CTR trails of the past

Today I headed out with a couple of members of BCCTRA to explore some of the old trails in Spruston, just south of Nanaimo. Marci Leighton used to manage a CTR on these trails in the 1990's and Carolyn Grace, a newbie to the island - is keen to locate new trails to ride. It was a typical spring day - a bit cool in the shade - but it was great to get out. I thought bringing Marci would be an added bonus (besides the fact she is a hoot) because she'd have great knowledge of the trails. So, I didn't even turn on my GPS (not like me!). Turns out, we explored a bit and hit a few dead ends - and luckily Carolyn's phone directed us back to the trailers!

The Spruston Trails have lots of potential for equestrian use. Lynn de Vries, another BCCTRA member has spent hours in the past, according to Marci, clearing the trails in the area. I know Lynn is a big advocate of using or losing our trail systems - so get out and use these ones!

If folks want to get out to Spruston sometime - take Spruston Road off the main island highway south of Nanaimo. Stay left when it branches out and stop when you come to an old log sort, where you can turn around and park your trailer. There is lots of debris around from party crowds - so watch for glass. You can then head back a bit and start exploring from there. Here is a pdf map of the area if this helps - and our GPS was working fine too.

Ride managers workshop a success

On February 18 from 5 to 9, nine dedicated BCCTRA members met at Shelley Balme's place in Cobble Hill to discuss ride management. The group included some of the club's most experienced and new ride managers and a number of individuals that have helped out at past rides in various forms. We enjoyed the club's first great potluck of the year while we chatted about all sorts of topics.

The core of BCCTRA's activities is in the organization and hosting of competitive trail rides. Each year, a series of events is announced taking place all over the province. The willingness of ride managers to devote countless hours to host a ride is something we all need to continuously recognize. As Nancy Gourlay said at the meeting "it can be consuming"! But, as Barbara Smith pointed out very clearly at the event "there are numerous benefits to organizing a ride - it helps create and promote trails, it puts our club in the spotlight to land managers, and you get to meet and interact with so many BCCTRA members". Or as I found out when I first hosted a ride - I learned so much more about the sport as I had to study it from the inside out. It definately made me a stronger competitor. But the best part for me - was the fun of working together with people to mark trails, set up camp, put together ride packages over wine, and mingle at the site with a campfire and Dan Gogo singing to the riders.

The group at the meeting talked about lots of things like how we can promote the rides, build benefits for members, mark and map trails, take care of risk management issues, gain access to trails from property owners, secure sponsorship and come in on budget. There were plenty of great ideas shared and I am sure we will see many of these ideas put into practice this year.

This year the ride series is shaping up to look very strong - with four rides already announced for the island and two on the mainland. There are also a series of training rides to get folks out and about and to allow new members to learn more about the sport while riding. Check out the BCCTRA events calendar for more. If you ever want to learn more about what it takes to put on a ride - check out the ride manager manual on the BCCTRA site as well. And, think about getting together some of your buddies to host a new event!

And, when you are at the next ride - make sure to thank the ride managers and their volunteers for the time they put in to creating a great experience just for you. If we don't have these folks on board working hard behind the scenes - we won't have a sport and we'd lose access to the great trails they provide for equestrian users.

Thanks those who came last night and to Shelley Balme for hosting us at your place.

Presidents New Year Message

The year 2011 is drawing to a close and very soon families will be gathering, eggnog will be flowing, the tree will be up and all the lights and festivities of the season will begin.  It is also a time to reflect on the year we are leaving behind and the year that lies ahead.

When I look back on the year 2011, we as a club have had successes, not too many challenges and many reasons to be looking forward to the year 2012.  We hosted six CTR’s and one Pleasure Ride, we had two new Ride Managers (Kerri-Lynne Wilson & Nancy Gourlay) and two new Ride Sites (Morningstar - Parksville & Sunset - Kelowna).  We raised over $800 with 50/50 draws and raffles and we hosted a very successful Equine Educational Series in the Spring.  We had a moderately attended AGM and once again we had a booth at the Mane Event in Chilliwack.  Areas we can improve on are, educational and social events and your new Executive is already working on those issues and others to make the year 2012 a success.

We also lost some of our loved ones this past year, both human and furry.  My heart goes out to anyone who has suffered such a loss.  I like many lost one of my precious “fur friends” this past year and although it cannot be on the same scale as losing a human friend or partner, it is a loss.   My personal hope is that year 2012 will be a shinier year for all of us, one that treats us very well.

On a happier note, I am very excited that Joanne Schneider and Jo Hull-Sykes have stepped up to the position of Event Co-ordinators.  I know these fine ladies will source out many opportunities for us to promote and showcase our club and our sport throughout the province.  We have returning Directors and some new faces to the board and I look forward to their fresh ideas and enthusiasm as we move forward in 2012.  At this time I would like to thank those that are leaving our board Mary Carr, Kerri-Lynne Wilson and Karen Eigler, all of who have contributed many years service.  We will miss them on our monthly conference calls but look forward to seeing them on the trail, managing rides or at social events.

As we start a new year, I have asked all our board members to give a short bio about their lives as a way of introducing themselves.  Also, so you as members can come to know us and understand we are here to represent you, our members, and reiterate that your involvement in our club is critical to its success!

As I look forward to the year 2012, I have decided the song by Johnny Reid  “Today I’m gonna change the world” will become my new mantra, if you have never heard the song I encourage you to listen, the words are inspirational and I especially like the bagpipes must be my curling background!  From my home to yours, I wish all the best to you and your family during the holiday season and into the New Year.

2011 Year End Results

High Point Overall   

same horse & rider accumulated points ( score x level ridden)

1st Place -               Tammy Mercer   on WRA Dark Diablo  (2659)

2^nd Place -               Nicole Vaugeois   on El Nino (2592.5)

3rd Place –             Diane Prinsen   on Zinfandel Macho Dude (2238.5)

4th Place –             Kevin Gourlay   on Thunderbolt (2292)

5th Place –             Kylee Paull   on Veritaz  (1702)

6^th Place –               Del Lenk   on Lyndales Bambaya (1666)

7^th Place – Jo Hull-Sykes   on Maverick (1656)

8^th Place – Lori Bezwa   on Trubadors Al Jazaan (1629)

9^th Place – Nicola Maughn   on Bart (1442.5)

10^th Place - Katie Schoor   on Cody (1171)

High Point Heavy Weight Division

same horse & rider accumulated points ( score plus mileage  x level ridden)

1st Place - Diane Prinsen   on Zinfandel Macho Dude (2522.55)

2^nd Place -   Tammy Mercer   on WRA Dark Diablo  (2295.2)

3^rd Place - Del Lenk   on Lyndales Bambaya (1818)

4^th Place - Jo Hull-Sykes   on Maverick (1795)

5^th Place - Blane Hill    on KF Firenaska (1254)

6^th Place - Lisa Beeston   on Renovare Billy Lady Wies (1177)

7^th Place - Debbie Cole   on Awesome Dean (1148.5)

8^th Place - Christina Young   on JMV Maestro UB (912.5)

9^th Place - Nellie Roukema   on Rhythm Bay (880.05)

10^th Place - Heather Bradshaw   on H Thunder ‘n Lightning (643.2)

High Point Light Weight Division

same horse & rider accumulated points ( score plus mileage  x level ridden)

1st Place – Nicole Vaugeois   on El Nino (2866.7)

2^nd Place – Lori Bezwa   on Trubadors Al Jazaan (1861.05)

3^rd Place – Kylee Paull   on Veritaz (1861)

4^th Place – Nicola Maugh   on Bart (1614.55)

5^th Place – Miki Dekel   on Kool Hand Luke (1149.05)

6^th Place – Ann Mackay   on Dante (1015.05)

7^th Place – Joanne Macaluso   on Cinco (991.05)

8^th Place – June Melhish   on White Sox Victor (967.05)

9^th Place – Phyllis Payne   on Northern Flaire (623.5)

10^th Place – Bev Lewis   on Kira (618.5)

 

High Point Junior Weight Division

same horse & rider accumulated points ( score plus mileage  x level ridden)

1st Place –                Kevin Gourlay   on Thunderbolt (2505)

2^nd Place –                Katie Schoor   on Cody (1271)

Mileage Awards

1,000 miles                        Bruce Christison  

500 miles                           Phyllis Payne & Nicole Vaugeois

300 miles                             Katie Schoor,  Kerri-Lynne Wilson & Lynn De Vries

250 miles                             Jo Hull-Sykes

100 miles                             Debbie Cole, Joni Dewitt , Kevin Gourlay,  Nicola      Maughn, Kylee Paull   and  Diane Prinsen,

Lil Schmidt High Mileage Award

 Tammy Mercer and Nicole Vaugeios  (each with 117.6  miles)

Gordon Sydney Memorial Award  Nicole Vaugeois 

Volunteer of the Year  Barb Smith

Sportsperson of the Year  Joanne Macaluso

Rookie of the Year Award  Kylee Paull

BREED HIGH POINT AWARDS:

APPALOOSA: Kool Hand Luke   owned by Miki Dekel (1056.75)

ARABIAN: WRA Dark Diablo  owned by Tammy Mercer  (2659)

PART-BRED ARABIAN: KF Firenaska   owned by Blane Hill (1144)

CANADIAN: Renovare Billy Lady Wies   owned by Lisa Beeston (1090)

MORGAN: JMV Maestro UB   owned by Christina Young (1135)

MORAB: no horse eligible

GAITED: no horse eligible

GRADE: El Nino    owned by Nicole Vaugeois (2592.5)

QUARTER-HORSE: Zinfandel Macho Dude   owned by Diane Prinsen (2238.5)

Competitive Trail Ride of the Year

(Tied)   Morningstar  and  Sasquatch Scurry

Senior Horse of the Year Award

No nomination submitted

Combined Mileage Incentive Award

Lori Bewza  

Best Young Horse of the Year Award

 WRA Dark Diablo    owned by Tammy Mercer

The Sasquatch Scurry—submitted by Karen Eigler

The Sasquatch Scurry Competitive Trail Ride was recently held at John and Karen Eigler’s farm in the Dove Creek area.  On October 1^st and 2^nd, twenty three riders participated in this event, many travelling up from Nanaimo and Victoria, and several riders from the Comox Valley.  The trails selected, were easy, well-groomed and well marked making this CTR a welcome competition for the end of the season and for those who are just beginning to learn about the sport of competitive trail.  The ride, Sasquatch Scurry is named after their rides mascot, a small stuffy Sasquatch, that likes to hide somewhere on the trail during the competition.  Not only does the rider need to concentrate on the marked trail they are following, but they must keep their eyes peeled to find the elusive little Yeti and report back to the Eigler’s on his whereabouts and other specific details.  Adding some fun and humour into this event is a great way to enhance the already popular sport of competitive trail riding.

The competitive trail ride is a sanctioned event of BC Competitive Trail Riders’ Association, and is a non-profit equine sport.  At each BC ride, the top six riders in each level and weight division receive a beautiful rosette ribbon.  In addition to ribbons, CTR Ride Managers, generally try to have special prizes for all their riders and this is why they appreciate the support of local business’ that donate items for the prize table, or help by giving store discounts towards quantities of specific items.  The Sasquatch Scurry is no different, and the Eigler’s are very thankful for their sponsor’s at South Country Feed, Brazen Sportswear/Hitec Printing, The Dollar Store, Shar-Kare, Curves For Women, Christy’s Saddlebags Consignment, and Zellers’.  Thanks to the many volunteers and especially our vets for their time, Dr. Peter Parke, Dr. Yaela Gluesteen and Dr. Caroline Horsley.  Thanks also to the neighbouring landowners and CV Regional District for allowing the riders to use specific trails for this event. For more information on competitive trail rides and events planned for 2012, riders should keep checking the BCCTRA website at www.bcctra.ca or contact their BCCTRA Area Director for more details.

The Unsung Heros by Lynn de Vries

Trails are the main stay of our very existence as trail riders. If you are luck like I am, you will have a dedicated trail volunteer in your area. If you ride the areas of Grace Road in Chemainus, Spruston Road in Nanaimo, or Copper Canyon, more than likely you are riding on trails that have been kept open by Bruce Christison. I first met Bruce way back in the early 90’s  where we both competed in competitive trail.  I fell I love with the riding areas of Grace Road/Chemainus River and I would marvel at the dedication Bruce put into trail maintenance - all volunteer.

A couple of years ago, when Bruce no longer had a horse, he would still dedicate his time to ensuring the trails were open. It pretty well broke my heart to see some of the trails get bushier and some vanish all together. So, two years ago,  with two good horses of my own, I offered Bruce to ride Sweet Georgia. Now with purpose and pleasure, over the past two years I am grateful for the time and effort Bruce puts into trail maintenance. He has a serious pair of loppers he carries on the back of the saddle - and nothing stands in this man’s way when it comes to trails. There were a couple of special trails I asked him to open up, and he did. If you rode the BCCTRA Chemainus Ride this year, you would have been on several of his re-established trails. One day I asked him to walk a trail with me up at Spruston Road. It was an old bike trail that had little use due to a couple of big windfalls. It was time to cut them out this year and so off we went, him packing the power saw and me packing the axe. Sure enough, we came to the big fir that was hung up high and as luck would have it, the saw got pinched. Undaunted by that, the fir tree was beaten to death with the axe and the power saw finally fell out. I smile when I ride by and see the tree with the axe and saw cuts. If not working on the trails from horseback, Bruce ventures out with his friends on ATV’s and ensures they are clear. My hat goes off to this quiet hard working dedicated man - I hope you are as luck as I am. Thanks Bruce.

A post note - congratulations to Bruce on his 1000 mile award this year!!!

Morningstar ride summary by Nancy Gourlay

The first CTR at Morningstar Farm on July 29, 30, 31 was a success with 23 riders participating in 17-mile level 1, and 24-mile level 2 rides. The weather had been unseasonably wet in July so we had a few “bogs” that challenged horse’s shoes and boots, but kept our farrier busy!  Many new trails had been created for this event which took riders through heritage farm land, creek sides, around the airport and through various forests – some quite scary. We were also treated to a wine & cheese tasting by the artisans themselves and farmer Clarke gave everyone a tour of a working dairy farm. The pleasure ride saw local riders joining to check out the new trail system and a good time was had by all. We hope to do it again next year.