Out with the old and in with the New. Year that is ….
It can’t possibly be 2012 already can it?? Seems like only a month ago I was struggling to write my first President’s message of 2011 and a whole year has flown by. I’m pretty sure it went by in a flurry of fairly equal parts of work,worry and fun. It was actually a pretty good year all things considered. I spent a lot of it keeping our business afloat, and a good part of it traveling around with my truck, trailer and horse so I can’t complain about that. Probably didn’t see enough of some of my family or friends but I’ll try and do better this year. I know for sure I need to get out and exercise more on my own two feet rather than being only on the back of my horse, so I’ll try and work that in a little more too. I’ll also try harder to be less tardy with my commitments and be a little more disciplined when deadlines are looming. Trying to turn over a new leaf to be less of a procrastinator will definitely be a challenge.
We have planned another full year of rides and campouts and I hope you’ll grab your calendars soon as the Ride Schedule is confirmed and fill in the dates with your favorites. It would sure be nice to see more folks at the Day Rides this year so please keep those in mind. We added a couple of new campout locations too, so that should make things more interesting. I’m guessing the Poker Ride will be here before you know it so please begin to think about where you can contribute your time and energy at this annual event. I very sincerely hope to see you all sometime or another this year but it all depends on the weather and whatever shows get scheduled. Regardless, you can always find me at our monthly meetings, or via email or phone. In other words, I’m always available in spirit if not in body. Just reach out if you need anything. Of course Diamond Lil and I will be at Lake San Antonio come April, that’s a given.
I had a whole speech planned for the Holiday Party and part of it would have been about where and to whom the club made donations last year so I decided to list them out here so you know we’re trying to support our horse community and related organizations. The club donated money to:
- SPCA Monterey $600.00
- CSHA $100.00 as a Buckle donor
- NCEFT $1,000.00
- Emma McCrary Trailblazer fund $1,000.00
- BETA (Bicycle Equestrian Trails Assistance) $500.00 for map printing
- Back Country Horsemen $500.00 to help rebuild Commanche’s Gravesite
- $600.00 to Pregnant Mare Rescue
We deferred our 2011 donation to Lake San Antonio, as we eventually intend to fund the purchase, construction and eventual expansion of the pipe pens for the horses.
I was sorry we had to cancel our Holiday Party last month but those who attended the Open House in my home all seemed to enjoy themselves enough that we might consider doing it again in 12 months. Stay posted for the Member of the Year announcement.
Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and your New Year is already off to a good start.
Cheers !!
Shawn
