Horsetrailriders.com

A virtual riding club…

Less than 2 months until spring!  I have managed to log more ride time in January of 2006 and than I ever have in previous years!  This weather has been so accommodating! 

Speaking of saddle time, let me put on another hat.  As vice-chair of the Nebraska Horse Trails Committee, I am pleased to introduce the NHTC’s new riding program, Trail Time!  Based loosely on the individual breeds’ riding programs, it is our hopes that enrolling in Trail Time will give you that extra incentive needed to spend quality time with your horse. Whether in your pastures or down your road, in the arena or during competition, or doing my favorite thing, exploring the trails -- all of your saddle time is Trail Time! 

Trail Time will provide the NHTC with important data on recreational horse use in our state.  These statistics will be used to preserve our current riding resources and for the promotion of new trails!  Join now and you can record your hours all the way back to January 1, 2006!  Enrollment forms available on line (or click for online version).

Yes, there are awards!  Upon completion of the enrollment form & appropriate membership fee, you will receive a Trail Time jacket patch.  As you reach particular riding milestones, chevrons will be awarded.  In addition, there will be special awards for participation in NHTC trail events.  Recognition will be given on the Nebraska Horse Council web site and in the program at the Nebraska Horse Expo.  Log on to http://www.nebraskahorsecouncil.org/nhtc.htm for information on earning your Trail Time today!  (If you would like a brochure emailed to you, simply reply to this email and request Trail Time Brochure.)

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to attend a Heart in Your Hand Horsemanship clinic with Sherry Jarvis.  What a great way to spend a day!  I took my young mare, Windy, and she and I learned a lot about “being natural” from the ground to the saddle!  It wasn’t an easy journey for us.  Sherry had us take a step (or two or three) out of our comfort zone.  The principles she taught us this day can be taken back and used with not only my young horses, but my seasoned ones, too.  Sherry’s energy and spirit inspires me.  Check out Horse Events for her clinic schedule and watch for her at Expo! 

Thanks to all of you who rallied to keep the Rainwood Road entrance open to Cunningham Lake in Omaha.  Through your efforts and that of other trail users, the road will remain open & there will be other improvements to the park as well.  What a great demonstration of partnering for success!  If you haven’t had an opportunity to ride at this lake, put it on your list. 

Horse Expo is coming up March 10-12.  We are excited to have western artist, Lanie Frick as a presenter.  Lanie also designed the image on our T-shirts and what will be on our program cover.  T-shirts are available in advance at www.nebraskahorsecouncil.org/tshirts.htm.  Visit Lanie at her booth for an autograph!

Happy Trail,

Tammy

www.horsetrailriders.com