ATRA ON THE TRAIL

ATRA ON THE TRAIL
May 2014 Newsletter
Inside this issue:
Clinics
2-3
Reports
3
Trail Rides
4-8
Classifieds
8
Parade Group
9
Volunteering
9
Upcoming Events
Students listening while trainer Greg Czech explains a pattern at the horsemanship
clinic at Unicorn Farms, near Beaumont April 12 & 13. It was a cold windy weekend
so the 18 riders and spectators were glad to have the covered arena to ride in.
10
ATRA was
established in 1973 for
people interested in
recreational riding &
driving.
2014 Club Executive
President: James King
Past Pres: Don Scott
Vice-Pres: Linda McKenzie
Secretary: Marjorie Phillips
Treasurer: Cindy Hanas
Membership: Cindy Hanas
Directors: Vicki Lawrence,
Shirley McFall, Murray Few,
Tracy Campbell, Ken Komm,
Doug King, Roger Marvin
*Webmaster: Erin King
Newsletter: Lisa Harrison
15 Riders came out for the ATRA & Wild Pink Yonder Pinkapalooza Fundraiser Trail
Ride at Blackfoot Central on Easter Sunday. We stayed dry and the sunshine came
out after lunch, so it turned out to be a great ride with prizes for the pinkest riders.
Contact to run an advertisement or
send an article to be considered:
lisa_f@mailcan.com 780-237-7587
ATRA’s a non-profit
organization actively involved
in preserving natural environment
for future enjoyment of equestrian
activities such as driving and
trail riding.
ATRA meets at 7 PM on the 3rd Thursday Jan-Apr & Sept-Nov
upstairs at Kirk United Church, 13535-122 Avenue, Edmonton
Visitors welcome to any meeting. Website: www.atra.ca
Membership for the calendar year is $20 single, $35 family.
Riding members must also have an AEF membership.
Trail Obstacles Clinic with Bob Klassen at Courier Park—June 7 or 8
We had so much fun last year we are
doing it again. We had 30 sign up at
the February meeting so only 10 spots
left. Sign up by May 10 Cancer Ride
by bringing $50 cheque payable to
ATRA or talk to Doug 780-916-7474 or
king519@telus.net to get him a cheque.
Devanee Cardinal Parelli Level 1-3 & Connected Riding Clinics
Parelli Level 1 (2 days)—groundwork 7 games
Saturday May 24 & Sunday May 25, 9am-4pm
$305 for current members that joined in 2013
$462 for new or non-members
At Bruichladdie Acres (Hwy 627, S of Stony Plain)
Parelli Level 2 (2 days)— learn how the 7
games can be progressed into some cool stuff
and how to apply them from the saddle. Must
have Level 1 to attend (can do with clinic above).
Monday May 26 & Tuesday May 27, 9am-4pm
$270 for current members that joined in 2013,
$406 for new or non-members
Bruichladdie Acres (Hwy 627, S of Stony Plain)
To register for any of these clinics mail a
cheque payable to ATRA for 50% of clinic
as a deposit to: Linda McKenzie, PO Box 5062,
Devon, AB, T9G1X8 or call 780-887-7413 or
email linda@mustangcontrols.com
Spots will be secured based
on recipient date of cheque.
The final payment must be
received by April 1 or your
spot will be given away to
next on waiting list.
Deposit and final payment
are non-refundable as of
April 1. No exceptions.
They will only be refunded
if a replacement is found.
Page 2
Connected Riding Workshop (2 days)—
whether you want to learn the ingredients for
bridleless riding or just want more connection
and confidence from your partner out on the
trail, this will get you started.
Wednesday May 28 & Thursday May 29, 9-4
$240 for current members that joined in 2013
$360 for new or non-members
Colchester Stables (near Hwy 14/Henday)
Parelli Level 2/3 (3 days)—learn how the 7
games can be progressed into some cool stuff
and how to apply them from the saddle. Must
have Level 1 to attend. 2013 Level 2 participants
will be given first choice.
Friday May 30, Saturday May 31, Sunday June 1
$400 for current members that joined in 2013
$610 for new or non-members
Heatherdown Hills Arena (N of Stony Plain)
May 2014 Newsletter
Steve Rother 4 Day Horsemanship Clinic at Courier Park Aug 7-10
ATRA is very excited to subsidize our members who would like to attend.
This clinic is hosted by Hedi Klassen and Courier Park, 10 minutes east of
Sherwood Park. Steve has provided clinics for ATRA in the past and
many of you may have seen Steve & Francesca at the Mane Event.
The 4 day clinic is $599 + $99 membership = $699 total. ATRA members
who have been with us for 2 years or more can receive a subsidy of $234
which brings this clinic price down to $465. ATRA will subsidize a maximum of 7 members for this clinic. This clinic will likely fill up before or
at the Mane Event so if you are interested please register immediately.
Pay your $300 deposit in Steve Rother’s website www.horseteacher.com
To receive your subsidy make your final payment of $165 payable to
ATRA to Shirley 780-662-4747 shimcf@mcsnet.ca
Reports from ATRA member representatives at other club meetings
Report on the February 6, 2014 Bighorn Backcountry Access Management Plan Monitoring Standing Committee Meeting. Roger Marvin along with 18 other people attended the meeting,
at the Rocky Mountain House Museum. Next meeting June 5. Here are a few items of interest:
Activities: There has been little activity in the Bighorn Backcountry because of the deeper
than average snow pack and the lack of access off the Forestry Trunk Road. Contractors working
for Transportation do not plough out parking areas unless they are paid more. It was discussed
that from a Tourism perspective there should be places to safely pull over for viewing/staging.
Societies and Foundations: The chairman asked us if we thought there was an appetite for a
group to become a society or foundation, to be the “Friends of the Bighorn”. After discussion
the committee did not think duplicating our committee efforts would be of value to pursue. The
Friends of the Eastern Slopes will continue to be the “umbrella group” for staging areas.
Flood Funding & Priorities: Money is being made available to address the damage created
by the flooding in 2013. 10 million dollars over a three year period will be available for restoration of trails. This applies to public land along the Eastern Slopes from the United States border to the Bighorn Backcountry. Details will be further developed. We will see a list of potential
trails to be worked on and have some input in setting priorities. We can identify damaged areas
as well. This will apply to motorized and non motorized trails. There is provision for a
small number of seasonal staff. If someone has a suggestion for a potential project please let
Roger know. Panther Wagon Trail. The lower trail flooded out this summer. The upper trail
provides an alternative, however, there is a steep hill (referred to as Suicide Hill) that would
need some alteration if it was to become the main wagon trail. No decisions were made.
Prescribed Burns: A fire officer provided a brief 2013 burn update. The window of opportunity
is very narrow so the priority of what will be burned next is determined by Mother Nature.
I used the opportunity to clarify our support for a burn south of the Hummingbird Staging area
toward Sick Man’s Camp. Following we could then reroute the current trail which can be soft.
Page 3
Summer Mountain Ride Information
Dates are on the back page of this newsletter. These trips are for ATRA members, with current
AEF memberships with their own horse, trailer and camping accommodations. Horses and riders should have trail riding experience and be fit enough for 4-8 hour day rides. We recommend all horses have 4 shoes or boots prior to coming, as there is lots of rock on many of the
trails. If you are using boots on your horse, make sure you practice with them ahead and get
them properly fitted. Make sure your horse can tie, high-line, hobble, handle saddle bags,
rain slickers, dogs and wildlife encountered on the trail and other trail hazards like creeks,
bogs and mud. Also make sure your truck and trailer are suitable for getting there. You must
know how to operate your trailer brakes as they need to be working and set correctly for the
steep hills. Kananaskis is the only trip with pavement all the way to the campground.
Trails in these areas range from easy flat valley rides to high steep mountainous areas. There
are many beautiful trails, some hard to find and not well marked, so if you haven’t been there
before, this is a great opportunity to come, with the group, who can show you the trails. We
split up and ride out in smaller groups to different destinations. These trips are geared towards
adult riders, families are permitted, but may find campfire conversation unsuitable for kids.
To register: For the non-pack trips, there is no limit on number of members that can attend.
We do ask that you register with Lisa 780-237-7587 or lisa_f@mailcan.com so we know you
are coming & can send additional information on group activities, meals, travel and directions
to destinations. The ATRA banner will be displayed at our campsite. For pack trips, contact
Ken at kekomm@shaw.ca to apply, as they are open to a limited number of riders.
Campground Information: no cell phone service, RV hook-ups or power at any of these.
Bring your own cubes, if possible, as hay can bring in weeds to the area. Yaha Tinda & Hummingbird are both free first come first serve campgrounds with only a river, outhouses (BYO
TP), high-line poles (BYO rope). There are some hitching rails or tie to your trailer or bring
panels. No electric fence pens or grazing. Kananaskis is $35/night first come first serve or reserve ahead, covered tie stalls with water taps between sites (so bring a long hose). 15 minute
drive to showers and store at ATV campground. Garbage bins and toilet paper provided.
Page 4
May 2014 Newsletter
Summer Mountain Rides—What to Bring & Directions
Directions:
Kananaskis Little Elbow Equestrian Campground is 50km West of Bragg Creek on Hwy 66 at
the end of the road. Take Hwy 22 south of Bragg Creek to Hwy 66 T intersection & turn right.
Ya Ha Tinda Eagle Creek Campground is 85km SW of Sundre. 10km west of Sundre turn
left/south on Coal Camp Rd, after 50km (25 km paved/25 km gravel) turn left at T-intersection
Hwy 734, stay on the north side of the river (do not cross blue bridge, go past no exit sign at
bridge, but do not take the 2nd no exit sign to the right) it’s 25 km to the Eagle Creek
Campground, look for campground sign on your left, YMCA will be on right.
Hummingbird Equestrian Campground is 100km SW of Rocky Mountain House. Take Secondary 752 (60km, 40 paved/20 gravel), south west of Rocky Mountain House to the Forestry Trunk
Road 734, turn right (west) at that T-intersection (41km to camp). After crossing the South Ram
River (CAUTION STEEP HILL) the road turns west for a mile or so then goes north. Look for the
Hummingbird sign on the west side. Turn left and follow the road west to the staging area. Continue on the road past the information signs in the first parking lot (day use area). The road
climbs a short hill then makes a sharp U turn across a small creek then continues west. The
equestrian loop camping area has a sign and an entrance, on the left (south).
What to Bring for your Horse: saddle, cinch, saddle bags, breastplate and crouper, 2 saddle
pads halters & long lead shanks, rain sheet or blanket (optional, but it does get cold at night and
horses can’t move much to keep warm), feed tub, water bucket, helmet (optional, but ATRA recommends), horse fly spray, sponge, scraper and small bucket, grooming kit, horse first aid supplies, manure tubs and forks or shovels to take manure to pit, hobbles (optional for lunch grazing only), easy boot (in case you lose a shoe – note most horses need a size bigger than shoe
size), tag with phone number on halter (in case you lose your horse)
What to Bring for you (suggestions, not all required): personal clothing and toiletries, suntan
lotion/bug spray, first aid kit, medicine, binoculars, camera, batteries, rain gear, winter jacket,
flashlight, lawn chair, garbage bags to haul out garbage, multi-tool, bell or whistle, bear spray,
duct tape, compass or GPS, folding saw, pocket knife, axe, sewing kit, tarp, cooking supplies
and food and drinks. lunch kit, generator, medical information card that has name, next of kin &
phone # & relationship to, location of truck/trailer keys, AHC#, medications, allergies, medical
conditions/health concerns (ATRA has these so ask trail ride organizer on the day you arrive)
Page 5
Willmore Wilderness Sunset Meadows Mountain Pack Trip Aug 17-24
We’ve engaged the same outfitter as last year, Kip Kelly, to pack us in from the Berland Staging
area about 5 hours into the river valley. This camp is about 2 hours past our previous camp.
Campers will need to ride their own horses & carry some of their personal items. Weight limits
will be very monitored this year, more than in the past. Only horses and riders with wilderness
experience will be considered and limited to 12 campers. Horses must hi-line and hobble.
We will arrange a meeting of those involved to plan our trip and minimize weight & duplication
of supplies. Preference will be on a first come basis & a $200 non-refundable deposit payable to
ATRA post dated May 1 will be required to be given to Ken. Total cost will be around $375 for a
trip of a lifetime. This trip was on the back of the March newsletter and filled up before the
March 20 meeting. To go on the waiting list, contact Ken Komm 780-922-3004 kekomm@shaw.ca
Rides organized by ATRA members you can join
Any members that have a location and would like to host an ATRA
ride, please contact board with information for approval and then
we can include it in our newsletter, website & insurance.
Sheila Sharko’s organizing rides at Wheale Ranch, near Winfield.
Clean up ride is June 10-12 mid week. Spend few hours helping
complete a covered bridge, or help cut upper branches on trails.
Require sensible horses used to branches falling, and riders who
don't mind helping out. No charge for camping for volunteering.
Second ride is July 4-6 weekend. Cost is $20/day for one horse
and one rider, extra horse $10, non riders $10/day, horse and rider 3 day weekend $60. FULL as of April, waiting list started.
Riders must be ATRA & AEF members. No dogs/stallions/smoking
or alcohol on premises. Rides will be led by ranch family member,
21 pens available for horses, can double up with horses from same
home. (Weekend ride is almost full). Lovely trails on river valley,
canyon ride, no horse shoes needed, riders under 18 must wear
helmet and be accompanied by adult. Cowboy church on Sunday
morning. Welcome to join in or spend quiet time with horse in pen.
There are two arenas, indoor and outdoor, and cowboy challenge
course set up, outdoor BBQ, toilets, about 1 hour south of Edmonton. Anyone interested please contact Sheila, 780-985-3426
randssharko@hotmail.com Leave message with name, number &
ride you would like to join.
"While the exact number
of horses in Washington,
DC, during the Civil War
is unknown, it's safe to
say that the total reached
the upper tens of
thousands. An idea of
what the city must have
smelled like during its
hot and humid summers
is suggested by the
goings-on at Giesboro
Point Cavalry Depot, just
south of Washington.
From January 1864 to end
of the war (April 1865),
Giesboro managed a total
of 170,622 cavalry horses
and was estimated to
have handled 700 tons of
horse manure a day."
From Lincoln's Last Days
by Bill O'Reilly
Ken Zelt is planning on a trail ride/campout at the Hummingbird
Staging area on June 22-27. Any ATRA members interested in joining him contact 780-922-3222 or kawlzelt@gmail.com.
Page 6
May 2014 Newsletter
Local Trail Rides
May 10 ATRA’s 36th Annual CANCER RIDE at Able Ranch
by Lily Lake (N of Bon Accord). Over the past 35 years, ATRA has raised over $1,199,595 for the Canadian Cancer Society. Come for the complimentary breakfast sponsored by
Welsh’s and stay after the ride for awards and the $5 BBQ
steak dinner, free weekend camping too. Rider package
link is on our website, and should have been mailed to all
members and past participants. Let’s show our appreciation
by shopping at Welsh’s, now under new ownership. G&E
Pharmacy is also a major sponsor. Thanks to all sponsors for
donating prizes and silent auction items towards this event.
Raffle for King/Queen Handcrafted Quilt & 2 Pillow Shams
Sheila Sharko has generously donated these for us to raffle.
Proceeds are going to go to the CCS. Draw will be made at
the Cancer Ride on May 10. Tickets are only $5 with a max
of 200 tickets to be sold. Tickets call Sheila at 780-985-3426.
June 15 ATRA Trail Ride at Silverberry.
Ride out at 11am, bring a lunch & water for riders/horses & lawn chair for after the ride. Ride
will be 4 hours & may go out in 2 rides. No shoes needed, may be some wet areas because of
spring conditions, riding consists of grassland, light bush, old homestead sites & viewpoints.
Hot dog supper to follow. Driving time about 2 hours, all highway except the last 2 miles. To
register and get directions, please contact Shirley McFall at 780-662-4747 or shimcf@mcsnet.ca
Page 7
Classifieds
Ad Rates
#
Classified 1/4 Page 1/2 Page
Member
1
$5
$15
$30
Member
3
$12
$34
$63
Non-Member 1
$10
$20
$40
Non-Member 3
$24
$45
$84
Saddle & tack repairs and custom work
5020 - 48 Ave, Tofield, AB 780-662-4980
Ride-A-Thon Underprivileged Kids Camp
Saddle up your horses for a fantastic day of
horseback riding to help send underprivileged kids to camp. Brightwood Ranch, owned
by Hope Mission of Edmonton and located
near Entwistle, is running a Ride-A-Thon on
Sat June 7, 2014. Enjoy a great day of riding,
meals over the campfire, beautiful scenery
and the opportunity to give underprivileged
kids the chance to attend a week long camp.
Riders can be of any age but those under 15
must have an adult to supervise them and are
free to use their own horse or borrow one of
the camp’s horses.
This summer close to 900 kids are will attend
the ranch. Three quarters of the campers
come from single parent, foster and group
homes or guardianships. The campers spend a
week enjoying the many activities at the
ranch: horseback riding, climbing wall, archery, riflery, sports, drama, wilderness skills,
skateboarding, games, small group Bible
study times and chapels with lots of singing,
dramas, and a Bible message. The campers
are asked to pay a small fee to come to camp if
they can but many families are not able to pay
anything. The camp then seeks to raise funds
to pay these costs.
To donate or for information on riding, contact
the ranch at 780-727-3840. or
bright.wood@hopemission.com
Registration forms and info is available at
www.hopemission.com/summercamp.
Page 8
May 2014 Newsletter
Parade Group
Interested in Participating in ATRA’s Parade Group? Last year 2-6 members rode their horses in
the Ardrossan and Morinville parades in June, the Canada Day parade in Sherwood Park and the
South Cooking Lake Trail Days parade in August. We are looking to expand our numbers for
this year and possibly ride in more local parades. This is covered by our club insurance.
We have blue and white costumes (vest and chaps), white helmet covers, blue breast band and a
variety of flags and poles, including 2 flags with the new ATRA logo. All you need to provide is a
plain white shirt, black jeans, helmet, boots, white saddle pad, clean, shiny saddle and bridle,
and a clean, shiny, calm, dependable horse.
For the past 3 years an “Is Your Horse Ready to Be in a Parade?” workshop was held at Vicki and
Dave Lawrence’s acreage just before the parade season started. This ensured that riders and
horses were ‘parade ready’. We intend to repeat this each year to make sure everyone is prepared. This year the date set for checking for parade ready horses is Sat. May 31. Checklist:
Flags – being near one, carrying one, especially in wind
Crossing wet pavement, painted lines on highway, walking near manhole covers
Going by spraying water, Handle balloons and popping balloons
Handle bicycles, motorbikes/quads, barking dogs on leashes
Handle blowing streamers and plastic, rolling or bouncing balls
Accept vigorous movements and noises made by nearby people
Handle a variety of loud noises & umbrellas
2014 Parade Dates so far: Ardrossan or Morinville – Sat. June 21, Sherwood Park – Tues. July 1
Please contact Vicki at 780 922-2227 or vickilawrence@interbaun.com if you are interested.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Klondike Carriage Classic driving show to be held
on August 8,9 & 10th at Beaumont is as always looking for
volunteers! If anyone is interested please contact Arlene
Murray 780-718-5222 or arlenemurray472@gmail.com
ATRA Trailer Decals
$10 with white background
$30 with clear background
Purchase at a meeting or
contact a board member to
bring to a clinic or trail ride.
Page 9
Upcoming Events Calendar
DATE
HOST
LOCATION
May 10
ATRA
36th Annual Trail Ride Against Cancer
Able Ranch, north of Bon Accord
May 16-19
CLSC &
ATRA
May 24 -Jun 1
ATRA
Parelli Level 1, 2, 3 & Connected Riding Clinics
Page 3
May 31
ATRA
Parade Group: Is your horse ready Workshop
Page 9
June 7 or 8
ATRA
Obstacles Clinic with Bob Klassen at Courier Park
Page 2
June 10-12
ATRA
Wheale Ranch Weekday Clean-Up Ride & Camp
Page 6
June 15
ATRA
Local Trail Ride: Silverberry (near Two Hills)
Page 7
June 22-27
ATRA
Mountain ride and campout at Hummingbird
Page 6
July 4-6
ATRA
Wheale Ranch Weekend Ride & Camp
Page 6
Jul 20-27
ATRA
MOUNTAIN RIDE: Kananaskis: Little Elbow
Page 4/5
Aug 4-10
ATRA
MOUNTAIN RIDE: Ya Ha Tinda: Eagle Creek
Page 4/5
Aug 7-10
ATRA
Steve Rother Horsemanship Clinic at Courier Park
Page 2
Aug 17-24
ATRA
MOUNTAIN RIDE: Willmore Sunset Meadows
Page 6
Aug 24-31
ATRA
MOUNTAIN RIDE: Hummingbird Clean Up
Sept 14
CLSC
STARS Poker Ride at Ministik Bird Sanctuary
Sept 18
ATRA
General Meeting, Speaker Dr. Larry Frishke
Sept 20
CLSC
BBQ Potluck Barn Dance at the Lawrence Farm
Oct 16
ATRA
General Meeting, Speaker Dr. Jodie Santarossa
Nov 19
ATRA
General Meeting, Speaker TBA
Dec 13
ATRA
Christmas Potluck Party
Horse Creek Ranch, Fort Assiniboine—FULL—waiting
list started. Cheques dated May 1 to CLSC to book
$18.90/person/horse/rig/dog/power site for weekend
DETAILS
Page 7
Barb: mbfew@
planet.eon.net
780-434-2000
Page 4/5
If you have an event we should know about, call Lisa @ 780 237-7587 or lisa_f@mailcan.com
For insurance purposes, each member joining our rides/clinics is required to hold a current AB
Equestrian Federation membership. Renewal forms are available: www.albertaequestrian.com
All riders ride at your own risk. We recommend helmet use for all riders & STRONGLY encourage
it for those under 18 during ATRA events. For the safety of all members, ATRA’s policy on riding
with dogs is: On single day rides or weekend rides with a large group, no dogs are permitted.
On longer overnight trips, dogs may be permitted if all riders in your group are in agreement.