Another year is over for the shows. Yes, August is always lighter in participation, but so many braved the uncalled-for rain. The gamers came and certainly gave us something to cheer about. Did we not discuss the dust in the arena at the AGM? Well, it looks like Mother Nature took care of the watering this year. I hid in my car…

The Olympics was mandatory watching for many of us. My computer was tuned EARLY every morning to watch 3-Day Eventing, Dressage and the stadium jumping. All I can say is WOW!!! You know how much work it takes to win at our shows. Can you imagine the amount of dedication to get to international levels?

Yes, I watched as much as possible (Rugby 7’s is a favourite) and even saw the controversial Break Dancing. They really are athletes. Some of the moves by one of the dancers looked like me trying to get off the floor pre-hip replacement. At least she made it to the Olympic stage.

So onto the Trail Horse Trials! An old trail had to be re-cut because of the corn rows in one of the fields. It is a LOT of work for Barb and friends to clear and mark the usual trail, never mind finding a way around a blocked route. Tell the weather to give us clear skies from now until after the THT’s so we can pull it off without any more adjustments. The former Travis Hall Arena Ratz have really stepped up this year to volunteer assistance at THT. THANK YOU!!
Set-up is Saturday Sept 7. I will post on Facebook what time. With the many hands we had last year, it only took two hours. I will bring cupcakes.

Have you seen Bri’s TikToks? She does “behind the scenes” and right now she is building THT obstacles to practise. Like & comment whenever you see these. They are really good!

There was a system glitch and the thank you at the show’s end did not make it in a timely fashion to the RTR page. I was able to post it on my page and here is the comment from Linda:
Yes, a huge thank you to our sponsors and to our sponsor co-ordinating team!!! Ladies in the entry booth, you are stars!! Our announcer is a gem and such a gracious gentleman with a wicked voice and a sense of humour!! Our newsletter editor is a saint. Everyone who assisted putting up, taking down, re-arranging, opening and closing gates, there are so many wonderful folks who make putting on this show for our club members fun. And Ryan, bringing in equipment and removing same for the classes, thanks. Our wonderful English and Western co-ordinators who do a fantastic job and our membership chair! All of you, everyone who has even run ribbons for a class or two, thanks. We cannot have our club shows without the property owner and her daughter's co-operation. Now, most of you do not know that the owner spends hours prior to show day pulling weeds, picking rocks etc. out of the show ring for the safety of our riders. Hours and hours of prep work is done prior to us arriving on show day. Thank you a million times over!! If I have missed anyone, forgive me. There are so many, but as the saying goes, many hands make light work!! And, not to forget all our competitors who brave sun, rain, heat, wind, no matter what, to grace our club show with your participation. Love seeing you all each month and watch your growth as an equestrian! Many thanks again for a great 2024 club show season and we shall see you for Trail Horse Trials in September, or at the banquet, or at the first show in 2025!! Respectfully written--- Linda---Rockwood Trail Riders member since 1976 ( Yes, I did show for many, many years, but now I am retired from the show ring , joined the Century Club, and my equine buddy and I just go out and hack 6 days a week).
I added: Also, a shout out to our ribbon person Lorrie. And thank YOU Linda Liddle. You are a Treasure(r) as well and I know you jump in many places when needed. And… the Lions club and their volunteers who keep us well fed & watered all day!!
Barb added: Thanks to Ryan for all of his hard work, working the arena, preparing the fields and weed whacking as well.

It takes a village.

Hoorah Lads!
Anne Dales

P.S.: Jeff crooned a couple of songs again. You will find them in the Hoof Prints as well.