PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Hello Horse Buddies,

I want to start by saying thank you for all of the thoughts, prayers and cards after my accident and during my “layed-up” time after accidental run in with a cow’s horn. It was certainly one of the more difficult times in my life and it help knowing so many of you cared about me! 

Thank you to all who pitched in and helped make our awards banquet a nice event. I think ECEA awards are some of the nicest being offered at any open show anywhere right now! I am so proud of our club. I posted on facebook the other day, that the more I attend other club’s open shows, the more proud I am of ECEA. We have great judges, we start on time, we give great prizes, and we have some pretty good competition! Why anybody would show anywhere else is beyond me! Of course, I’m a little biased.  

The show series is over, but things are still going on. Be sure to read the news briefs below and continue to check our facebook page and website at www.elliscountyequine.org for things going on this fall and winter. We’ve got trail rides, planning meetings, and parades. Plus, remember, this is a member driven club; if there is something you want us to do, step up and help us do it!

In closing, I would like to welcome Jimmy Ballew as the 2011 President of ECEA. Since there is nobody running against him, I would assume it is safe to say he will probably win! I will still be on the board as outgoing president. I am so proud of Jimmy for stepping up to this position. Jimmy doesn’t even show or know that much about horses. But his daughter Alyssa does and Alyssa loves it. It’s his love for her and to make her happy that made him decide to help keep the club going. What an awesome dad!  Let’s all help him have a successful year as leader.

Keep your heels down,

 Julie

 2011 Officer Elections

You should be receiving a ballot any day now for the 2011 officer elections. Please return ASAP and officers will be announced at the December planning meeting. You will notice we are still in need of a secretary whose primary responsibility is to take minutes at the meetings.

 ECEYA

The youth club is taking their year-end field trip to Lake Lavon November 12-14 for a camping trip and trail ride. Log onto www.trinitytrailriders.org for more information. We have reserved 10 sites and 20 overnight pens so please RSVP to Mitsy Hammock at mlhammock74@yahoo.com  with the number of trailers/cars/people/horses if you are planning to attend. PLEASE GIVE US A COMMITMENT BY MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8! If you don’t want to camp out for the whole weekend, you are also welcome to haul in and ride with us for the day!

 2011 Show Dates!

At the October general membership meeting, ECEA decided to remain at Mystic Acres again for the 2011 show season and the dates were approved:

April 2, May 7, June 4, July 9 (double judged)  Rain dates are April 9, May 14

 Facebook

Join the Ellis County Equine Association group on Facebook! It’s a great place to get news first, see great pictures from our events, and chat with other members. Just do a search for our name and we should pop up!

 General Membership Meeting

There will be no general membership meeting in November or December. The next scheduled general membership meeting will be January 20, 2011.

Christmas Parades

ECEA will be participating in the Italy Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 4. Details to come soon. If anyone would like to organize another ride in another town’s parade, please contact our parade chairman Jennifer Alexander.

2011 Planning Meeting

The 2011 planning meeting, which is where most of the important decisions are made for next year regarding awards levels, divisions, classes, dates, rule changes, etc are made, will be on December 11, at 9 a.m. at the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce.

The 10 Commandments of Trail Riding

Posted by Jody on AQHA’s website.

1. Thou shalt not kill the spirit of the ride.
2. Thou shalt not litter.
3. Thou shalt not steal around another horse and rider upon the trail. Ask permission, then pass at a moderate pace.
4. Blessed are the hikers and bikers, though they fear horse manure, for they will be allies in trail legislation.
5. Thou shalt not have false expectations of the trail: Expect flies, expect mud, expect obstacles along the way and preparest accordingly. (And don’t complain about acts of you-know-who.)
6. Thou shalt hold the health and safety of your horse and others above all personal desire for fun, adventure or being first back to the trailer.
7. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s truck and trailer, nor park your horse where he might ding them.
8. ‘Tis better to tie a single red ribbon in your horse’s tail than to curse the person who rides into the kick zone.
9. Thou shalt not assume that other riders need or want your assistance or advice.
10. Honor thy horse’s natural instincts above your own, forsaking gimmickry and false training.

Thank you to our 2010 ECEA Sponsors!

International Power Midlothian – Buckle Sponsor

R.C. Neal, P.C. – Daily High Point Sponsor

Certified Public Accountant * Quickbooks Pro Certified Adviser

 Accounting and Tax Services   *  972-259-5757   *  Waxahachie, TX

Charlie Campell's Rental Services- Youth Sponsor

Ft. Worth, TX 817-718-4302

SUGAR GROVE FARM

Italy, Texas  *  A complete equine facility.    *  Training--Lessons--sales--full care boarding facilities

100x200' covered arena--60' indoor round pen  *  Large outside riding arena