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Eastern Competitive Trail Ride Association
April
Farewell to a Special Friend
Marcy Gamester, August 19, 1938 - January 5, 2015
Friends and fellow ECTRA
members
were stunned to hear of the unexpected
passing of
one of New England’s most
enthusiastic trail riders.
Marcy had kept her
illness hidden from all but her immediate
family. She was hospitalized on December 6th,
determined to fight and win her battle against
cancer, but complications from pneumonia
started a downward spiral that ultimately
claimed her life.
Marcy had been an ECTRA member since
the mid-70’s. Her boundless energy enabled
her to reach impressive goals. Her homebred
3/4 Arab gelding, Lorad’s Shaker Boy(above),
was the first horse to reach 5,000 and 6,000
lifetime ECTRA miles in 1990 and 1991,a highmileage
record he held until 2005. Marcy
herself accumulated over 11,000 competitive
miles, and was the second-highest mileage
holder in New England Horse and Trail, with
almost 7500 miles of pleasure rides.
Marcy has been a fixture at New England
Trail rides for decades, and you could count on
2015
finding her out on the trail just about every
weekend between April and November. We
will miss her infectious laugh, her sense of
humor, and her joie de vivre.
It is hard to
imagine going to a future ride and not seeing
her there. Her dear friend Marcia Delaware
spoke for all of us when she wrote “I think we
all hope that she found Shaker Boy healthy and
happy, and jumped on his back to be run away
with one more time. What a heartbreaking loss
this is.” We extend our heartfelt condolences to
Marcyʼs family and friends.
--------------------------------
Megan Meldrum wrote to say “ I also
have some sad news: I lost my horse Oberon
the end of last month. It was very unexpected.
He was a great fellow, truly beloved, and is
sorely missed.” Please accept our sympathy on
the loss of such a special companion.
UPCOMING RIDES AND EVENTS
MAY 8-10: NJTRA: The 100 Mile is coming!
NJTRA is very pleased to announce the return
of the 100 Mile Ride. We celebrated the 50th
Anniversary of our charter event in 2013, but
were unable to hold the ride in 2014.
This year some fabulous members have
stepped up to manage-Susan Doucette and
Diana Millman as co-managers and Becca
Wachtel as the secretary. The rides and drives
will have something special for everyone.
The 100 mile ride, drive or pass/fail will be
on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with the usual
40-40-20 format. The 80 mile ride, drive or
pass/fail will be the same three days with a
30-30-20 format. These riders and drivers will
have an all-inclusive competition including
Thursday dinner at Donna and Peter Curtins,
breakfast every morning, midpoint trail lunch,
and dinner each evening. We will have a 2 day
50 mile ride, drive or pass/fail on Saturday and
Sunday with the 30-20 format. There is a 30
mile ride, drive or pass/fail on Saturday. It is
also possible to ride a CDR/CDD or pleasure
ride or drive (with lunch included) on Friday,
Saturday and Sunday.
The competition will be at a new venue:
South Park Gun Club in Tabernacle, NJ.. We
have used South Park for other events and
immediately realized the wonderful potential of
this property. It sits back about 1/2 mile from the
road. The parking area is a huge grassy field
surrounded by trees. The gun club is complete
with bunk house, large kitchen and dining area,
five flush toilets and two showers. The CDR/
CDD and pleasure rides will be held completely
on the gun club property. The other distances
will have one road crossing to access some
lovely trails in the Wharton State Forest. The
100 and 80 mile entry will include four of our 12
x 12 portable panels or competitors may provide
their own fencing. (There are no stalls). W e
are so happy to be hosting the 100 mile
extravaganza weekend and hope many of you
can attend at least some of our fun-filled events.
For more information, please visit njtrailride.org,
or
contact
Susan
Doucette
sdouc40105@aol.com or Diana Millman
cyrus24@verizon.net
M AY 9 - U N M O U N T E D C T R C L I N I C ,
SAUQUOIT, NY: If you are new to ECTRA, or
have a friend interested in learning about
distance riding, check this out: “Come to a clinic
where you will learn about Competitive Trail
Riding and Endurance Riding. You will learn
how to get started in the sport; how the sport is
judged; how to train and condition your horse;
and how to keep your horse safe and healthy
when asking for a physically challenging effort.”
FMI: Dan Gruen, 315-749-8086,
BrookfieldCTR@roadrunner.com or Joanna
Lasher, 518-882-1515, jolasher65@gmail.com.
Follow up with the Brookfield Ride in June!
If you live in ECTRAʼs southern tier, there is
also a Competitive Clinic in Cheshire, PA,
on April 25th, with a 10-mile practice ride; FMI,
contact Kim Colket,610-933-7074
rkcolket@verizon.net.
MAY 22-25 - MAINE RIDES ARE ON AGAIN!
80/60/50/30/30:
The Maine rides will be
Memorial Day Weekend in North Waterford,
Maine.
Janet and Jay Brunjes and Louise
Lester want to welcome you to this menu of
rides. The course will be a medium to easy
terrain with a few bugs thrown in. We donʼt
know what the trail conditions will be after the
snow leaves the ground and the April rains
come, but weʼll try to keep to the jeep trails and
dirt roads. There will be a couple of hills to
climb but most of the trail is fairly level and fast
paced. There are some changes to our format.
The first is that $10 of every entry will go toward
the ECTRA Kathy Brunjes Grant Fund. The
second is we will offer a light breakfast Saturday
through Monday, a snack on trail each day but
no supper meal. This will allow us to keep the
price of the ride to its previous level. We hope
that this will not inconvenience anyone since
Melbyʼs Store is within walking distance from
the fairgrounds. This year we decided to have
tee shirts again for our entrants so please note
your size when you send in your entry. I know
that my supply of old tees is getting rather
ragged and maybe yours is too. We hope to see
you in late May in Maine. Welcome! For more
information and entry forms contact Louise
Lester, louise1@maine.rr.com 207-655-4224 .
June 26, 27, & 28, 2015 - Brookfield CTRʼs,
Madison Cty Fairgrounds, Brookfield, NY:.
Held since the 1970ʼs as the New York 100, the
rides are sponsored by the New York State
Horse Council and sanctioned by ECTRA. For
2015 the management team is running this
historic and beloved ride for the fourth time.
There is a one day 15 mile Conditioning
Distance Ride, a one day 30 mile CTR and a
two day 50 mile CTR. We believe that this
combination of offerings, along with the location
on the most pristine horse trail system in New
York State as well as the beautiful facilities at
the fairground will make this event memorable.
For 2015 we have improved the trails used, to
include approximately 19 miles of the Moscow
Hill trails. Dan Gruen, 315-749-8086,
BrookfieldCTR@roadrunner.com or Joanna
Lasher, 518-882-1515, jolasher65@gmail.com.
2015 ECTRA Sanctioned Events
(as of 3/19/15)
Joan Stratemeyer, Sanctioning Phone (603)835-2423 joans@myfairpoint.net
State/Date/Mileage/Ride Name/Contact Info (PF = Pass/Fail Offered)
Limited Distance CTR: (1-day, 25-40mi)
NJ 3/29
MD 4/4
PA 4/26
NH 5/9
NJ 5/9
PA 5/16
25
25
26
25
30
25
PA 5/17
25
ME 5/23
ME 5/24
VT 6/13
NY 6/27
PA 7/25
PA 7/26
VT 8/1
VT 8/2
MA 8/15
VT 9/5
VT 9/6
MD 9/19
VT 9/19
NJ 9/27
NJ 10/24
NJ 10/25
30
30
25
30
25
25
25
25
25
35
25
30
25
25
25
25
Bunny Hop PF
Lucha Malato, 201-970-6888 Lmalato@hudsonreporter.com
Chesapeake Spring Cate Peloquin 410-652-3454 cpenguin57@aol.com
Cheshire
Kim Colket 610-933-7074 rkcolket@verizon.net
VERDA BrownBag Wendy Bejarano 802-484-3406 dbwb@myfairpoint.net
New Jersey PF
Rebecca Wachtel 215-766-0696 becwwachtel@verizon.net
26thGlassMemorial PF Betty J. Hicks phone: 814-643-3438 fax: 814-643-0422
10938 Blue Moon Hollow Rd, Huntingdon, PA 16652-6732
16thLickRidgeChallenge PF Betty J. Hicks phone: 814-643-3438 fax: 814-643-0422
10938 Blue Moon Hollow Rd, Huntingdon, PA 16652-6732
Maine
Louise Lester 207-655-4224 Louise1@maine.rr.com
Maine
Louise Lester 207-655-4224 Louise1@maine.rr.com
GMHA(R&D)PF
Chelle Grald 802-457-1509 michelle@gmhainc.org
Brookfield PF
Joanna Lasher 518-882-1515 JoLasher65@gmail.com
Muckleratz RunPF Lindsey Cooke 717-599-9922 Lacy393@gmail.com
Muckleratz RunPF Lindsey Cooke 717-599-9922 Lacy393@gmail.com
GMHA (R&D)PF
Chelle Grald 802-457-1509 michelle@gmhainc.org
GMHA (R&D)PF
Chelle Grald 802-457-1509 michelle@gmhainc.org
Leverett
Liz Gibbons 413-695-2568 Gibbonsem@gmail.com
GMHA PF
Chelle Grald 802-457-1509 michelle@gmhainc.org
GMHA PF
Chelle Grald 802-457-1509 michelle@gmhainc.org
Chesapeake Fall
Cate Peloquin 410-652-3454 cpenguin57@aol.com
VERDA Fall PF
Kathy Hall Kathy.stormybrook@gmail.com
RideForTheRibbonsPF Rebecca Wachtel 215-766-0696 becwwachtel@verizon.net
Jersey Devil PF
TBA
Jersey Devil PF
TBA
Middle Distance CTR: (2 days,40-60mi
NJ 5/9&10
PA 5/16&17
ME 5/23&24
ME 5/24&25
NY 6/27&28
VT 8/1&2
VT 9/5&6
MD 9/19&20
PA 7/25&26
NJ 10/24&25
50
50
New Jersey PF
Rebecca Wachtel 215-766-0696 becwwachtel@verizon.net
4thGlassRidgeChallenge PF Betty J. Hicks phone: 814-643-3438 fax: 814-643-0422
10938 Blue Moon Hollow Rd, Huntingdon, PA 16652-6732
60 Maine
Louise Lester 207-655-4224 Louise1@maine.rr.com
50 Maine
Louise Lester 207-655-4224 Louise1@maine.rr.com
50 Brookfield PF
Joanna Lasher 518-882-1515 JoLasher65@gmail.com
50 GMHA(R&D)PF Chelle Grald 802-457-1509 michelle@gmhainc.org
60 GMHA PF
Chelle Grald 802-457-1509 michelle@gmhainc.org
50 Chesapeake Fall Cate Peloquin 410-652-3454 cpenguin57@aol.com
50 Muckleratz RunPF Lindsey Cooke 717-599-9922 Lacy393@gmail.com
50 Jersey Devil PF
TBA
Extended Distance CTR: (3-days, 80-100mi)
NJ
NJ
ME
VT
MD
MD
5/8-10
5/8-10
5/23-25
9/4-6
9/18-20
9/18-20
80
100
80
100
80
100
New Jersey PF
Rebecca Wachtel 215-766-0696 becwwachtel@verizon.net
New Jersey PF
Rebecca Wachtel 215-766-0696 becwwachtel@verizon.net
Maine
Louise Lester 207-655-4224 Louise1@maine.rr.com
GMHA PF
Chelle Grald 802-457-1509 michelle@gmhainc.org
Chesapeake Fall Cate Peloquin 410-652-3454 cpenguin57@aol.com
Chesapeake Fall Cate Peloquin 410-652-3454 cpenguin57@aol.com
Drives CTR: (1-3 days, 25-100mi
NJ 3/29
25 Bunny Hop
NJ 5/9
30 New Jersey
NJ 5/9&10
50 New Jersey
NJ 5/8-10
80 New Jersey
NJ 5/8-10
100 New Jersey
Continued next page
Lucha Malato, 201-970-6888 Lmalato@hudsonreporter.com
Rebecca Wachtel 215-766-0696 becwwachtel@verizon.net
Rebecca Wachtel 215-766-0696 becwwachtel@verizon.net
Rebecca Wachtel 215-766-0696 becwwachtel@verizon.net
Rebecca Wachtel 215-766-0696 becwwachtel@verizon.net
PAGE 3
(Continued) Drives CTR: (1-3 days, 25-100mi
VT
VT
VT
VT
NJ
NJ
NJ
6/13
8/1
8/1&2
8/2
10/24
10/25
10/24&25
25
25
50
25
25
25
50
GMHA PF
GMHA PF
GMHA PF
GMHA PF
Jersey Devil
Jersey Devil
Jersey Devil
Chelle Grald 802-457-1509 michelle@gmhainc.org
Chelle Grald 802-457-1509 michelle@gmhainc.org
Chelle Grald 802-457-1509 michelle@gmhainc.org
Chelle Grald 802-457-1509 michelle@gmhainc.org
TBA
TBA
TBA
Conditioning Distance Rides & Drives
NJ 3/29
NJ 3/29
MD 4/4
PA 4/26
VT 5/2
NH 5/9
NJ 5/8
NJ 5/9
NJ 5/10
PA 5/16
PA 5/16
VT 6/13
NY 6/28
VT 9/5
MD 9/19
PA 7/25
PA 7/26
NJ 9/27
NJ 10/24
NJ 10/24
NJ 10/25
NJ 10/25
( R&D means for both Ride & Drives)
10
15
15
13
15
15
10
10
10
12.5
Bunny Hop (R&D) Lucha Malato 201-970-6888 Lmalato@hudsonreporter.com
Bunny Hop (R&D) Lucha Malato 201-970-6888 Lmalato@hudsonreporter.com
Chesapeake Spring Cate Peloquin 410-652-3454 cpenguin57@aol.com
Cheshire
Kim Colket 610-933-7074 rkcolket@verizon.net
GMHA Mud(R&D) Chelle Grald 802-457-1509 michelle@gmhainc.org
VERDA Brown Bag Wendy Bejarano 802-484-3406 dbwb@myfairpoint.net
New Jersey (R&D) Rebecca Wachtel 215-766-0696 becwwachtel@verizon.net
New Jersey (R&D) Rebecca Wachtel 215-766-0696 becwwachtel@verizon.net
New Jersey (R&D) Rebecca Wachtel 215-766-0696 becwwachtel@verizon.net
Glass Memorial
Betty J. Hicks phone: 814-643-3438 fax: 814-643-0422
10938 Blue Moon Hollow Rd, Huntingdon, PA 16652-6732
12.5 Lick Ridge Challenge Betty J. Hicks phone: 814-643-3438 fax: 814-643-0422
10938 Blue Moon Hollow Rd, Huntingdon, PA 16652-6732
15 GMHA(R&D)PF
Chelle Grald 802-457-1509 michelle@gmhainc.org
10 Brookfield
Joanna Lasher 518-882-1515 JoLasher65@gmail.com
15 GMHA PF
Chelle Grald 802-457-1509 michelle@gmhainc.org
15 Chesapeake Fall Cate Peloquin 410-652-3454 cpenguin57@aol.com
12.5 Muckleratz Run
Lindsey Cooke 717-599-9922 Lacy393@gmail.com
12.5 Muckleratz Run
Lindsey Cooke 717-599-9922 Lacy393@gmail.com
15 RideForTheRibbons Rebecca Wachtel 215-766-0696 becwwachtel@verizon.net
10 Jersey Devil (R&D) TBA
15 Jersey Devil (R&D) TBA
10 Jersey Devil (R&D) TBA
15 Jersey Devil (R&D) TBA
Competitive Ride Clinic
PA 4/25
10 Cheshire
Kim Colket 610-933-7074 rkcolket@verizon.net
NY 5/9 (UNMOUNTED) Brookfield Dan Gruen, Ride Manager 315-749-8086; Joanna Lasher, Ride Secretary 518-882-1515
Endurance: (1-3 days, 50-100mi – co-sanctioned by AERC
NJ 3/28
MD 4/11
VA 4/25
VA 4/26
NC 5/1
NC 5/1
NC 5/2
NC 5/2
NC 5/3
NH 5/10
VA 6/13
VA 6/13
VT 6/14
VT 7/18
VT 7/18
VT 7/18
NY 9/12
VT 10/17
NJ 11/7
50
50
55
55
55
75
50
75
100
50
50
100
50
50
75
100
55
50
50
Rabbit Run
Lucha Malato 201-970-6888 Lmalato@hudsonreporter.com
Foxcatcher
Louisa Emerick 410-398-7234 louisaeme@comcast.net
Old Dominion No Frills Skip Kemerer 301-293-2949 SkippyKemerer1@aol.com
Old Dominion No Frills Skip Kemerer 301-293-2949 SkippyKemerer1@aol.com
Biltmore Challenge
Cheryl Newman 828-665-1531 cherylnewman@charter.net
Biltmore Challenge
Cheryl Newman 828-665-1531 cherylnewman@charter.net
Biltmore Challenge
Cheryl Newman 828-665-1531 cherylnewman@charter.net
Biltmore Challenge
Cheryl Newman 828-665-1531 cherylnewman@charter.net
Biltmore Challenge
Cheryl Newman 828-665-1531 cherylnewman@charter.net
VERDA Bare Bones
Ruth Ferland 603-675-6833 ruthfrlnd@aol.com
Old Dominion
Joe Selden/Nancy Smart 301-934-3824 longevityfarm@verizon.net
Old Dominion
Joe Selden/Nancy Smart 301-934-3824 longevityfarm@verizon.net
GMHA
Chelle Grald 802-457-1509 michelle@gmhainc.org
Moonlight
Jenny Kimberly 802-674-5384 jennykimberly@comcast.net
Moonlight
Jenny Kimberly 802-674-5384 jennykimberly@comcast.net
Vermont
Jenny Kimberly 802-674-5384 jennykimberly@comcast.net
Hector Half-Hundred
Holly Bailey 607-532-4924 hbwrite@zoom-dsl.com
GMHA
Chelle Grald 802-457-1509 michelle@gmhainc.org
Mustang Memorial
TBA
PAGE 4
Limited Distance Endurance: (co-sanctioned by AERC)
NJ 3/28
MD 4/11
VA 4/25
VA 4/26
NC 5/1
NC 5/2
NH 5/10
VA 6/13
VT 6/14
NY 9/12
VT 10/17
NJ 11/7
30
25
30
30
30
25
30
25
25
35
30
30
Rabbit Run
Lucha Malato 201-970-6888 Lmalato@hudsonreporter.com
Foxcatcher
Louisa Emerick 410-398-7234 louisaeme@comcast.net
Old Dominion No Frills Skip Kemerer 301-293-2949 SkippyKemerer1@aol.com
Old Dominion No Frills Skip Kemerer 301-293-2949 SkippyKemerer1@aol.com
Biltmore Challenge
Cheryl Newman 828-665-1531 cherylnewman@charter.net
Biltmore Challenge
Cheryl Newman 828-665-1531 cherylnewman@charter.net
VERDA Bare Bones
Ruth Ferland 603-675-6833 ruthfrlnd@aol.com
Old Dominion
Joe Selden/Nancy Smart 301-934-3824 longevityfarm@verizon.net
GMHA
Chelle Grald 802-457-1509 michelle@gmhainc.org
Hector Half-Hundred
Holly Bailey 607-532-4924 hbwrite@zoom-dsl.com
GMHA
Chelle Grald 802-457-1509 michelle@gmhainc.org
Mustang Memorial
TBA
CARRIAGE BARN BENEFIT EVENT:
Annie's Angels Memorial Fund is hosting the Morganʼs Hope
Fundraiser on April 12th from 2 to 5pm at the American Legion Post 51 in Epping, NH. Morganʼs specialized
van has failed and is beyond repair. Proceeds from this fundraiser are going to help provide a new vehicle so
that Morgan can have suitable transportation. Morgan has been a rider & carriage driver at The Carriage Barn
Equine Assisted Therapy Programs for many years. We and our volunteers urge you to support this wonderful
young adult so that she can continue living her life to the fullest.
The fundraiser will include raffles, face painting, DJ, food, and a cash bar. For more information please
contact Annieʼs Angels at 603-686-4224 or bill@anniesangels.net. Annie's Angels is dedicated to helping
families struggling financially with the challenges of life threatening diseases and disabilities by connecting
neighbor to neighbor and friend to friend in a caring fundraising network.
The Carriage Barn Equine Assisted Therapy programs seek to promote the health and well-being of
individuals of all ages with disabilities by enhancing their physical, psychological, cognitive and emotional
healing and strengthening through equine activities. Program activities further this purpose by utilizing horses
to provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to form unique relationships that nurture and empower
them in a way that brings new insights, self-confidence, improved communication, and relaxation. In the
context of a quiet, natural outdoor setting, these activities provide a serene learning environment.
PAGE 5
OUTSIDE MILEAGE
2860
2740
2951
2090
2090
875
1591
2802
2802
239
645
645
Barbosa, Hernan
Delp, Lisa
Gibbon, Kyle
Malkasian, Robin
Malkasian, Robin
Newman, Stagg
Pfoertsch, Kevin
Rice, Bill
Rice, Bill
Rojek, Steve
Simcox, Cindy
Simcox, Cindy
Far Out Forest 50 END
Broxton Bridge 50 END
Far Out Forest 50 END
Greenway Getaway 25 LD
On the Edge 25 LD
Fun in the Sun 75 END
Greenway Getaway 75 END
Greenway Getaway 25 LD
Far Out Forest 50 END
Far Out Forest 50 END
Fire Mountain 50 END
Fire Mountain 50 END
Fun in the Sun 75 END
Greenway Getaway 50 END
2/14/2015
1/30/2015
2/14/2015
1/2/2015
1/24/2015
2/28/2015
1/2/2015
1/2/2015
2/14/2015
2/14/2015
1/17/2015
1/18/2015
2/28/2015
1/2/2015
8361
8947
5326
8790
8790
8006
8319
8110
8110
8360
8998
8939
8005
5339
Miro (Chi-Hi)
Flying Czar
Beaujolais
Am Safe Bet Camille
Am Safe Bet Camille
FFC First Csea Lord
Chancez Czar
RC Neon
RC Neon
Trident
Babe
SA Harold's Honey
JS Comet
Mellonium Star H M
RIDE RESULTS
Ride # 3914 January Thaw 25 CTR 01/18/2015
# Start: 5 # Finish: 4
1
2
3
J1
8436
8032
5663
5696
Xerxes
1835 Kimberly, Jenny
Tremcel Ulysse Nostra 2948 Gardener, Katherine
Patenaude Vulcain Gazelle 2947 Gardener, Jeffrey
Hermione Granger
11829 Meeker, Sydney
“You know, we could probably just step over the fence.”
“Yeah, but weʼd sink in four feet of snow on the other side”
A number of you have not yet renewed for 2015. You will be dropped from the mailing list next
month if you do not renew SOON! Page 6
Horses saved in Leverett equestrian center fire
LEVERETT — Several horses’ lives were spared thanks to a quick-thinking couple who pulled them from
a burning barn.
One of several barns at Craig Memorial Equestrian Center at 470 Long Plain Road caught fire Friday
afternoon. The barn, which also contained hay storage and a tack room, is a total loss.
Five horses were saved from the flames by a couple who left as quickly as they’d come.
“Some bystanders, a man and a woman, saw the fire and started pulling the horses out,” said David Rice,
a neighbor and off-duty Greenfield police officer.
“They saved the day, and the horses, and then they just left,” Rice said. “Leverett’s just that kind of
community. Everyone takes care of each other.”
Several neighbors, clients and friends of owner Roberta Bryant stopped by to check in on her as
firefighters worked to keep the blaze from spreading. Some choked back tears, others offered to help, and
many hugged Bryant to comfort her.
“We’re a big family here,” Bryant said. “It’s not a high-class stable, we’re a family stable, where
everyone cares about the horses and each other.”
She has run Craig Memorial for more than 40 years, offering boarding, lessons, trail riding, training and
breeding, and hosts a 4H group.
Jo Steele forwarded this article from a Facebook posting. We all send our condolences to Roberta on
the loss of her barn, but share her gratitude and admiration to the kind (and unidentified) couple who
rescued the horses. Page 7
COMMITTEE REPORTS 2014
DRUG REPORT – Heather Hoynes
Drug testing was conducted at three events in 2014:
8 samples taken at Chesapeake Fall rides in MD
3 samples taken at NEATO in CT
3 samples taken at the VERDA Sept ride, in VT
No positives found.
Testing was done by Dalare Associates in Philadelphia.
PUBLIC RELATIONS & EDUCATION REPORT – Patti Brooks
I have been busy this year converting ideas to promote our sport into tangible products, but in order to really get the word
out I will need greater interest from all ECTRA members in 2015. During 2014 here is what I have completed and where I
could use your support during 2015:
While at several horse events in 2014, various people came up to chat and said in one way or another, that they thought
ECTRA was no longer in existence. I assured them this was not the case and utilized the opportunity for education or reeducation about ECTRA. I have several talking points and would be happy to share those with members who might find
themselves in a similar situation.
I spent quite a bit of time putting together a press release program including a short form to be filled out by Ride
Managers. It is ready for ride managers or members to use in 2015. If we are going to seek out trail ride enthusiasts to
turn into ECTRA members, we have to get the word out to new horse-minded folks.
We would like to start a series of articles for various print and email venues that would get ECTRA identified as a
preferred organization for trail riders. My plan is to start with some of the most recent riders who have reached a mileage
milestone. Just a short article of the achievement and photo would suffice; and again if you have a person you would like
highlighted or might even do an article for submission, I would welcome the help. We will put these feature articles on the
website where each article could stay forever and its own "tab." We were able to get several articles published featuring ECTRA. You might have seen one in the "Massachusetts Horse".
Sometimes, I have been successful in negotiating free ads for ECTRA in lieu of paying me, the author. Please let me
know of publications we should contact.
Some other ideas I have percolating for 2015 include:
Contacting 4-H and other horse youth programs and offer to pay the entry fee for the first youth from that program to enter
an ECTRA ride. That youth needs to make his/her aspirations known early on to ECTRA and we will try to pair the youth
up with an experienced ECTRA member to help with conditioning pointers. I fully understand we'll never find a willing
ECTRA member in the same neck of the woods as a youth, but much can be done by email.
Iʼm always open to new ideas and equally look forward to your support and help in 2015!
POINTS & MILEAGE: Greg Senseney, Chair
In 2014 there were 134 sanctioned events (includes CDRs); data was kept for 418 riders/drivers, 429 registered
horses with 1,387 records added to the date base. Total mileage completed by members in 2014 was 48,392 miles which
includes outside mileage.
Ride managers should appoint a score keeper who is familiar with the ECTRA score sheets and scoring system.
There is a ʻcheat sheet for scorekeepersʼ located on the ECTRA web site. Judges should coach recorders to ensure they
understand their role in correctly recording observations, especially with the metabolic category at the final exam.
Reminder for Ride Managers – cross check the score sheet calculations before writing up the ride summary
sheet. Mail all p/r slips, timer sheets, score sheets and summaries to me within 10 days of the ride so results can be
posted in the newsletter promptly. If you need an extension, please let me know.
Endurance Ride Managers – send me the same information you send to AERC. Ride results will be published in
the ECTRA newsletter after AERC contacts me that they have updated their website.
Reminder for Riders – review your score sheet before leaving the ride grounds and bring any errors to the ride
managersʼ attention immediately. Do not wait until you are home and contact me; let the RM fix/switch any placingʼs so
they can prepare the correct results. Everyone - donʼt forget to register your horses annually! There always seems to be
someone who forgets and is very unhappy that ride miles on their horse have been ʻmissedʼ. Hint: If the newsletter results
do not show an ID number next to the name, then either you or your horse is not receiving mileage credit because dues
and/or registration fees have not been paid. Have a safe and productive ride season.
YEAR-END AWARDS: Brenda Senseney, Chair
The year-end awards are given to show thanks to the members for their support of ECTRA and to reward them for
their success and dedication. Members like colorful tack and apparel, so awards may include Curvon stable sheets, soft
fleece dress sheets or water proof rump rugs in a wide choice of colors for the 2,000+ mile horses;
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chairs, vests or fleece pullovers for Grand and Reserve drivers and junior riders. Medallions, mileage buckles and pins,
24” long ribbons round out the awards.
Once the Points and Mileage Chair finishes tabulating the important data (Who-Gets-What?), we sent emails (or
made phone calls) to over 90 members to inform them of their prize. This is done for two reasons:
1. To entice members to attend the annual getaway/awards banquet, and
2. To find out who is / is not attending and get a name of the person who is attending and can take the prizes
away for their friends. (A reminder about contact information: if you change your phone number or email address
during the year, please let Marilyn Miles, membership chair and Judy Lorimer, newsletter editor know so the
ECTRA database can be updated.)
The awards set out at the banquet are only for the members in attendance and makes the evening go much
quicker and be less confusing when there are over 200 awards to distribute.
The ribbons for the Competitive rider & driver divisions continue to be popular and beautiful as they are over two feet long.
The top-10 placingʼs are configured by totaling ALL the points from ALL rides the horse completed in the competitive
divisions of Limited distance, Middle distance, Extended distance and Versatility.
The medallion program was created to recognize consistency in the adult competitive and endurance divisions.
Horses with an average of point placingʼs of 3rd or better can receive a gold medallion, 8th or better for silver or 11th or better
for bronze. Check the rule book for exact details.
It is possible for a horse to have earned a gold medallion in middle distance (highest points with maximum of two
rides for example) but did not win Grand Champion middle distance ribbon because another horse had more points from
completing more rides. Reminder – if you did not attend the annual banquet you may be asked to reimburse
shipping costs for large items (horse sheet, cooler, rump rug) if no one picked up your award for you. ECTRA will pay for
the mailing of smaller items such as medallions, ribbons, buckles, certificates or mileage pins. Greg will notify individuals
about any costs and will ship items after the banquet. We may hold onto some items in the hopes that we will see you at a
competition in 2015! Have fun on the trails!
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM – Helen Stacy, Chair
Since its inception in 1991, the Volunteer Worker Mileage Program has 68 workers and 90,021 accumulated
miles. It can take an average of one worker per rider to put on a competitive trail ride. We really appreciate our volunteers
- did you know that if you help at a multi-day ride you will receive maximum mileage even if you could help only one day?
Those miles will tally up fast!
There are many more ECTRA members volunteering out there so remember send in your mileage to me on a
regular basis and be recognized and earn your belt buckle! Itʼs a great way to get friends and family involved in the sport
too. We want to share in the fun and camaraderie!
In 2007, there was an award started in memory of one of our founders, the “Jane Soule Volunteer Award”. At the
banquet, part of the Soule family were presented with a mantle clock inscribed with: “Jane Soule 2007 Volunteer Award
for her Extraordinary Commitment to our Trail Riding Association”. Each year, the Volunteer Chair presents name(s) to the
ECTRA BOD for their vote on who deserves this award. Let me know of your choice for this award in the coming year and
why. The person must be a current ECTRA member but is not required to be active in ECTRAʼs volunteer mileage
program.
Thank you for your support, bring your family to competitions and have a great ride season!
ECTRA 2014 Membership Report - Marilyn Miles
Memberships as follows – the number for family is the membership and does not include number of individuals in a family
unit.
Family
59
Honorary 16
Individual
258
Junior
8
Total memberships 341
Number of horses 427
ECTRA NEWSLETTER -- ANNUAL REPORT, 2015 – Judy Lorimer
ECTRA published 11 issues of the newsletter in 2014, a combined January/February issue and 10 monthly issues. Nearly
all members are now receiving the newsletter as an e-mail attachment, and that seems to be working well. Our
complimentary issues to breed associations and publications are also now transmitted electronically, leaving
approximately 60 memberships that need to receive a paper copy. To address the problem of keeping track of the
membership database and making sure that members know how to get the newsletter, Marilyn Miles and I created a plan,
approved by the board, to include a postcard along with the membership card, when members renew their ECTRA
membership. The postcard requests people who need a paper copy to fill out the postcard with their name and address
and return it to me. Those who wish an e-copy just need to email me with their correct e-mail address. Page 9
For the most part this has worked well, but a lot of members still don’t realize that they have to notify me EVERY YEAR
whether they want a paper copy or an e-newsletter, as I have no way of knowing when or if they renewed their
membership. When notifications come in, I’ve been putting a hashtag (#) or a different symbol each year next to each
name, so I can tell at a glance who has renewed and who has not. Also we’ve had a lot of trouble with illegible e-mail
addresses, or confusion with similar looking letters/numbers, etc - n/h, s/5,uppercase I/lower-case L, zeros and O’s.
Please PRINT clearly and legibly! The space on the membership form is WAY too small for anything but a very short email address.. - perhaps writing it elsewhere on the form would be a good idea. (Note: Since I wrote this report, Sherry
Morse re-designed the membership renewal form to give more space for the e-mail address, and I found out that
the membership form on the website is a fillable form, so you can TYPE your information onto the form, print it
out and mail it, solving most of the illegible handwriting problems. Also Marilyn Miles has been notifying me as
renewals come in, which really makes it easier for me to update the newsletter list. Thanks, Marilyn!)
As always, I appreciate getting news, photos, ride publication blurbs and post-ride write-ups, helpful hints and tips, and
informative articles from members. If an article is published in a magazine or other publication and is copyrighted, be sure
to ask permission. Anything circulating widely on the internet is OK. Please send along anything that would be of interest
to members. This is your newsletter-- please help to keep it interesting and informative.
Nominating Committee Report – Esther Fiddes
We were able to field a full slate of well qualified candidates this year, with some movement between officer's positions
and board positions. Next year (2016) we will need 2 people to run for the board. All officer positions are open each year. If you feel you are interested, please contact me at estherfiddes@gmail.com and let me know early in September.
Protest Committee - Cynthia E. Young, Esq.
"There were NO protests filed this year. I had a question or two asked of me by members, but nothing was filed. That
means members, ride management and volunteers are all doing a good job, including providing well managed rides,
listening at ride briefings and keeping the Rules in mind. Keep up the good work!"
ECTRA Safety Committee - Wilson Ring
Fortunately, there were no safety issues or accident reports submitted to the ECTRA safety committee in 2014.
DRIVING – Jenny Kimberly
Not much to report. We did have two new drivers in the thaw 15.
2014 ECTRA Sanctioning Report – Joan Stratemeyer
The following are year-end numbers for the 2014 ECTRA Sanctioned Events and ECTRA Co-Sanctioned AERC
Events: Limited Distance CTR: (1-day, 25-40 Miles) 30
Middle Distance CTR: (2-days, 40-60 Miles)
9
Extended Distance CTR: (3-days,80-100 Miles) 4
Competitive Distance Drives (all distances) 15
Conditioning Distance Rides & Drives
27
CTR Clinics
3
Endurance: (1-3 days 50-100 Miles) 33
Limited Distance Endurance 25
Many thanks to Judy Lorimer, Linda Levitre, Elaine Larson, Jeannette Cole and all the Ride Managers who help to
keep the list updated and things going well.
ECTRA JUDGES REPORT- Nick Kohut, Chairman, Louise Lester, Eva Norris
This year the Judging Committee felt that all judges on our list should be contacted to be sure they wanted to continue to
be an ECTRA judge and that their contact information was correct. Louise Lester took on the job of doing this work and
found that getting this information has been rather time consuming because of the changes in contact information but will
continue until all judges are contacted.
There were 24 competitive rides/drives of varying distances that utilized 10 different vet judges and 13 different lay judges.
There were 18 ECTRA sanctioned AERC endurance rides of varying distances.
There were three new lay judges added to our list Marcia Delaware, Patty Lambert and Melody Blittersdorf and two retired
Gaynor Coassin and Dr. Dan Rice. We appreciate our judgesʼ willingness to participate in our sport and thank our long
time judges who have given so much of their time and effort to our organization.
Page 10
ECTRA Newsletter
Judy Lorimer, Editor
83 Groton St
Pepperell,MA 01463
Jmlorimer@juno.com
APRIL 2015
Deadline for the MAY issue is APRIL 20TH
This will be your last newsletter if you
have not renewed your membership!
==========================================
CLASSIFIED ADS
Ad Rates: $5.00 for 6 lines- approximately 40-45
words , $2.50 for each three additional lines.
Business card size ad $10.00. Make checks payable
to ECTRA, send check and ad copy to ECTRA
newsletter, 83 Groton St, Pepperell, MA 01463. The
letters in parentheses at the end of the ad tell you
when it expires.
==========================================
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603-835-2423
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