Trail Riding Troubles

Every season, it seems another popular trail riding location is closing their doors. Sometimes it is to create a housing development or maybe to become a place for ATV recreation. There is always State Parks, but to an adventurous rider these may become dull quickly especially if that is the only place within a couple hours drive to ride.

Where do you trail ride? What do you do as a trail riding alternative? Are there any good secret places left to go? Do you have their contact information? I'd love to write a story about them. (Everyone loves a little free advertising.)

Do you know of any stories like the one below? Is there any way the equine community can help you keep your treasured trails open? Let us know.

HORSE TRAIL RIDERS

I am writing this letter to warn and advise people who use the west side of Prairie Creek lake as a recreational area, that a zoning battle is about to take place that could effect the future use of this recreational area. The effected users include (but not limited to) HORSE TRAIL RIDERS, GIDDY-UP EVENT PARTICIPANTS, fisherman, hikers, dog walkers, picnickers, kite flyers and anyone else who uses this side of the lake for recreation.
As you may know, in 2006 the Master Plan of Prairie Reservoir was finalized after months of work and PUBLIC input. The plan basically states that the reservoir should stay much the way it is now with any new (limited) development to occur on the east side of the lake and the west side staying as it is now. THIS IS WHAT THE MAJORITY OF THE PUBLIC WANTED. The plan is all about protecting the quality of the lake's water since this is a drinking water source for the city of Muncie. The plan specifically recommended that NO residential developments or houses be allowed on the west side or anywhere with in the ring or perimeter roads that circle the lake. This area inside the ring roads is what the City of Muncie leases from Indiana American Water Company to use as a park until 2021. The Master Plan also includes ZONING CHANGES to enforce and support the plan. These conservation-recreational zoning changes are now up for approval and are being questioned by a few individuals who have ulterior motives in mind for the lake.
On January 10 a story came out in The Muncie Star Press that explains some of these discussions. The vocal opponent of these new zoning changes is Roy Bud. Roy is the director of Energize- ECI and a member of the planning commission that will make recommendations to the County Commissioners who vote on these new changes. Roy wants the zoning to stay the way it is now so that "upscale development" could be allowed with in the ring roads, specifically the west side of the lake. The zoning is currently farming and would allow residential development to occur. This is specifically what the Master Plan does not want and why the new conservation- recreation zoning was proposed in the plan.
Roy and his supporters want to see houses and or housing developments on the west side of the lake in the areas that are currently being used by the public for recreational use. If Roy gets his way, this would at some point in the future shut the west side of the lake down to public recreational use. The land would be sold for the purpose of development to private individuals or real estate corporations and would never again be available to you and I. IT WOULD BE JUST LIKE A GEIST RESERVOIR.
WE NEED TO STOP THIS BEFORE IT HAPPENS! There will be public input meetings in the near future held by the Planning Commission and the County Commissioners. We need to be at those meetings to INSIST that the conservation-recreation zoning changes be adopted as spelled out in the Master Plan. Remember, if these zoning changes do not get approved it could mean the end of all of the recreational activities listed above. I am keeping informed on this issue by conversing with the appropriate public officials about these matters. When the time comes, we need to flood the court room with as many people as possible to achieve this goal.
If you would like more information on this matter, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me. I have included a link to The Star Press story and my contact information. Greg Wilkins, Vice President, Muncie Light Horse Club. E-mail squeaky91658@hotmail.com

http://www.thestarpress.com/article/20090110/NEWS01/90109028&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL

Purchasing Power

Think back to the last time you purchased a horse or something horse related. Odds are you can place that purchase into one of two categories: a good experience or a horrible one. Perhaps, you found that seller that was honest, let you test drive the horse, wasn't pushy. Now, you will tell others about this experience and this individual will benefit for being a good honest salesman.

However, what if you had a horrible experience? What are you to do now? Spread the word of the bad ethics of the seller? Sue the seller?

We've heard the phrase "Buyer Beware". How can an equine person protect themselves? Do you have any advice? Please share. What questions should we ask? What should we do prior to a purchase? Should we actually have written contracts?

As a trader/seller, sometimes one person wants to spend 2-3 8 hour days test driving all of your horses. Is there a limit to how customer friendly a seller can be?

If you have any advice, please share your thoughts. Maybe you just have a funny story about a seller or a buyer. We'd love to hear from you and perhaps print your thoughts in an upcoming article.

(If you share a story, please leave out names. Unless you are recommending someone then please use there name and e-mail me their contact info. I'll call them to verify that they approve having their name published.)

Tribute

Another year is coming to a close. In The Horse Resource Magazine's December issue, we will be honoring the lives of those that have past. If you know of any cowboys or cowgirls, that lived a life deserving of a cowboy tribute in this month's magazine let us know. All the horses that were like our family are also worthy of being honored and remembered. Share their stories with us.

Christmas Ideas

Can you believe it is already time to start thinking about the holidays? (Yes, it is a little early, but in the printing business we always need to be at least a month ahead.) In our November Issue, we are hoping to gather a list of great holiday gift ideas. Hopefully, we will be featuring several great horse related products.

How can you help me? Well, do you or someone you know sell something that is the perfect, unique holiday gift? I'd love to learn more about them and possible feature them in this month's issue. Or, perhaps you could enlighten me by telling me the best or worst Christmas gifts you have received in the past.

Horsey Organizations

Right now, it seems there are quite a few options to choose from when selecting an association for horse folk to join. Are there any organizations that you would recommend to others? How do the associations you belong to stand out? What are some of the benefits of joining various organizations?

Look for various associations' stats in upcoming issues.

Story Suggestions

At The Horse Resource Magazine, we are constantly trying to improve and meet the needs of our readers. Please let us know if you have ideas for future articles, trainers we should seek tips from, or other suggestions. Again, it is our goal to be continually be growing and improving. We appreciate your input.

God Bless.

All American Quarter Horse Congress

Sheen Your Horses and Shine Your Buckles...
It's Congress Time!

It’s that time of year, when horsemen from across the globe gather together in Ohio to strut their stuff and learn from the best in the business. It’s Congress, the place where champions are born.

For over forty years, the Ohio Quarter Horse Association has put on this first class event. Congress is the World’s Largest Single Breed Horse Show. The three-week show schedule will commence October 4th and come to a close October 26th. This year, Congress brought in over 16,000 show entries and will house over 8,500 horses.

The anticipation for the All American Quarter Horse Congress begins months and months prior to the event. Horsemen and women from miles around travel to Columbus, Ohio to compete for the prize, to learn something new, to appreciate all forms of the Quarter Horsing world, and to shop for the best stallion, trailer, or equipment. This first class event truly has something for everyone.

Share your Congress memories with us.