TRAIL RIDERS PRSRT STD ASSOCIATION, INC. US POSTAGE PAID

Post Office Box 185 NOBLESVILLE, IN Farmland, IN 47340 Trail Mix PERMIT NO. 21 Return Address Requested The Official Publication of the Indiana Trail Riders Association, Inc.

May, 2017

ITRA GOLD NUGGET ITRA and Versailles State Park Received CORP The Partnership Award

Versailles State Park's property management team had the opportunity to attend the Indiana State Park's 2017 Leadership Conference this ORATE SPONSOR week. This conference included

ITRA BRONZE NUGGET an awards banquet where VSP CORPORATE SPONSOR was well represented. Congratulations to the Indiana Trail Rider's Association (ITRA) on their Partnership Award for partnering with Versailles State Park to complete the horseman's campground! Pictured Left to right: Paul Sipples, Congratulations to our very ITRA TRAIL LEAD Property Manager; Larry Siddell, own Assistant Property CORPORATE SPONSOR ITRA Director; Brad Walker, Manager, Brad Walker, for Assistant Property Manager; Dan Join or Renew ITRA ____Family Membership $ 30.00 receiving the Leadership USE THIS FORM – (Please Print) ___Association (Club) Membership $100.00 Bortner, Director Indiana State Parks Award! We are proud to say Membership renewal Due by Hoosier Horse Fair ___Trail Guide (postage-1 per member) $ 3.00 and Reservoirs. we work with all of you! Trail Guide 2016 has been published—good for 3 years until 2019. ___Trail Fund Donation Amount $______Name: ______Newsletter by US Postal Service Hoosier Horse Fair………………. ___Do not send hard copy—will access Trail Mix Spouse: ______on website By John Allen Address: ______Membership renewal due by Hoosier Horse Fair This year’s horse fair drew a pretty good crowd on Saturday to Indiana Trail Riders Mission Statement City: ______St:____Zip:______MARK YOUR CALENDERS the ITRA booth. The organizers from the Indiana Horse Council did a The purpose of the Indiana Trail Riders Association is to Home Phone: ______promote trail riding and equine activities in Indiana and the good job of lining up nationally known equine professionals and a surrounding area. Cell Phone: ______The Indiana Trail Riders are involved on the local, state, and  National Trails Day good variety of vendors. It just seemed to me that Friday and County: ______national levels striving to promote and improve trails and June 3, 2017 Sunday’s attendance was not strong. Saturday was by far our busiest Email: ______campgrounds. We work actively on the legislative and administrative levels day with many members stopping by to renew their membership. We Referring Member: ______as well as sponsoring and organizing workdays on several also had many new members sign up, and I want to formally welcome recreational properties in the hope that the natural beauty we  Versailles State Park have enjoyed on horseback will be available for future them to our organization. Several of our officers and directors spent Mail completed form with check payable to ITRA at: Clean-up Indiana Trail Riders Association, Inc. generations as well. all three days helping out and their dedication truly makes a July 29, 2017 Post office Box 185 difference in all that the association accomplishes. As usual, Georgia Farmland, IN 47340 We’re on the Web at: www.intrailriders.org. Ballinger helped with the merchandise at our general store where Or use Paypal to renew on our website  ITRA Fall Ride sales were brisk. Several new items were a big hit with members. If The EDGe (Email discussion Group) is a wonderful FREE communication tool for ITRA members with an internet connection. Send a blank e-mail to [email protected] Subscription is free and you can unsubscribe at any time. Sept. 15-17, 2017 you didn’t make it to the Hoosier Horse Fair this year we hope to see Advertise in the Trail Mix---Full Page $100.00, Half Page $50.00, Quarter Page $25.00, Bus Card Size Ad. $15.00. May, 2017 you next year. Con’t Page 2

1 ITRA Calendar

The Indiana Trail Riders *STATEMENT OF PURPOSE May 7-10, 2017 July 29, 2017 October 28, 2017

The purpose of the Indiana Trail Riders Association…is to promote trail riding and equine activities in Indiana and the surrounding area. Dayton, Ohio Versailles State Park Tippecanoe State Park The ITRA is involved on local, state and national levels striving to promote and improve trails and campgrounds. International Trails Cleanup at Horsemen's Campground Tippecanoe Fall Ride Symposium We hope to work on trails and the Contact Scotty Eskridge: We work actively on the legislative and administrative levels as well we sponsoring and organization workdays on several recreational Info: americantrails.org campground and could use many 574-896-5159 properties in the hope that the natural beauty we have enjoyed on horseback will be available for future generations as well. volunteers.

The corporate address is Post Office Box 185, Farmland, Indiana 47340. Contact Nancy Brunnemer: November 4, 2017 June 3, 2017 317-443-8771

ITRA OFFICERS - 2016 Deam Lake SRA Horse Campground Clark Deam Lake Fundraiser

President Vice President Treasurer Secretary National Trails Day Sept. 15-17, 2017 All proceeds go to Clark/Deam John Allen Larry Sidell Arlene Smoot Duane Davis Green Sullivan State Park horse Trail Fund. Silent auction, 9825 South 100 East 273 East 1200 North 2532 West 200 South 7180 N 900 W Contact Yvette Rollins: 812-797-45450 Midwest Trail Ride pitch-in dinner, meeting 7-9 pm. Clayton., IN 46118 Batesville, In 47006 Danville, IN 46122 Huntington, IN 46750 Owen Putman State Forest Norman, Indiana Contact Sue Keith 812-620-1629 317-691-2573 812-934-4086 317-745-2976 765-238-0746 Contact Stacy Lowe: 317-919-7262 ITRA Fall ride and Silent [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Auction Barb Ferguson 812-967-3161 ITRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Contact Jody Weldy: 574-370-1170 For Reservations contact MTR: [email protected]

Greg Hersberger (Chairman) ‘20 Karen Humphreys ‘18 Reed Records ‘18 Lawrence Turnquist ‘18 Salamonie State Forest 812-834-6686 The corporate address is Post Office Box 185, Farmland, Indiana 47340. November 18-21, 2017 4962 South 250 West 3419 North 425 East 3980 St Rd 45 12005 Parrish St. Contact Bob & Deb McPheeters Portland, IN 47374 Danville, IN 46122 Nashville, IN 47448 Cedar Lake, IN 46303 765-683-0665 Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 2017 260-729-1208 317-892-3769 812-345-2882 219 374-5370 O’Bannon State Park [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Tippecanoe State Park Prairie Creek Reservoir O’Bannon Fall Clean-Up Contact Greg Hersberger: Nancy Brunnemer ‘20 Rita Lockridge ‘19 Chris Riehl ‘19 Mary Williams ‘20 Contact Scotty Eskridge: Muncie Light Horse Club 260-729-1208 7178 North 500 West 7010 East 300 North 3158 E. 200 S 14978 East 191st Street 317-896-5159 Round-Up

McCordsville, IN 46055 Lafayette, In 47905 Dillsboro, IN 47018 Noblesville, IN 46060 Koteewi at Strawtown Hamilton Contact Greg Wilkins: 317-443-8771 765-714-5019 812-320-7818 765-534-5192 November 24, 25, 26, 2017 Co. Park 765-748-6153, 765-284-1785 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Strawtown, Indiana Scotty Eskridge ‘19 Debbie Maschmeyer '19 Yvette Rollins ‘19 Cindy Wyse ‘20 Contact Mary Williams: 765-534-5192 Brown County Fall Clean-Up P. O. Box 234 507 Henryville-Bluelick Rd. 12784 E. Rollins Lane 1993 West 750 South Contact John Allen: Knox, 46534 Henryville, IN 47126 Springville, IN 47462 Trafalgar, IN 46181 317-691-2573 574-896-5159 502-931-6221 812-797-4540 317-503-1690 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] m Barb Ferguson ‘18 Bob McPheeters ‘19 Jim Tremain ‘20 2430 S. Glenn Lane 27799 North 100 West PO Box 502136 Salem, IN 47167 Anderson, IN 46011 Indianapolis, IN 46250 812-967-3161 765-683-0665 317-833-6189 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

ITRA APPOINTED POSITIONS

Membership Chairperson ITRA Web Site Trail Mix Editor Trail Guide Editor Bonnie Miller Administrator Mary Williams John Allen 8181 W. 100 S 14978 East 191st Street 9825 South 100 East Round 2 It Ranch LLC Select the Best Discount Farmland, IN 47340 Noblesville, IN 46060 Clayton, IN 46118 10734 N 800 E “Horse Health Solutions” Nu-Image, Nu-Hoof, Select I&II, 765-468-6716 765-534-5192 317-691-2573 Ossian, IN 46777 Nu-Weight ….and the rest of the line. Copies [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] (260) 639-6657 (Dealer Inquiries Welcome & Wanted) Teresa Peil & Sara Schmidt Email: [email protected] Mayatex~ Triple E ~ Toklat [email protected] Parker Nylon ~ Congress Leather Troxel Helmets ~ Showman Products 100 Mensa Drive * Noblesville, IN 46062 This Trail Mix Newsletter is the Official Publication of the Indiana Trail Riders Association. It is published six times a year in odd Wells 5 Star Pads ~ Bar F Call for Appointment! Leanin T Ranch Halters & Leads (317)-773-8783 * Fax (317)773-9050 numbered months. Editorial material, photos, and notices of upcoming events should be submitted to Cowboy Magic~ Mare Magic ~ Ultra Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 to 5:30 * Sat 10:00 to 3:00 [email protected] or mailed to Mary Williams 14978 East 191st Street Noblesville, IN 46060 by the 10th of even months. Book our Tack Trailer for And oh! So much more!! Email: [email protected] Your Equine events! 2

1 5 Midwest Equine Trail ITRA Updates Foundation

Hoosier Horse Fair by John Allen Contact Chris Riehl Con’t from page 1 For Contributions and Grants at There was one last bit of good news that I want Midwest Equine Trail Foundation to share with you that came about while I was designing 3158 E. 200 S a chicken coop and building a barn door. If you were at our annual meeting you may have heard our plea for the Dillsboro, IN 47018 loan of a flatbed trailer while we are waiting on a box trailer to transport the mini skid steer. Well, our Treasurer Arlene Smoot, gave us permission to use her ATTENTION: trailer. So, in between my projects, I picked up her trailer and delivered the skid steer to O’Bannon Woods All Indiana Trail Riders for its inaugural outing. As I am writing this article I can say that ITRA has open a new chapter in Indiana horse There is a new way to support Midwest trail maintenance and the skid steer is hard at work on Equine Trail Foundation, Inc. Anyone who has YOUR Indiana horse trails. an Amazon account can go to Until next time, www.smile.amazon.com and choose Midwest Equine Trail Foundation as your designated charity. Amazon will donate 0.5% of your purchase price to M.E.T.F. Remember, only purchases at smile.amazon.com, (not www.amazon.com or the mobile app,) support charity. Amazon donations are issued four times per year (February, May, The Dynamic Duo reunited!! August, and November) for donations Walt Zak former manager at generated in the previous quarters. What a and Bill free and easy way to support Indiana horse Gallagly, Owen Putnam State trails!! Park.

ITRA Still Needing Donations for Skid Steer Attachments

ITRA Membership Dues Family Membership $30.00 Association (Club) Membership $100.00

Property manager Paul Sipples and Asst. Brad Walker Thank you to everyone for their continued support!!!

14 3 A Word from ITRA’s President, Trail Tales Some Horse Camping and By John Allen Trail Reminders Calamity Jane  Keep all your horses, trailers and vehicles It has been said the older we get the faster time passes. Spring is upon us and I can’t seem to find the within your campsite. This makes it easier Well folks, I'm hearin' some bad news time to get on my horse or start the projects I had dreamed of doing once the weather warmed up. First, my wife for other campers to park their rigs. brought home 18 chicks from Tractor Supply and announced we were going to raise chickens this year. We for us trail ridin' folks. Them gol durn  When meeting other riders on the trail from haven’t had chickens for about seven years and in that time I tore down the old coop the former owners had left mountain bikers is a wantin' to ride them behind or ahead, say something loudly so behind. It was letting chickens out and rodents in so fast that I could see no use in trying to salvage it anyway. contraptions in Wilderness areas. That's just they can acknowledge you are coming. Rebuilding that coop was a project I had managed to put off until the chicks showed up. Right now they are a hard pill to swallow. The nice thing about  When riders are passing from behind, wait enjoying the spacious surroundings provided by an unused horse stall but soon they will need that new coop. riding in the Wilderness areas is no bikes, no until group ahead can find a clearing to safely While running between Menards, Tractor Supply and Rural King gathering parts for the coop, I discovered that move off the trail for faster horses to pass. one of my large sliding barn doors had blown off. It was one the former owners had hung using the “it’ll stay up wheels of any sort just foot traffic. Hikers,  Always approach all horses, both from till we sell the place” method. So then my priority moved to building and hanging a new door. More trips to horses and even llamas. Now I will admit, behind and oncoming at a walk. Do not Menards, Tractor Supply and Rural King. As of this time neither project is complete and I haven’t been on my running into some llamas on a trail can be a speed up your horses until you are about 50’ horse yet. But there is good news to report. little excitin' but them llama folks are real ahead of group you have passed.

nice and they get clean off the trail so's you  When meeting horses on the trail, everyone Annual Meeting……… and your horse can pass without much should ride single file to the right of the trail. If you are in a group, all riders in the group Christmas in March really happened. Those who made it to the annual meeting saw our new mini skid steer on fuss. Luckily....the new boss man that is should stay single file until you have passed display with a red bow on top. At the meeting we elected a new vice president, Larry Sidell and a new director, headin' up the Department of the Interior is all oncoming horses. If no room to pass Mary Williams. Greg Hersberger was re-elected as the Board Chairman. All other open positions were re-elected. a sure 'nuff cowboy from Montana! In fact safely, find a clearing where one group can I was happy to see this year’s annual meeting was very well attended. We had over 70 members sign in. As his first day of goin' to work, he rode a horse safely leave the trail before meeting head on. always the food at the pitch in was varied and delicious. Debbie and Bob McPheeters and Beth Macsymczak in downtown Washington D.C. so's I'm a  Carry back everything you take on the trail. along with their friends and family helped with the meat and made it a very enjoyable time for all. The silent Any plastic bottles, cans, and litter should be auction drew many donations that helped our association. Over one thousand dollars was raised to help with thinkin', if we were all to write to him or e- picked up when dropped. current and future trail projects. After the meal and auction we were privileged to host the Morgantown mail him or whatever and express our  Keep your campsite clean!! Pick up anything Volunteer Fire Department’s large animal rescue team. Denise Fletcher, Lona Hoffman and Brandon Shireman concern about this mountain bike problem that blows outside of your campsite. Don’t gave a presentation on how they can help when a large animal is in distress. They shared techniques along with I'm sure we'd be able to keep them out of leave burnt cans, wrappers, trash in old expert advice with everyone and answered many questions. the Wilderness. campfire pits when you leave.  Pick up all your hay (good and bad) when you leave your campsite along with your manure. The Morgantown Volunteer You can write to him at Secy. Ryan Zinke, Fire Department’s large Dept. of the Interior 1849 C Street Keep our parks enjoyable for everyone! animal rescue team. Denise NW Washington D.C. 20240 or 202-208- Fletcher, Lona Hoffman and 3100 orGiddy you can Up go onGals the GitDept.-A of- WayInterior's Thank you to the following organizations Brandon Shireman web page and e-mail them there. Weekend for continuing their 2017 ITRA Associate Memberships: May 19-22, 2017

Ride the Charles Deam Wilderness Battle Ground Saddle Club and camp with a great group of Muncie Light Horse Saddle Club ladies at Blackwell Horse camp Red Hat Purple Chaps e-mail for questions: Southern Indiana Horsemen’s Club [email protected] Tree City Saddle Club or [email protected]

4 13 Taking Care of Your Ride Preparing for the Long Haul by Jody Weldy

I know that for many trail riders, their idea of with the color pictures is sufficient for proof of a long haul with their horse trailer in tow is 3 hours ownership. You can get temporary ones which will long or maybe 300 miles but really hauling your horse be good for that one trip or you can get permanent from Indiana to almost all the way across the country ones which is what we did the when we went to is not really that hard. All it takes is a little bit of Wyoming. You can get a list of brand inspectors off planning and doing your homework. the internet and just find one close to where you are After I have picked out my destination, I go to overnighting and make an appointment with Rand McNally to figure out my total mileage out him. You could also ask the person where you're there and the best route. I then start planning on my spending the night and they may be able to get an overnight stops. I like to use the Overnight Stabling inspector for you too. I have run into people who Guide but unfortunately it is no longer published but tell me they go west all the time and never get a I still use the old one. I also use www. brand inspection but....if you get stopped and don't Horsemotels.com and other places that I may find on have one, it's a Class D Felony and they can the internet. Everyone has their own idea on how far confiscate your truck, trailer and horses so to stay they'd like to haul every day and there is nothing set on the safe side. Get the permit. in stone. You know your horse better than anyone Before you leave, get your truck and trailer else, and I'd say haul accordingly but we like to haul serviced. It's good to have TWO spare tires for your between 400 to 500 miles a day. That is about 10 trailer and you may want to invest in a tire pressure hours in the trailer for our horses and we think that's system for your trailer tires especially if you have a about enough for one day. So after I have my route large trailer. You can have a flat and not even know and total mileage figured out I start to look for it until you see the smoke rolling out and your overnight stops between 400 and 500 miles. Of fenders have been wrecked by the tire coming course it doesn't always work out just right. One day apart. we may haul a little farther than we'd like, and other Make sure your equine buddies have had all days we aren't able to haul as far as we wanted but it their vaccinations and you may want to include all works out. Since we're on a horse riding vacation, rabies if you haven't already. My two guys really we often ride every night where we stay. don't care to have a drink while they are in the Now, I'm the first to admit that most of the trailer although they may gargle a bit but as soon as overnight stabling places are a little pricier than if you they are unloaded they'll drink a whole bucket so I were to camp at a state park, but most of them are don't get nervous if they don't drink and you really right on the interstate. You don't have to haul very shouldn't either. I also keep hay in front of them at far plus, you don't have to clean up after yourself all times. before you leave in the morning. You can also look Also, if you do decide to head west, if you're into staying at fairgrounds or rodeo grounds. So map going to be riding in Wilderness areas or National out your stops and contact the people where you'll Parks you'll be required to feed certified hay. Check be staying to get your reservations in. I usually call with the place you're staying and they can probably them about an hour out to tell them my E.T.A. Most have hay for you or you can check with local feed of these places are very nice and so are the stores, they usually carry certified hay too. people. I've only found two or three that I'd never A long trip is not all that hard to do. Biggest stay at again. thing is money for fuel!!! Remember, you need a negative Coggins (within 12 months) and a health certificate from your Horse Motels International. Vet and that's only good for 30 days. If you head Horse motel6 & overnight stabling directory west, most of the western states also require a brand for the traveling equestrian. inspection. Don't get nervous if your horse is not Horse Motels International. Horse motel & overnight stabling branded. A current coggins, especially the ones directory. We find horse motels, horse hotels, 5 12 Clark State Forest and Deam Lake SRA up Dates By Pat Cleary, Property Manager

Phase 2 of Dry Fork project meeting with Barb and Dennis Ferguson and Pat Pat and Chris met with Dennis, Cleary Mike and Greg and visited the phase Chester and Chris will be available 2 area on 4-12-17 and walked the for limited use on this project to help with entire section. It was decided on 2 logistics such as hauling gravel. small re-routes, one at the steep hill Archeology needs to be completed before on the bottom near the sinkhole beginning of work. DNR Foundation to thus bypassing said hill and sinkhole help pay for gravel, etc. to greatest extent and one small switchback added at possible. CSF will contribute as much as the creek crossing itself. Grading possible but budget is almost exhausted. and gravel as before from where trail We will pursue the establishment of gets steep to bottom of hill. 2 rest stops on the horse trails, one on the Turnouts for water were located, Lake Loop and one near the intersection of flagged and discussed. the Yellow Trail and Dry Fork Loop. . Archeology will be expedited. I Clark/Deam will provide 1-2 hitching posts will meet with the Archeologist on 4- and 1-2 picnic tables for each as well as 21-17 on-site to show her, and she quick Crete for the posts. Volunteers will will be right on it ASAP. She says we provide all labor and equipment and for will be able to start within the the transport of same to site and for set up “footprint” of the current trail right and construction of rest areas. CSF and away unless she sees a problem but volunteers should meet on site before- this is not anticipated. hand to discuss construction, etc. and Chester and I were out on the determine archeology needs. This will be site on 4-16-17. We should be able pursued following the Memorial Day. If to get all the way to the top of the you like we can visit the sites in the next steep part with the single axle dump week or 2. Please get back with me and which will carry 3-5 times as much as we will set a date for site visit and I will at the 1-ton we used last time. Then we that time provide for a Limited Use Permit will be able to ferry the gravel the for this project. last 300’ or so down to where the We discussed the relocation of the trail turns left and gets really steep in trail near the saddle club and the need to the 1-ton. This will really expedite get people off the roads. We need to this process. Chester and I identified revisit this in the future. We also discussed two areas for the dumping areas that the creation of a kiosk at the campground will be included in archeology. ride out to post maps, notices, etc. for riders. This will be a good project for down the road. 11 6

ITRA at work on the Trail ITRA is an

Salamonie Cleanup Official

With Bob & Debi McPheeters, Hosts Sponsor

National Trails Day cleanup at Salamonie Lost Bridge West will be Saturday, June October 6-8, 2017 3rd. We'll start the cleanup at 9.00 a.m. Bring tools if you have them. Chainsaws, shovels, hard rakes all come in handy. Anyone wanting to pick up trash along the trails should bring bags and pokers if you have them. We'll have a pitch in dinner at 6:00 p.m. Meat, plates and tableware will be provided. Bring your favorite dish to share and your own drinks. To anyone who can come, your help will be greatly appreciated. Even if you can't come for the work day, stop by for dinner and a good evening.

O'Bannon 2017 Spring Fundraising Trail Ride by Rita Lockridge

The forecast was touted as wet. And they The ITRA had the new trail machinery were not wrong! A few of us made it down to along to do some training and get some gravel camp on Thursday evening and had a great spread on a couple of the trails that were needing campfire. Friday morning, we got in a very nice a little help. After O'Bannon, it was making its ride. The dogwoods and the locust trees were in way north to Brown County for the annual clean bloom and made the forest really beautiful in the up weekend. many shades of greens. Sunday made for a great day on the trails. As long as we had our rain gear, we were golden The rain had moved out and we had sunshine all on our ride! It didn't really ever storm, it just day. For those who missed this weekend, it drizzled most of the afternoon. wasn't a complete wash out! We all had a great Saturday was much of the same, drizzly time and sure missed you! and drippy weather. A couple of us gals took off towards Leavenworth and shopped at Stephenson's General Store and then ate lunch at the Overlook. The ITRA pitch-in was Saturday evening and even though we didn't have a full camp, there was many folks at the dinner! A few friends drove down just to help support the cause. We got to have our dinner in the nature center at the hay press barn and that sure made it more memorable! We had great food as always and no one went away hungry. We also had some great items up for sale at the silent auction and they helped raise more funds for the trails. Gin Brittain made a beautiful Contact: quilt and a couple gorgeous throw rugs for the Rachel David Flor auction. 10185 W. 450 S I am sure there will be pictures of the Columbus, In 47201 gathering in the hay press barn and final numbers 812-350-0198 of what we raised will turn up in a future [email protected] newsletter.

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