January 2020 FCOHC Newsletter

I have nothing to write about that will overly enlighten your life as we head into 2020, but here goes. 2019 has come and gone and we are headed into a new decade. Looking back at 2019, I feel really good about what we as an organization accomplished to improve not only our club but what we accomplished at Hocking State Forest that will benefit the 50,000 plus riders that visit that park annually. Our challenge for 2020 is to continue to build on what we have started.

Plans are on the table to add more tie rails out on the trails at commonly used rest areas, plus 2 cement manure bins at the state horse camp. Grant applications have been applied for to assist with the cost of both of these projects. The tie rails will be a new addition to the horse trails, the manure bins were part of an upgrade the state started 3 or 4 years back, but ran out of money to complete. It is also the goal of the officers of your OHC to assist the state with completing the long overdue map and signage project that was started 2 years ago. As most know, a new map of the Hocking horse trails was released last summer, but some paint and signage to complete this project has been on hold. We hope this can move forward yet this winter so it is completed prior to the spring riding season. The other 2 projects will be scheduled as soon as the funds have been acquired to purchase the materials needed.

Last summer 5 of our members completed a chain saw safety class. That gives us 8 or 9 members qualified to work at clearing the horse trails when the need arises. Last year that need came more often than most of us preferred. Hopefully this year the weather pattern will be a little more normal, whatever that is, and the saws will get a little more time off.

Looking back at our club ride schedule, we attempted to organize 10 rides. A couple of those rides did not fly because of unfavorable weather. Others were not well attended. We need to take a look at this part of our club activities and maybe make some adjustments for the coming year.

I would like to get some feedback regarding the Christmas party. I was super stoked at the turn out. This may be January, but this is one of those projects that require us to plan well in advance so we are assured the date we prefer etc.

I have not been receiving my Corral on a regular basis and I am told several are in the same position. I have a couple phone calls in, but as of this writing I don't have a clear cut answer. I will keep you posted.

Love seeing your pictures on face book even if it is when you take your monkey for a walk. If you don't do facebook, ask Tanna what I am referring to. The rest of you are seemingly more traditional. In either case keep posting.

Our first meeting of 2020 is January 12. Hope to see a large group at the meeting. The main focus of the January meeting is to start the activities planning schedule. Everyone's input is valued.

That's all I have for now. See you in a little over a week.

Chris