Santa Cruz County Horsemen's Association News

Welcoming Karen Morgan, new Newsletter Editor!

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 03:32:11 GMT

SCCHA welcomes Karen Morgan as the new Newsletter Editor!

Pictured below, Karen and her beloved boy Kermit:

Karen's bio:

In addition to a great deal of volunteer work, I've had a long career in educational publishing. I'm often asked to design digital and print materials for a variety of causes, my favorites being those protecting equine interests and open space. I worked for a small scientific press for many years, preparing raw manuscripts for publication in international journals and texts; I edited theses for foreign students at NPS; and I created illustrations for everything from logos to engineering matrices to medical diagrams. I also worked for CTB McGraw-Hill, producing assessment tests for K-12. I believe that the SCCHA newsletter is a vitally important tool for keeping horse owners and riders connected and up-to-date on local equine news. I'm honored to be a part of the process that delivers it to your inbox. Please don't hesitate to submit content that you think might benefit other members. I look forward to hearing from you!

Fire Safety Workshop Report

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 16:22:31 GMT

With about 50 people in attendance, the Fire Safety Workshop was well attended on Sunday March 10. Many attendees were from home owners associations and other agencies. Cal Fire did the presentation on Fire Safety and Angie Gruys from the Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County discussed funding sources available and current/ongoing projects.

In walking the showgrounds, the Cal Fire Rep made some suggestions for trimming up some of the trees to follow best practices of defensible space. The group walked up to the parking lot of Henry Cowell for a talk about the current completed project along Graham Hill Road.

Kenneth Coale, leader of Equine Evac. did a great presentation on Equine Evac and many of the attendees were aware of the need for animal/livestock evacuation and his talk made them really focus on what it takes to evacuate. Kudos to Kenneth!

Links to check out:

RCD

Equine Evac

Board Election & Candidate Statements

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 15:19:58 GMT

SCCHA adult Members choose who will serve on the Board of Directors by voting in person on March 19 @ the clubhouse, 6:30pm. This year we have 10 folks running for 8 Director positions; and 3 folks running for officer positions (President, Treasurer, Secretary).

Candidates have each provided a statement for your consideration prior to the vote, listed below.

Click here to view a summary of Board of Director duties

Candidates are listed alphabetically, *denotes a current board member.

Karen Bish – President*

I am a lifelong horsewoman and current SCCHA President. My past career as a Program Manager and my current career as a Real Estate Agent require skills that have helped me in many ways this year. Both included helping people choose among multiple desires and priorities in order to take positive action toward a common good.

This past year my biggest passion for SCCHA was to reach out to the membership to ensure that every step the board takes and every penny we spend is directed towards the betterment of the club and the support of our members to fully enjoy their membership. Our current board members came together and made significant progress towards that end. We’ve become a team and we’ve learned what the job takes and how to work together to make things happen. I’d like to be considered to return as club president and continue that progress and make 2019 the best year yet.

Debbie Boscoe*

Hello! I have been an SCCHA board member for 5 years and am currently Vice President. My association with the club began with the Fireworks Ride (I’ve managed it for a number of years now) and has steadily grown: I am on the Trails Committee, helping keep our trails open and liaising with other parts of the community to open up new ones; I am on the election committee; I helped setup our website and automate many activities; I routinely help with events as they come up, in support of other board members and our great club membership. I heartily agree with other board members in that we’ve had a stellar year, making physical improvements and growing our membership.

If re-elected, I look forward to working on a Capital Funds Raising committee so we can continue to make improvements: stay tuned for more info on this! And of course, there is always the Fireworks Ride, July 13^th this year. Got time to help? Thanks for your consideration.

Jaime Donato*

Hello, my name is Jaime Donato and I am running for a seat on the SCCHA 2019 board. I have served on the board for two years now and would like to continue.

We are currently working on projects that the membership asked for as a result of the membership survey that went out last year. I would like to see those projects to completion and stay with the current board to manage the completion of those project.

I am the mother of two active boys age 13 and 11. I am a barrel racer and I ride as often as I can. I currently work at General Feed and would appreciate your vote. Thanks

Lorraine Flores

Greetings! I am very much interested in giving my time and energy to the SCCHA Board and all of its activities. I am soon to retire from my career, and have wanted to participate more consistently and regularly with the Association for some time now.

I am a licensed therapist (MFT), have specialties in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), as well as Grief and Loss support to those who have lost a beloved person or pet. I also have been very successful as a grant writer for my agency.

I have had Dancing Horse Stables, located in Felton, for 15 years, have a wonderful horse named Dancer, and am active in our Horse Evacuation team. I have lots of energy, good people skills, and am good at building things, working on the land, and taking on challenges.

Jan Jensen*

I am a life member of both Santa Cruz County Horsemen's Association and USPC/Santa Cruz County Pony Club, and have been involved with both clubs since 1974. I am a Graduate "B" Pony Clubber and have instructed and judged for USPC throughout the nation.

I am currently a member of the SCCHA Board of Directors, among the Grounds Committee and am the Adviser for the Junior Program. My goals for the club are to encourage junior membership, rebuild the cross country course and continue to improve and preserve the facility for use by all members.

I encourage ALL members to get involved with the club by volunteering at events, help maintain the facility at work days or select from our "Honey Do List" that will be posted on the website soon.

Carol Kelly*

I have been on the board for two years now. As your current Event Calendar Secretary I hope to continue to help bring fun, interesting and affordable events that appeal to all our members at Santa Cruz County Horseman's.

One of my initial goals was to bring back The Battle of The Barns. With the full support of the rest of the board I was able to do that. We are going to have the Battle of the Barns again this year with even more fun and challenging events.

By being on the board I hope to assist the other board members with their projects this year such as bringing in new horse shows and trail challenges. Thank you for your support.

Laura Matthews

I have been a horse person for a little over 50 years. My horses have lived with me on our property the entire time so they have been like water and air, essential for my life. My love for horses goes beyond the desire to ride them for sport, they are family to me. When my horses are ready to retire they stay with me until their last breath.

I have over 30 years experience owning my own business, specializing in accounting, finance and computerized systems. I have maintained hundreds of client relationships in a variety of industries.

I’d like the opportunity to give back to the Club that has given me so much throughout the years. Thank you for your consideration.

Robin Musitelli*

I have enjoyed serving on the board in several capacities over the past decade .... President, grounds manager, director and, party maven. I have also planned and/or worked on many events and projects, including Camp Cutloose, Battle of the Barns, Fireworks 30/50, the annual holiday parties, the roundpen, back trail/road and the coming shade structure.

I cherish the horses and their people that have become a large part of my life through SCCHA and truly love sharing the horse life with my grandchildren. I am glad to serve on the board as a way to give back to our equestrian community.

Kathy Rodoni*

Hi, I am running for a seat on the SCCHA Board for the 2019 calendar year. I am a current Board Member and serve on the Grounds Committee. I have 20 plus years experience as a

Manager for AT&T, I’ve managed a small successful boarding facility for almost 20 years, I am the mother of two girls age 12 and 14, and I spend as much time riding horses as I can.

Our current Board has made lots of progress and improvements over the last year as a result of the membership survey that went out last winter. I would love the opportunity to see those projects through in 2019. Thanks for your consideration.

Heather Shupe*

I am a current board member, serving as the club’s membership secretary. I enjoy supporting club activities that bring members together with their horses. I have hosted and volunteered at multiple events, helped launch the club’s website, and like to find ways to help members throughout the year.

In the upcoming year I look forward to facilitating upgrades to the large arena and cross-country course, assisting with the club’s newsletter, supporting membership renewal, and hosting obstacle events at the showgrounds. I respectfully ask for your vote in order to continue serving on the SCCHA Board of Directors.

Steve Shupe – Treasurer*

I have been Treasurer of the SCCHA for the last year. I am married, in my late 50’s and enjoy our three family horses. I have been working to improve the accountability and books of the club. We have made many improvements over the last year and I would like to continue over the next year to keep the ball rolling. I am asking for your vote and support to continue the work. Thank you.

Bonnie Stoehn – Secretary*

Our club/showgrounds is a real gem. It is important that the people who represent the membership, ie board members, are absolutely dedicated to its continued prosperity. Being on the board allows me the opportunity to give something back to the community where I have coached and trained for so many years. I am again running for club secretary. I take seriously the need for keeping an accurate written record of meetings and decisions made. Thank you!

Mary Sullivan*

I have been on the SCCHA board for 14 years, serving as the membership secretary for most of that time. I have also organized a variety of things from horse shows to the St. Jude's Rides at the McCreary's. For the past five years, I have managed the Ride for Relay, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society which has also become a fun event for our youth riders. I look forward to continuing SCCHA efforts to attract young riders.

Fire Safety Workshop Sunday Mar 10 @ SCCHA

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 14:54:41 GMT

Fire Safety Workshop and Tour

Sunday March 10

1:00 - 3:30 PM

SCCHA Clubhouse, Graham Hill Showgrounds

TOPICS INCLUDE:

Defensible Space around Homes

Private and Rural Road Readiness

Creating Fuel Breaks

Evacuating Livestock and Pets

TOUR: Graham Hill Fuel Load Reduction Projects

FREE but please RSVP by calling 831-464-2950 x 22

Flyer

CPR class @ SCCHA Sunday Mar 3

Fri, 15 Feb 2019 14:23:06 GMT

Come learn a skill that can save someone's life!

SCCHA is hosting a CPR/First Aid class that will be taught by our local heroes from Felton Fire

March 3, 2019 from 9am - 1pm @ the Clubhouse

The cost of the class is $40 (but free if you are a resident of Felton or work in Felton). Please RSVP to Kathy Rodoni so we can get a headcount and determine what the level of interest is for this event.

Member Meeting Feb 19 @ 6pm

Fri, 01 Feb 2019 14:20:52 GMT

SCCHA Member Meeting at the Clubhouse

Please join us to honor and thank John and Deb Fox with a GRAND Party and Dinner!!

Tuesday February 19, 6:00pm

John and Deb are starting a new chapter in their lives and are moving to Arizona. Please join us to celebrate and thank them for their innumerable contributions to the equestrian community , especially the creation of the Large Animal Rescue .

As a parting gift, the Foxes will provide a short training on barn safety.

The club will supply a main dish - please bring a side dish or dessert to share.

We would really appreciate it if you would please RSVP to Robin Musitelli (helps so much with planning!)

Member Meeting Jan 15; Junior Meeting Jan 18

Mon, 14 Jan 2019 14:41:02 GMT

Two meetings at SCCHA this week, the first Membership meeting of the year on Tuesday AND the first Junior Meeting of the year on Friday! See below for details....

SOUP AND BINGO!

The first SCCHA membership meeting of the year will be

Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at 6:30pm.

Come join us and warm up with some hearty, delicious hot soup provided by the board members and yes, win BIG at Bingo!

Just how big is up to you. Please bring something for our prize table** (re-gifting anyone?) and winners will progressively choose their prizes.

Everyone goes home with something. We’re all winners in 2019!

** Not wrapped… unless you want to be mysterious about it!

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Junior Meeting

Friday January 18, 7pm - 9pm

Come learn about how a horse's conformation can impact it's health and movement. Please bring a model horse (Breyer) or photo of a horse to evaluate.

For more information or to RSVP please email scchajuniors@yahoo.com

Seeking Nominations for 2019 Board Election

Mon, 07 Jan 2019 14:44:47 GMT

Folks, with the new year comes our planning for the 2019 board elections. While we do have the current board working well and happy to continue, we are also asking any other member who might be interested in being on the board to let us know now – we love new talent!

There are two categories of board members - our general Board Directors and 3 elected officers – President, Treasurer, and Recording Secretary. The general board directors are in charge of membership, the calendar, trails advocacy, our grounds, the junior program, and more; these folks manage those areas with help from other board members and members at large.

The President and Treasurer positions are more specific and demanding, and the person in those positions has to be up to speed day 1. While anyone can run for the elected officer positions, it is a good idea to have some experience with or on the board first. You should also have the experience outlined in the descriptions, and the time to devote to keeping things running smoothly.

The job descriptions for all the board director positions are here

Any member over 18 is welcome to serve as a board director. We have monthly meetings, about 2 hours long, and one long planning session in January. A new director generally takes the first year to get up to speed before taking a leadership role in one of the areas of responsibility, so don't worry about not knowing a lot about the club's inner workings to start. What we are looking for are folks with lots of enthusiasm for our club and a desire to keep it running well, while offering great programs, classes, clinics, and events from all equine disciplines.

Being a board member can be lots of fun and very satisfying. At the same time it comes with both a working and fiduciary responsibility for SCCHA. We are quite a prominent horse club in this area with a great reputation – come help us keep that going!

If you are interested, contact Debbie Boscoe or Heather Shupe and let's get you on board, or at least on the ballot to get on board! We'd love to hear from you at or by the next membership meeting on 1/15, but understand if you need a little more time. We will put the final ballots together one month prior to elections.

Thanks for considering this

Debbie and Heather, Nominating Committee

Battle of the Barns Wrap Up

Tue, 23 Oct 2018 22:43:15 GMT

Everyone had a great time at the Battle of the Barns! Check our website for a message from Event Manager Carol Kelley as well as a slide show of photos!

Click here

Cross Country Course ...still closed

Fri, 25 May 2018 03:13:37 GMT

It is so awesome that plans are moving forward to fix up the cross country course! Work is underway! BUT please do not use the course, it is not yet finished and is still closed.

If you are interested in working on rebuilding the course, please contact the Grounds committe! email grounds committee

Found Saddle Pad

Fri, 25 May 2018 03:07:42 GMT

A saddle pad was found hanging over the tie rack in the Mendoza Ranch parking lot (near Coyote Lake). If you think it is yours please email with a description!

Successful Workday!

Fri, 25 May 2018 03:00:08 GMT

A huge shout out to a small but mighty group of volunteers that turned out for the May 20 workday headed by Mary Sullivan. These folks moved a 4 pack of stalls, pressure washed Dave's Place (aka announcer's booth), pulled scotch broom, cleaned and stained the benches and pressure washed the bbq and patio area. Many thanks go to James Bowmen, John Tinetti, PJ Myatt, Anne Murphy, Mary Breslin, and Trisha Dalton! You all rock!

Election Meeting + Candidate Statements

Sat, 10 Mar 2018 16:43:36 GMT

Election Meeting Tues Mar 20, 6:30pm at the Clubhouse

Click here to view Candidate Statements

SCCHA HELPING FIRE VICTIMS

Fri, 13 Oct 2017 14:41:51 GMT

Dear SCCHA Members,

The wildfires raging in California have affected all of us who care about horses. It is frightening to know some of our friends are in danger, and heartening to hear that hundreds of horses have been safely evacuated. IMPORTANT: We have been advised by those coordinating evacuations that private citizens driving in to help may actually hinder rescue efforts. Please keep the roads clear for evacuees and safety personnel!

AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli

As of Thursday 10/12/17, the Equine Evacuation Units in Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties have NOT been activated. The SCCHA showgrounds has NOT been activated for evacuations.

SCCHA wants to help members seeking shelter for themselves and their horses. Accordingly, the usual 4-day limit will be extended to 7 days for members and their guests evacuating from fire zones. Dogs must be leashed or penned at all times. Owners must stay with their animals. Information and paperwork will be available from our groundskeeper, Tricia Dalton.

The SCCHA board has heard from many members who want to help fire victims. In response SCCHA is donating $1,000 to send hay to evacuation centers.

We’ve also compiled a list of agencies seeking volunteers or donations

to help equine fire victims, for your information.

Scotts Valley Feed - 831 438-3194

Organizing and shipping hay to evacuation centers at wholesale cost. Donate cash to help.

Solano County Fairgrounds - www.scfair.com/EvacCenter2017.html 707 551-2008

Housing nearly 500 animals, with 381 more stalls available. A list of donation needs is available on their website, including supplies and onsite volunteers. Call first!

Napa Valley Horsemen’s Association – www.napahorsemen.org

Housing 100 horses, donate cash online via their website to help with expenses.

Sonoma County Fairgrounds - www.sonomacountyfair.com/animal-evacuation.php

Well-supplied with volunteers and supplies per their website. Call 707 545-4200 to volunteer as help will be needed in the weeks to come.

Redwood Empire Fairgrounds (Ukiah/Mendocino County) - 707-462-3884

Housing 150 animals (horses, goats, pigs). Need shavings, shade cloth & portable pens.

Rainbow Agricultural Services (Ukiah)- 707-462-2404

Feed store in Ukiah taking donations and delivering feed & shavings to the evacuation center at the Redwood Empire fairgrounds in Ukiah.

Woodside Horse Owner’s Association – www.whoa94062.org (Day of the Horse)

Accepting cash donations and gently used horse equipment for fire victims Saturday Oct 14 at the Woodside Mounted Patrol Grounds, 521 Kings Mountain Road.

All Animal Rescue & Friends – 16970 DeWitt Ave, Morgan Hill, Noon-8pm.

Delivering donated pet food, feed, and pet supplies to affected areas.

Silva Feed - 12310 Santa Teresa Blvd, San Martin, (408) 683-2348

Transporting donations to affected areas. Has delivered a few loads already.

AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli

FIREWORKS RIDE RESULTS!

Sun, 23 Jul 2017 00:39:08 GMT

The results of the 2017 Fireworks Endurance Ride are here! Click on the links below to review the results of this great event.

Congratulations to all our riders!

Thank you to all our Volunteers!

P.S. Save the date

Next year's ride is tentatively scheduled for July 14, 2018

Horse Stuck in the mud & sand at Wilder Ranch

Wed, 08 Mar 2017 23:29:07 GMT

I spoke with Karen Cohen, whose Rocky Monet was trapped in the bog yesterday. She posted this on Facebook and says we can put it on our Website to caution others. - Elise Levinson

About 12 years ago I was crossing a creek on my little Arab with my friend, Sharon Conley. this was a normal place to cross but it had rained and then the rain slowed and the creek was sluggish. All of a sudden my mare started to sink in the mud. She spooked and started to spin. My friend yelled--get off that is quicksand! I jumped off and was able to coax my mare up out of the mud.

Well something extremely frightening happened yesterday and I am posting so that others can learn from my mistake and avoid similar near tragedies in the future. My daughter and I were walking our Rocky Mountain horses up Woodcutters trail in Wilder ranch We had waited for a warmer day and were going at a slow pace. The ground seems fine. We got to a place where there is a culvert under the road but in the rains the water had begun to go up over the road. Weeks ago it was actually fast moving water making a small waterfall off the right side of the road. The ground at that point was hard. Sonya, riding Monet passed the spot but Cruz placed his nose down indicating that he wanted to drink that delicious attractive mineral laced water that the horses seem to love. Sonya turned around to let Monet drink the water too. She took one or two steps to her right toward the source of the slow flowing water and it was as if she stepped off a steep cliff. She was immediately chest deep in mud. Of course she tried to free herself by leaping forward which only served to move her further into the quicksand like mud. Sonya jumped off and I jumped off my horse to try and turn her to what appeared to be hard ground but as my feet touched I too sunk to thigh level. The ground was liquifying with any weight. We tried to turn her but I sent Sonya to get Rudy our barn helper and bring some ropes. Rudy could not get there in the Kabota due to a downed tree. Sonya came back on horseback and I left her there to call for help. While I was away the horse had sunken deeper and had her whole body in the mud with only her one eye and nostrils above. She was becoming hypothermic and shaking. Sonya was there alone holding her head above the water with a single rope. Eventually Rudy, Sonya, Sharon and I were there trying to free the horse and it became evident that we needed to call 911 and alert Cal Fire and Equine rescue. Luckily Sharon had been able to open the gait from Smith Grade and they arrived in about 25 minutes. Two officers including officer Gonzales arrived and called for more help. Then when more people came the officer had the idea to shovel out a diversion for some of the water to harden up the mud. Meanwhile Sonya was chest deep in the mud almost diving under to get a rope around the mare's belly. She kept her cool to my relative panic and had definite ideas about how to proceed. This is especially poignant because she was flashing on this movie that she watched over and over as a child; The Neverending Story, where the horse sinks into a mud swamp and dies. Monet was shivering and closing her eyes and appeared to be drifting away in will but every fifteen minutes she made an effort to free herself. Due to the shovel work the ground became firmer and she was able to throw herself forward. The officers were concerned that her legs under the heavy mud might be broken. The picture you see was her hoisting herself onto a place where the roots of a tree kept the ground more solid. We did not have to hold her head above the mud and she was able to rest and breath. from here she made another effort and righted herself and got her two front feet above the hardening mud. People tried the idea of getting a rope under her chest but it was impossible. After another 10 minute rest she took everything she had left and pushed forward and was able to get purchase and pull herself free. Every one there had helped but the calm determined nature of my little Rocky Mountain mare who did not panic and never gave up allowed her to finally free herself from the cold heavy mud. Once out Sonya lead her to our barn and she got a hot shower and immediately began scarfing up her hay and of course I made her a warm mash of nourishing food. Thank you to Cal Fire and Equine rescue and my hero, Sonya, and the spirit of my awesome mare, Monet and the powers that blessed us with another day. In short; beware of areas where the water is moving sluggishly and there is a build up of silt after a storm. These areas are unsafe. Only tread where you can determine the ground is solid. Slow moving water will make silt deposits and this is what must be avoided. Thanks again to everyone who helped. Today Monet is turned out and enjoying the sun with her friends Cruz and Mocha. I am very grateful.

CAMP CUT LOOSE

Sat, 03 Sep 2016 02:28:40 GMT

Registration for Camp Cut Loose is now open to members and non-members alike. Call your buddy, so they can join the fun !

Sept 16 - 18 at the showgrounds

Click here to register online today: Camp Cut Loose

May Membership Meeting: New Connections

Tue, 17 May 2016 04:50:30 GMT

Tuesday Evening, May 17th 6:30 ~ Clubhouse

New Connections

Our club has a new website on the horizon, and we will be using it to build better ways to connect with members that include replacing our current website, email, on-line memberships & event registrations, and more. This meeting will demo our new website and and discuss ways in which we will be able to utilize new software, and hopefully answer any questions members have.

A launch date (the day we actually transition from our existing website to our new one) has not yet been set. So stay tuned - and come on out to our May meeting to see what the future holds for making the best online connections to our club.