May 2009 Newsletter
This little Painted Pony says it all….spring is here and we can finally get out and enjoy our horses! The spring rains have really greened things up. It’s time to get out and get trail riding, ladies!

Looking Back.....
The Midwest Horse Fair
Another wonderful Midwest Horse Fair has come and gone.
Gosh, it sure was a fun time! Lots of shopping and clinicians and, of course, the beautiful, beautiful horses. A bunch of us met on Saturday…though not everyone was here when the picture was taken. I was thrilled to meet our newest Deb L. …here all the way from Minnesota! Unfortunately, Deb L. and several other members left before we got the camera out!
Guess we’ll have to do it again next year!

The Mustang Pride group had a great demo.
As did the Kettle Moraine Rough Riders.
It’s a lot of work to have a horse at the event…..and the crowds appreciate it!

How Cindy A. managed to fly across the country and still be such an active participant at the Horse Fair is definitely a testimony to her dedication to both her family and her passion for horses.
Hags on Nags ladies rock!!!
More Pics available on HONs Photo Page.

Looking Ahead.....

Trail Ride at Eagle (Hwy S)
May 9th is the date for our annual spring ride at the Southern Kettle Moraine Eagle trailhead. This is, incidentally, right across the road from the Kettle Moraine Ranch, the site of our Pink Ribbon Ride for the Cure in October. Come now and check out these beautiful trails! Plan on meeting at 10:00 a.m. Sandy Rob. will be our guide and answer any questions you may have. Plan on bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy after the ride.

Camping at Ukarydee
Our first official camping trip is coming up soon! Join us on May 15-17 at Ukarydee Equestrain Campground! http://www.horsecampukarydee.com .Ukarydee is located in Central Wisconsin, adjoining 25 miles of the Castle Rock Horse Trails, along the Wisconsin River. With 50 campsites, there is plenty of room with handy porta-potties, water spigots and electric hookups. The trails are sandy and easy to ride. Ginny and Sally are the HONs to contact if you have questions about this trip. It’s always been a great time…hope you can join us in the fun.

Northern Kettle Moraine ????
How about visiting the Northern Kettle Moraine? The newly renovated area, named the New Prospect Horse Riders Campground. Campground and trails will open in May 2009.
The number of family campsites has nearly doubled from 12 to 22. They are larger, with designated 30 x 30 foot gravel surfaces to corral horses, along with green spaces that include picnic tables and fire rings. Seven of the sites have permanent 10 x 10 foot metal corrals.
The group campsite has three sites that can accommodate up to 20 campers. Riders at the three sites share a designated 20 x 100 foot limestone surface for their horses. Each site has one acre of green space for tents, four picnic tables, and a fire ring. Riders visiting either the family or group campsites can use the tether poles or set up portable corrals for their horses. Other enhancements include an expanded day use parking area and new restroom facilities. I know it’s early yet, but how about amending our calendar to include a Northern Kettle Moraine ride? Sandy Rob. has volunteered to be our trail leader and says that October 10th would be a great weekend to take in the fall colors.
Are you interested in adding this to our calendar?
Please email me with your thoughts on this one!
Your Horse Could Be the Next Cover Star!
Horse.com (formerly Country Supply) is looking for a new face to feature on their catalog cover. Enter your favorite photo for a chance to win the $2,500 gift certificate! The contest runs through the month of May….don’t delay! Your horse could be the next cover star!

HONs Liability Insurance
It’s official! We have liability insurance!! Thanks to Ann and husband Rob, our policy with Fry’s Equine Insurance Agency is now in effect. What this means is that our horses are covered for any damage or injury that they may cause while participating in club events. This includes parades, Hagmania, the Pink Ribbon Ride, and clinics yet to be named. Each occurrence is covered for damages up to 1,000,000 for medical expenses (any one person) and personal injury up to $1,000,000. If you want more details, let me know. I have the emergency claim number on file….let’s just hope we never have to use it! Thanks again, Rob, for all your help with this!

Pink Ribbon Roundup
Thanks to everyone, the "Pink Ribbon Ride for the Cure" is really coming together! Now we really need to let everyone know what's happening on October 4th.
The Brochure, Flyer and Postcard Size Flyers are available to download from our website. Be sure to have a couple with you to hand out when talking about the PRR. The Raffle prizes will be the next big push.
We already have a Quilt,
Riverhouse Bed and Breakfast $200 Certificate,
Training CD's, Parts 1 and 2 from Chris Cox.
We could use a couple more large prizes.
If you have received any donations from business contacts, let Donna M. know so they can be added to the list. Keep up the good work!

The View From the Dirt
The first in a series of mental meanderings by a neophyte rider Sue N. has written a piece that you will sure lovely love! The limerick style poem is a humorous look at Sue’s equine experiences and is titled “Be Careful What You Wish For.”
Read it here and enjoy a good laugh!

New Feature: Check It Out!
Websites for Horse Lovers Are you thinking about a new saddle? How about new boots? You’ll find review for everything related to horses here…from horse treats to fly control, from saddles to chaps…you name it and it’s here! Post a review of your own and qualify for prizes.
Tips for the Trail (by Rhonda C)
Yeah, it's that time of year again. Time to hit the trails!!! Your trailer is ready; your horse is ready… let's go. Well, maybe not. Of course you know the basics, carry your cell phone, tell a friend where you’re going and what time you will be back, and take a buddy with you. But is that all?? Of course not! In my trailer I have a document holder taped to the door. In that I have my horse’s information, my information (especially allergies), my vet's information and what trail area I will be at.
Then on my person and in a saddle bag, I have my name, horse’s name, what type of truck and trailer I have that day. This information can be very valuable for several reasons. If you have an accident and are unconscious whoever finds you has everything they will need. If your horse runs off and is found, he/she can be identified. Also, if you are past due going home and the police need to intervene when they locate your truck and trailer, they have a starting point to start the search.
Remember, safety first no matter how many years you have been enjoying your horse. Have a great spring!!!!
Please welcome our newest member,
***** Nadine B. Nadine lives near Oconomowoc and has 2 Quarter Horses. She got her first horse in 1999, a retired mounted shooting horse. Nadine trail rides as often as possible and is looking forward to riding opportunities and adventures with the HONs. Welcome, Nadine!
***** Kimberly J. is another new member. Kim also lives near Oconomowoc, WI and has a palomino Missouri Fox Trotter. She enjoys horse camping and belongs to several other horse related groups. She is a gal on the go and got right to doing her bio! Yes, it’s already posted!! Read more about Kim and then follow her lead (if you haven’t already) and tell us about yourself! No need to disclose anything personal (no last names permitted!) but the bios sure help to put a faces with the names. Do you realize we have 100+ members and are still growing?! Please post your bio so we can all get to know each other better!

News From Our Members
***** Linda P. has another grandbaby! Carly Jo was born on April 11th, 7:19 p.m., 8 lbs, 1 oz, 19 inches long. She’s a cutie!
***** Susan E. was at the Midwest Horse Fair when she learned of her new grandchild. Congratulations to Susan and her family!
***** Sherri T. recently got news that her mother had a serious accident. Her mom is hospitalized in Marshfield and will probably be there for quite a while. Please keep them in your prayers.
***** Shirley H. will be going to California to visit her son and his family…including that darling grandson! Shirley will be enjoying the CA sunshine and her loved ones from May 7th through the 11th. Enjoy!
****** Audrey K. has a new horse…a big guy! Hoss is a Clydsdale gelding, thirteen years old. He is broke to drive and ride and Audrey is in love with him!

***** Cindy’s son, Shane, and his wife and baby boy are back in 29 Palms, CA after a short stay in Colorado. Cindy plans to fly out again in early May to babysit while Shane and Lisa attend the Marine Ball in Vegas! Cindy is getting to be quite the seasoned traveler! Cindy’s other son, Nick, recently shipped out and is in Kuwait before heading to his post in Southern Iraq. Our best to Nick and all the soldiers over there.
***** Patti L. wrote to say that she is doing OK. She is now living in Orlando after going through a divorce. As you may recall, her gelding, Amos, was badly injured and is on stall rest. Happily, her mare, Sally, found a good home. Patti was with us in spirit at the Horse Fair!!!
***** There is still plenty of time to log trail hours and win prizes! Contact Sandy Rg if you are interested in joining the SWAHA Trail Pals program. With the new Open Category, any breed, registered or not, can take part!
***** Babs H. is taking this cowgirl stuff pretty seriously!!! Read about her two day Western Riders Clinic experience and the flooding and her husband in Jamaica! Great pictures, too.
May Birthdays
Teresa F. 5/5
Kris C. 5/6
Jeanne Z. 5/7
Nadine B. 5/7


Kris A. 5/13
Pauline S.
5/14
Bridget B.
5/17
Debra K. 5/20


Crystal K. 5/25
Jennifer R. 5/27
Remember, birthdays are good for you.
The more you have, the longer you live!!! Happy Birthday to you all!


Happy Trails,
Sandy