It was a perfect day to go for a ride, or attend the Banquet. The trophies were beautiful, Joanne chooses really great prizes for the High Point Divisions and the Fergus & District Legion puts on quite a spread. Jeff even sang! Congratulations to all. Should I admit that I realized my shirt was on backwards about an hour and half after I arrived? What a morning! If you missed it, sorry for your bad luck. Make sure you mark April 12, 2026 on your Calendar now.

So now we are getting ready for the 2025 Show Season. Work Day is April 27 with the rain date of May 4. The first show is, of course on Mother’s Day, May 11. We need people to be a successful club. We are desperately seeking a Western Show Co-ordinator. Brenda’s work schedule is at odds with the show dates. Plus she wants to compete when she is available. The judges are booked, reining & ranch riding patterns are picked. What we need is someone to actually RUN the events. If possible, English and Western Ring Stewards are also required. Not to worry, I have responsibilities and how-to’s for everything. I can send, so you won’t be in there blind. As long as you read the Standard Operating Procedures and ask any questions you have ahead of time, you will be golden. Let Barb or myself know if you can cover the year BEFORE the first show.

We also need someone to help with the memberships. Brenda will be at the first show, but not after that. It would only be the June show where your assistance is needed. Get your membership ahead of the show. membership_form.pdf

Heather Cooke is stepping back from her Newsletter and Communications portfolio. Let Barb, Heather or myself know if you want to take on this task. This is how we let you know what is going on, what is coming up and any other important information. Again, I have the Procedures for this. Every editor puts their own spin on things, so again, if anyone can step up and take this on, we will appreciate.

Let’s talk sponsorship. The tariffs that are being imposed on goods from the U.S. are already having an effect on our sponsors. Many are small businesses who must import their goods for manufacturing. If they have to cut back, one easy way to eliminate expenses is the financial support of youth sports. That includes Rockwood Trail Riders.  Economically, how do you like the “trickle down” theory now? If you can personally sponsor a class, have, or know a business that can still support us, please contact Joanne Milton or Amy Dicks. I also have copies of the forms.

Now, here is bad/good news. The Lions Club is not able to continue with the Food Booth. They have volunteer issues too. BUT Bri D. has found a Food Truck for our shows. It looks like “Hot Diggity Dog” will be pulling their trailer on to the lawn and feeding our masses. Their menu is awesome!

Yes, the Trail Horse Trials is taking a break this year. Instead, September 14 will see us playing “The G.L.A.D. Hearts Cowboy Games 2.0”. This will be a version of Xtreme Cowboy that is open to all disciplines and most ages (see age restriction in RTR rules). There is even a class for those of us who are “elder” (55+). This will be a Fund Raiser for the Heart & Stroke Foundation to honour the 10th Anniversary of Greg Dales’ passing. Bri Dales is spearheading this event. Much help will be needed, so make sure you talk to her about how to lend a hand, how to compete and what YOU can do to raise funds for this worthy cause. Keep your eyes out for the details.

Again, Congratulations to all the trophy recipients and we look forward to seeing you in May – if not Work Day.

Hoorah Lads!
Anne Dales