you guys??” Then Augie spotted the big momma alligator on the other side of the bank. She didn’t stick around too long and thrashed into the water.
           
We rode by the north side of Mt. Trashmore, then stopped for a 15 minute break to eat some snacks. Crossed over the road into some tree farms, then along side the turnpike and out onto 248 st and back home. The ride was excellent and everyone had a great time.
           
We arrived home to hot chili, and thanks to Wendy we had fresh rice too! Lots of side dishes to eat and we got to see Ben’s new pickup truck.
           
Hope to see you all on the trail again soon.
Andrea Sante

 

6TH ANNUAL MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURE, HORSE AND CATTLE SHOW
By: Manny Alvarez
redlandtrail@aol.com
(305) 469-1742

Once again the SFTR have been invited to perform in the Miami International Agriculture, Horse and Cattle Show. This year the show will take place on April 12, 13, and 14.  Our performance will take place on Sunday April 14 at 12 Noon. Meet in the warm- up arena outside the main covered arena, ready to ride and in full gear no later than 11:00 AM.
           
We will be the Grand Entry group kicking- off the horse activities for the day. That will include the Presentation of the Colors and leading the audience in the invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, and National Anthem.  This year for the first time the SFTR Parade Unit will be joining us. They will carry the flags for the opening ceremonies and will be in formal parade uniform and tack.  All other riders will dress cowboy/cowgirl. Helmets can be worn in lieu of cowboy hats, and all riders 16 or younger must wear a strapped helmet as required by the State Statutes.
           
Our “Tribute to the American Cowboy” is a crowd favorite. They enjoy watching the horses in western tack and accessories such as ropes, whips, saddlebags, wild rags (scarfs), chaps, spurs, canteens, vests, etc. Go through your closets and tack rooms and bring any such accessories you may have at home. A mounted shooting demonstration will be part of our performance.
           
Ruben Abella, the Horse Shows coordinator for the Cattle Show, has informed me that the Cattle Show will donate $500 to the SFTR for our participation, so it’s important we have a good turn-out.
           
I will supply you with more details, such as where to park, which gate to enter, i.d. bracelets, and a release form to sign, etc. You must also bring your current Coggins.  Agriculture Dept. inspectors will be on hand, and in the past they have turned back horses without Coggins.
           
Contact me if you can join us. If you are part of the Parade Unit contact Richard or JoAnn to let them know you are coming and for any special instructions. This show is always a lot of fun and you are welcomed to stay after our performance and see the other events such as jousting (Medieval Times), cutting, reining, Andalusian Horses, Paso Fino Exhibits, Wild West shoot-out, Wellington Polo Exhibit, plus the cattle and agricultural exhibits.

 

WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH TROPICAL PARK EQUESTRIAN CENTER?

Dear South Florida Trail Riders,
I just wanted to write a few lines to update you on the Ronald Reagan Equestrian Center Council. (RRECC) As many of you already know, the County Commissioners approved the construction of two additional cover arenas for the equestrian Center.

This achievement came about through the efforts of a group of Horse enthusiasts, horse owners and horse club members throughout Miami-Dade County. Two of the most influential members of that particular effort are Trail Rider members, Manny Alvarez and Ruben Abella.

The RRECC was formed with the idea that each Horse Club in Miami-Dade County and the Horse related Industry, could benefit by having a truly Competitive Equestrian facility right in the heart of town. Once the facility is completed in mid-September, it will allow major Horse Shows and activities ( including other animal shows ) The Equestrian Center will be inaugurated with the Paso Fino Mundial in early October of this year. The Mundial is one of the most prestigious Horse Show in the Country, and the Premier Paso Fino Show in the World, representing twelve countries and over 800 of the best Paso Fino horses anywhere.

The RRECC created four committees with the purpose of advising and promoting the facility and thus make it a profitable center, with the further idea to keep improving it and making it a World Class Facility, where ALL Horse Shows from all Horse disciplines could use the facility for their particular shows. We, the Miami-Dade horse community should be very proud to accomplish this effort, especially during the difficult economic times of late. Congratulations to all of you!!!

Please let us know of ANY ideas you may have as to promote and enhance our Center, we will welcome them and see if they can be of value. I will be updating the Trail Riders ( I am proud to be a 25 year member and past Board member and receiver of your " Galloper Award!)

Yours Sincerely,
Ruben Abella
RRECC Chairperson

 

GLADES TO BAY
           
Our Glades to Bay Adventure began with a quiet stillness, heading into the fog filled Everglades.  The trailer ride over to Glenn Garrett Memorial Park was just an added bonus. The countryside was covered with a blanket that the sun could barely break through.  When we reached our starting point, a beautiful hammock that deceived with a bit of muddy muck, a taste of the Everglades, horses were saddled and riders and trailers had already begun to be shuffled to the halfway point of the Homestead Rodeo Grounds.  The sun continued to push through the mist and soon we were all ready to begin our journey from the Everglades to Biscayne Bay.
           
We headed East on Ingraham Highway and then our journey truly began.  We were a group of about 25 riders headed into the Homestead countryside.  Our landscape was beautiful rows of future crops and the grins of farmers probably praying that we wouldn’t damage any of their work.  They could breathe easy as it was a smooth ride through the fields.  However we did have one intense moment, when a U-turn was required as our fearless trail boss decided on a different course.  One of our youngest riders, at age eleven, and also my niece was riding her grandfather’s beautiful Paso Fino, Bud, was bumped and lost her seat and fell under her horse’s feet.  The oxygen was sucked out of the air as all who watched thought it was the end of this ride and might end in tragedy.  Amazingly, and perhaps the work of guardian angles, her horse skipped over her and her trusty helmet protected her.  She got to her feet with the help of her grandfather and uncle and continued the ride.  A true roughrider if I ever met one!
           
The rest of the ride was quiet, with the exception of picking up a mascot along the way, a black lab that stayed with us till the end.  And of course, with some moments of, only in Florida!  We rode down a canal which borders private property and as one looked over the fence we saw lions, tigers and bears; never a dull moment when riding with the South Florida Trail Riders!  After a couple of hours of riding, we soon reached the city of Homestead and the fun really started.  People started to come out of their homes and businesses and the smiles came out too.  It’s amazing how horses and the people who ride them can bring joy to so many by doing something they love. The police escort began here, since we would have to cross US1 to get to the rodeo grounds. Everyone survived the first day.
           
The next morning was equally beautiful and breezy.  We had a smaller group, which included our roughrider, Hannah Saavedra.  She was a bit achy but ready to go!  The ride was quiet as the people rubbed their eyes in disbelief.  Are those really horses? With a second look they realized they weren’t dreaming.   We were headed to the bay and we couldn’t have asked for a lovelier day.  The ride was slow and steady, and the sea was in the air.  After a few hours of riding on the canal, we reached the bay, and the horses seemed to enjoy getting in the water and cooling off.   We took a group picture (still smiling) to capture the moment of a journey that began with the River of Grass and ended with the salty Biscayne Bay!
P.S. The black lab did get home again, but of course, it was an adventure on its own!
Mayra Saavedra

 

PARADE TEAM NEWS
           
Hi everybody,
Just a short note on upcoming parade news…
 
March 31, 2013, Sunday – “YOUTH FAIR AGRICULTURE TENT”
The parade Team in full uniform will be presenting the colors, starting off the activities for the day starting at 2pm. Come by & see us.
 
April 14, 2013, Sunday – “THE SOUTH FLORIDA
CATTLE SHOW at Tropical Park Equestrian Center”
The Parade Team will be presenting the colors, again to start off the horse actives – time will be announced at a later date.
 
July 4, 2012, Thursday will start off the 2013-2014 Parade Season…Time & list of all Parades will be given out at a later day.
 
Again, we can always use additional members for the team and it doesn’t matter if the horse can carry a flag or not…All you need is the Parade uniform & tack.

We show off our horses & have lots of fun….So think about it….
Look forward to seeing everyone….
Richard & JoAnn Dunmoyer
richarddunmoyer@att.net
305-546-0994 cell
305-248-5820 residence

 

 

 

ANNUAL AUTISM RIDE APRIL 6
 By: Manny Alvarez

The SFTR Annual Autism Ride will take place this year on Saturday, April 6.  Registration will be at 9 AM and the group ride out at 10 AM. Trail Bosses for the ride will be Renee Reynolds and Sylvia Cruz-Alvarez. We will leave from Renee and Brian Reynolds’ Flying Horse Ranch, located at the corner of SW 154 Ave and 237 Street in the Redland. Renee’s beautiful and shady avocado grove was also the site of last year’s Kentucky Derby ride, and this year’s half way stop for the St. Jude’s Ride. There are some great trails near there that we will be riding.
           
Like all SFTR rides, there is no charge for attending the ride. Donations to the Villa Lyan School for Autistic and Special Needs Children are voluntary.  There is no minimum donation; however, those donating (or collecting) a minimum of $35 will receive a free BBQ lunch with all the trimmings, a beautiful commemorative bandana, in-store discounts at Robbie’s Feed Store and a free raffle ticket. 
           
We will be selling food and baked goods. Sodas and water will be free as usual.  Once again we will have an auction.  If you can donate any items that can be auctioned or raffled, please let us know. Villa Lyan is an I.R.S. approved 501 3 (C) nonprofit corporation and all donations are tax deductible. Make checks payable to Villa Lyan Inc.
           
Villa Lyan is a pioneer in Miami Dade County in the use of horses as part of their therapy protocol for children with autism. All the therapists involved in the Hippo-Therapy Program are certified by PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship). Since hippo-therapy is not covered by all insurance companies, your donation will benefit the horse therapy program for the children. All children are accepted regardless of economic situation.  Their mission is to make sure no child is turned away for lack of funds. The use of horses in treating autism and various types of special needs has been shown to enhance the quality of life for patients.
           
You can learn more by visiting our website at www.villalyan.org .We hope you can join us. Remember you can collect small donations from other people to reach the $35.  Prizes will be awarded to the top collectors.
Contact Sylvia for a collection sheet at 305-479-6640 or horsbuf@aol.com

 

 

 

SHOW US YOUR FAVORITE TRAILS
  
We are always looking for new places to ride down here in far south Fla, so why not show us YOUR local trails! 
           
Host a ride from your barn or favorite spot. Call Augie (305-582-1557) to select a date & time, and he can also assist you in planning the ride if you need help. You can supply food, have a bring-a-dish ride or no food at all (just a ride).  Your expenses for food/supplies are covered by the club up to $50 (receipts always required).  Anything other than food expenses must be submitted to the Board for prior approval.  Drinks and coolers are provided by the club.
           
Remember we are all friends out to enjoy the day on our horse or mule and riding in a new location is always fun. The ride can be short or long, through fields or the 'burbs...it's all good on horseback! 
           
So call and Trail Boss a ride that is convenient and familiar to you, and invite the rest of us to enjoy your trail too!

 

 

Va. Key Beach Ride
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Must arrive by 10:30AM to get in.
Horse pool if you can / We are limited to 35 trailers.
Please email pasocorto@aol.com for a registration form.

This will be out last beach ride. We are not sure when we will be able to schedule another beach ride. At the very closest would be November if we can get a date. No summer ride or permits at the beach because of turtle season. We hope to see you at the May ride. FILL your trailer as we are only allowed 35 trailers!! 

 

 

CLASSIFIED ADS

FOR SALE: 2 Reg. American Paint Horse colts. A CHANCE TO GROW YOUR OWN. Black & White 5 & 8 months. Peppy San Badger & Freckles Playboy line. Great Pedigree. $850 each; Reg. Paint 3 year old filly $1,500; More Great Looking Registered Paints and Quarter horses available, very well trained, gentle. Raul Ramos Cell 786-255-0948 21990 SW 207 Ave, MIAMI. JRRAMOS276@gmail.com

BOARDING: CBS Barn located on 15 acres, 12x12 matted stalls, 100 x 200 sand arena, Secure tack room, turnout daily, quality feed/hay. Call 305-216-9793 or email lettyborbolla@gmail.com

FOR LEASE: Incredible Paso Fino Mare, I am looking to have someone share her cost. Beautiful show mare, loads great and loves to trail ride. All around horse. Call 786-286-0617 to discuss options.

BOARDING: Full board, daily turnout - $400.00 per month. Please call Augie 305-582-1557.

FOR SALE: Several English saddles starting at $50 and 1 Paso saddle for $150 and a few Western saddles. I have some pictures on facebook and on craigslist.com. Mike Maldonado 305-331-7599.

FOR SALE: Crosby hunt saddle 15" Havana Brown. Well used condition, has a horse bite mark on the pommel. Sold with leathers and peacock stirrups. Would make a good lesson or spare saddle. $60 obo. Amaris 786-226-3963.

FOR SALE: Custom made Roll-a-Way Saddle Racks by Ben. $75.00 call 305-323-4328.

FOR SALE: RV 29ft Triple E Regency 2007 Ford V10 Gas, Generator, two slides, hitch, two tvs, Class B (entertainment center over cab) Satellite on roof, new tires. Only 12k miles. Asking $50,000.00 MarionAiello@aol.com or 305 509 0765.

FOR SALE: Super level headed 3 yr old Haflinger, GREAT on trails; Wintec western saddle and Pessoa jumping saddle. Call Christina 305-336-5706.

FOR LEASE:  9yr old Arab cross. Rockstar on the trails. Call Christina 305-336-5706.

BOARDING: Full/ Part Board. 12x12 matted stalls, Lighted Riding Arena, Quality Hay and Grain. Daily Day/Night turnout, big pastures. Caretaker lives on gated property. Contact: 305-794-1257.

FOR SALE/LEASE: 11 yr old 14.2H stocky Appaloosa Mare. Good trail horse, loves water, works good on cows, time & game, good ground manners, loads, bathes, no vices. UTD on everything. $3500 OBO. CONTACT: 305-794-1257.

WANTED: Barn for Four women with four geldings and two goats to lease. Have a barn in your backyard that you aren't using? Want some extra income? Contact Lynn 305-522-2244. Great references.

SERVICES: Post-holes or tree holes; 6", 9", or 24" holes- bush-hogging, land clearing, ponds dug, boulders carved, bobcat, backhoe & excavator service. Call Mike Williams (Joan's son) 305 281-4198 or Glen Novaro 305 219-8471.

FOR SALE: Rare Icelandic mare. Chestnut w/flaxen mane& tail. Registered and 5-gaited, almost 6 yrs, 13 hands, Green-broke. $5,500 Call Barbara 941-360-1810 or 305-299-9267.

FOR SALE: 2003 Classic 3 Horse Full LQ Trailer: Fully loaded super clean Gold Buckle Series, 10 ft SW, new tires, hyd.leg, mangers w/storage, hay rack, extra water tanks, rubber floor designed to last a lifetime, extra large awning, Honda quiet generator. All this for $23,000 obo. No smoke. Garage kept. This trailer will not be available for long. Walter 305 343-5262.

FOR SALE: Quarter Horses at Rancho del Cielo. Offering several horses for trail and competitive riding. Lynn & JC Vina. Call us 305-773-4022 JC 305-798-5882 Lynn or jvina@bellsouth.net or mlvina@bellsouth.net

SERVICES: Professional Pet/Equine/Property Sitter in the Homestead/Miami area. Daily and weekly packages. We handle vacations, long weekends, showing, etc. Loads of references. Call for more info. Vicky @ 786-619-7200.

BOARDING: Top Notch Stables, CBS barn, 12x12 matted stalls, Lighted Riding Ring, Covered Round Pen, Quality feed, hay 3 x’s day. Mon-Fri turnout, clean 2 x’s day, Caretakers on premises. Ann-louise 305-281-8996 or Joy 305-394-7866.