August 2020 FCOHC Newsletter

Life is still not what most of us consider normal prior March 16th standards, but it would appear that most of our members are becoming more active with their equine friends. I have seen pictures on Facebook posted by numerous members at several different locations. I congratulate all of you for logging the miles especially since the temperatures in July were not necessarily friendly.

We did as a club hold our first meeting since February at Fat Cats on July 12th. All went off without a hitch. The turn out was small but hopefully as we head into fall the numbers will increase.

Toni Turk, a long time member was on hand to visit with us to discuss the local humane society’s involvement in horse rescue. She assisted them back in the fall to rescue and save two starved horses. She was successful in one case, but not so lucky in another. Her request to us as a club was for members to step up to assist the humane society when there are future rescues.  For example, there may be a need for trucks and trailers to transport seized animals, to board a rescued horse or provide hay. The humane society and police do not have equipment or resources. If you would like to get involved contact me and I will forword your contact information to Tony.

Backing up little, on the 4th of July we did as a club host a ride at Zaleski State Forest. It was warm if you were out in the sun, but in the woods the riding was actually comfortable. And as a bonus, it cooled off at night so sleeping was not a problem. The turn out was small from our club, but the park was full. Trails at Zaleski can be muddy at times but were in very tolerable shape for our ride.

On July 18th we held a workday at Hocking State Forest to erect 3 tie rails at a couple of the commonly used rest areas. This was related to the grant money we received from the South Central Foundation. Nine FCOHC members and 10 or 12 youth members from the Rough Rider 4-H club and a couple of parents  joined us to knock this project off of our to-do list. We met at 9 am and by noon everyone was on their way home - Proof positive of how working together can accomplish great things. For those that are interested, 2 tie rails were placed at the top of the orange trail above the creek as you are headed to the kiosk on the gravel road. Another was placed at Indian Head Rock. A picnic table was also placed at the orange trail site. In addition to the tie rails, the 4-H youth trimmed the mile-long trail from the orange gate near sr 374 through the clear cut to the new tie rails. Thanks, everyone for volunteering your time. The improvements we make at Hocking are noticed by the other riders in the park. While working that Saturday, we ran into riders from N. Carolina and Virginia. Hocking is not just a local favorite destination, but a bucket list item for a large number of out of state riders. Everyone we talked to complimented us on how nice the park was. Makes you feel like we are doing something right.

We have a club meeting coming up on Sunday the 9th. As always it will be at Fat Cats, at 7 pm. This is a very important meeting as it is our last chance to discuss and complete plans for our state hosted ride over Labor Day at Scioto Trails State Forest. Plans are being made to host a Chinese style auction, the 50/50, our regular raffle, the live entertainment on Saturday evening, plus we need to discuss Sunday morning’s breakfast and Sunday evening’s (community meal). I am hoping for a good turn out so we get a large input from the membership.

That has just about has drained my head. Hope to see you on the 12th!

Chris