“Look for a way to lift someone up. And if that’s all you do, that’s enough.” Elizabeth Lesser

What happened to the camper who swallowed a flashlight? He hiccuped with delight.

2017 Ride Schedule

Another great year for the Ontario Trail Riders. By the time that you receive this report the 2017 ride schedule will be all but a fond memory. So much going on in September and October. Contingents of OTRA riders including Otter Creek patron Sheila MacDonald, with first time Otter Creek riders Linda Fell and Kirsten Penney visited Otter Creek in September. Their visit was following and prior to Helmut Hitscherich and Ron Keeler’s visits. Helmut and Ron also visited trail riding friends in Michigan. I was happy to be in Ontario August 26 – 27. OTRA members Ruth Pugh and Brad VanSchaik were instrumental in the orchestration of The Great Trail Celebration, Dutton Dunwich Trans Canada Trail. Camping and weekend activities were held at the farm of Mel and Sophie Gowan, in Wallacetown. The nicest, most hospitable couple that you will ever meet. One of the best ride and camp weekends that I have ever attended. The decision to attend was made easy because Ruth Pugh was involved. Everything that she has a hand in is first class. Thank you to everyone connected The community spirit was everywhere. I told Ruth that I wanted to move there. Lol. Not an OTRA event but attended by several OTRA members was the Rockwood Trail Riders, 50th annual Trail Horse Trials. Riders maneuvered their horse through various obstacles located on the property, including water crossings. performance as well as on horsemanship, sportsmanship and fellowship. OTRA members have been very active this fall. If you visit the OTRA Facebook page you can read about the bridge on the blue trails at Mono Cliff Provincial Park. According to Jessica Puccia it has been changed and is completely non-horse friendly. A few OTRA members have enjoyed all that Algonquin has to offer in the fall. Ride and camp South Algonquin Trails, Sept. 22-Sept. 24. Algonquin Park (East) west of Whitney, ride and camp, Sept. 29 – Oct. 1. The last ride of the season was the Thanksgiving Ride and Camp, Oct. 6-Oct. 9th at Helmul Hitscherich’s. We do indeed have a lot to be thankful for. The fellowship and camaraderie was moving. Great time enjoyed by all.
Happy trails,
Lana English

October 12, 2017 a large group, including supporters for the Dufferin Forest unaffiliated Trail Riders , were in attendance at a Council Meeting in Orangeville. These Trail Riders were trying to reclaim the separate trail system in the Main Tract north of Mansfield. 100% of the prime single horseback trails were allotted without Recreation Plan compliance, to the cyclists. The unaffiliated group had six delegates. The cyclists had one, OCTRA had one- both supporting the current Plan, as they both sat on the Committee who created the original draft. We await answers from Council on what will be done about the breach of the Team Van-go Property Use Agreement with regards to the illegal use and promotion publicly of alcohol, forest damage and obstacles on cyclists trails, cyclist speed limits and posting of signage at over 40 critical intersections where single and multi track trails cross. Who will enforce? Many thanks to Elaine Weisner for presenting OTRA’s position. Ron Keeler Trail Development

Cowboy’s logic, “be sure to taste your words before you spit them out.”

Reading about the methods of identification for horses in IRMA’s path in Florida makes me think about how many of us ride with ID on our horses…..No not in our pockets and preferably not on a saddle. Telephone numbers are being painted on Florida horses backs for Id from a distance. Some write on their feet but I’d worry it would wash off. A good idea is to braid a dog tag style ID into your horses mane with your number. Halters are being removed as they cut into the horses face if caught. The photos are horrible. We rarely think we need these measures but tornadoes aren’t uncommon and it’s always good to be prepared. We also have heard about lost horses who run off with or without tack and not found for days here in Canada. I recall a horse tied to the trailer who spooked in the Dufferin lot and ran out towards Airport Road. It had broken the halter and was not found for hours. A frantic situation for that young lady. Always best to be prepared wherever we take our horses…..food for thought and prayers for our southern friends. Yvonne Taylor

Cowboy Code “if it’s not yours, DON’T TAKE IT. If it’s not true, DON’T SAY IT. If it’s not right, DON’T DO IT”