President's Message - Spring '08

WOW!  We are off and running…

Our annual Kick-Off Gala & Installation Dinner was a galloping success with over 100 people in attendance.  We celebrated Rob Krensky as Horseman of the Year, an honor well deserved.  Cheryl Basin was most deserving as she was honored with the Helping Hands award.  Karen Rowley-Shawback and Tanya Rebarchik were recognized for their selfless contribution with the award of Outstanding Contribution.  A big thank you goes to Sarah Filice and her committee for organizing such a festive evening to start this year off so enthusiastically.

It is incredible to me that almost 3 months have passed since I took my oath of office.  During this time, I have gained an even deeper respect for all of the past Presidents who have led this organization before me.  I am touched by how many of you have welcomed me with open arms and open minds expressing tremendous enthusiasm for new ideas.  And there have been a few who are reticent about change.  Changes can be challenging for some, and I understand and honor both perspectives.  I am excited about the possibilities as we work together.  It is in appreciating our similarities and respecting our differences that we come to enjoy this adventure called “life”. 

As I declared in my initial President’s Message, my vision for 2008 is to increase participation and community.  Well, we certainly accomplished that on a grand scale with our first General Meeting – a Spaghetti Feed and Bunco Tournament – which was held March 15^th at the Mounted Patrol Grounds.  With over 80 people in attendance, everyone had a great time.  Some members commented that they knew they were in for some fun from the minute they stepped through the front doors.  We all had a chance to reconnect with familiar faces as well as mingle with over 20 new members who came to join the festivities.  We dined on a delicious spaghetti dinner prepared by Tim Stewart Catering.  The Bunco Tournament was a total hit; especially for Guido Nannini who won $100 for having the most Buncos!  A big round of applause goes out to Adeline Forrest and her deserving committee for all their efforts to make this event a huge success.  The Junior members who attended had so much fun that they have asked for their own Junior Bunco Tournament.  You asked for it – and we will deliver.  We’re hoping to schedule it for sometime in May or June so keep your eye on the calendar on our SMCHA website – www.SMCHA.org – for an exact date.

I also declared to have 100 new memberships join SMCHA in 2008.  We created a game around the membership drive – a shiny new buckle will go to the senior member and the junior member who are responsible for the most new memberships.  There are several SMCHA members who have jumped at the challenge.  As of this writing we have 85 new memberships!  The game will run through May 31.  Joan McLaren is currently in the lead for the senior buckle.  Can she maintain her lead to the finish line or will someone overtake her in the home stretch?  We’ll just have to wait and see.  The winners will be announced at the Western Riding Clinic Dinner on July 12^th at the Mounted Patrol Grounds.  Come join us and find out who will proudly be sporting those new buckles.

The project for February was a phone campaign.  Wanting your input in order to deliver what you want from your equestrian organization, we called each and every current SMCHA member and talked to almost every one of you.  You were surprised, grateful, enthusiastic and filled with many great suggestions – and we thoroughly enjoyed speaking with you!  Thanks for taking our call and spending a few minutes on the phone with us; this organization will be bettered by your input.  Thank you!  A special thank you to the 17 Board members who took the time to make over 300 calls.

Our Senior Color Guard is underway.  It is heartwarming to have new life being breathed into this fine tradition.  We have Senior Color Guard chair, Anne Whitten, to thank.  Her enthusiasm and commitment to re-establish not only the Color Guard but also a drill team and parade unit is infectious.  Come find out where you and your horse fit in.  No experience necessary.  Contact Anne Whitten* for details and future practice dates.  We’ll be riding in the May Day Parade in Woodside on May 3^rd.  Don’t be left out of the fun…

Our Junior Program is picking up speed as well.  Committee chair, Janice Olson, organized a terrific Beach Ride in Half Moon Bay on March 29^th.  There were 15 riders and 20 of us in all.  The juniors were excited to take the horses on the beach and see whose horse would walk in the water!  Be sure and hear about Leandra Steenkamp’s experience with Commanche.  A big yee haw to Dan Johndrow, Adeline Forrest, Linda Steenkamp and Nancy Traube for setting up the chuckwagon for the lunch.  We had as much fun being the Juniors’ ground crew and watching them on the beach as they did riding.  We’ll have to do this one again, Janice.

Next on the agenda is our annual Horsemen’s Night at the Grand National Rodeo at the Cow Palace.  Our Junior Color Guard – Mele Afu, Allison Harmon, Jenna Likins, Anna Machado – will be competing on April 5^th.  Under the guidance of Junior Color Guard chair, Cindy Machado, and with the capable help of Kathie Goddard and Melanie Likins, they have practiced, polished their boots & saddles and are ready to compete.  You deserve a blue ribbon.  Good luck, girls!  There will be 125 SMCHA members seated together that night at the rodeo.  This year, for the first time, we have chartered a bus and 47 of us will be enjoying refreshments while we travel to the Cow Palace together.

And the fun just keeps on coming…

*April 18^th will find 125 of us at Bay Meadows enjoying our annual Friday Night at the Races.  By the time you read this, there may still be some room.  Contact Adeline Forrest* immediately to make your reservation. 

*April 12^th is Clarkia Trail Clean Up.  SMCHA has adopted the Clarkia Trail and has made a promise to be responsible to maintain this trail.  Several times each year we work to do just that under the supervision of the Edgewood Park rangers.  When we all roll up our sleeves together the work goes faster and is more enjoyable.  Mark you calendars and plan on pitching in this year.  Contact Trails Committee chair, Ginger Bushue, for details.

*April 19^th is Jack Brook Clean Up Day.  The Jack Brook Horse Camp is a sacred treasure for SMCHA members.  Each year we enjoy our 4-day campout in July and this year is no exception.  Come join us and help spruce up the camp for the summer season. 

*April 27^th will find us on our annual Spring Ride.  This year we will be riding through beautiful Golden Gate Park in San Francisco.  You won’t want to miss this outstanding event which will include a catered lunch.  Even if you prefer not to ride, come on up and join us or the delicious lunch.  Everyone is welcome.  Contact our Trail Ride chair, Nancy Kouchekey*, for details and to make your reservation.

*May 15^th is the first session of our most popular Western Riding Clinic.  This has always been one of my favorite SMCHA events.  Contact Western Riding Clinic co-chairs, Karen Rowley-Shawback* and Maria Fonseca*, for more information.

*June 1^st is our first horse show of the summer.  Fun for riders of all ages and ability, our Western Schooling Show & Playday takes place at Webb Ranch in Portola Valley.  You will be receiving more information in the mail soon.  Our capable Horse Show Committee co-chairs are Noel Moody* and Cheryl Basin*.

To get a copy of our latest calendar of events, go to the SMCHA website at www.SMCHA.org.  We have details and contact information for all of our social and educational activities as well as our horse shows located there.  Make a point of visiting our website so you can take a look at the photos from each event and see what new and exciting activities are being planned.

Together we will make SMCHA the finest equestrian club possible!

Happy Trails,
Barbara Stogner
President SMCHA 2008