President=s Message - June 2002

Looking back I find that our Glacier Trails event was three weeks ago. Time goes so quickly.

A summary of the event and the placings are listed on our web-site [or elsewhere in this newsletter.] Congratulations to all those winners and participants. We had several new folks give the sport a try. We hope to see them come back again.

One note of importance: If the competitive drives are not listed with an exact time, you should

contact the ride management and ask. You should be there at least 2 hours before your start time.

Some folks pulled in just as some of the first drivers were starting. Fortunately there was a vet in camp at that late hour. If all the vets were out of camp and you did not get vetted in, you could not have started the event. Other ride managers may not be as tolerant to late arrivals.

When you are rushed, you are more apt to forget something or hurry harnessing and be impatient with your horse. So please allow yourself plenty of time before the start time to give yourself and your horse a fair chance.

A few comments on Glacier Trails. This was our first year of sponsoring this event. I would like to thank all the members that were involved in this successful event especially Ride Managers: Monna Radtke and Chuck Gray. Some members helped out on Saturday and competed on Sunday. Others were there for both days pitching in where ever they were needed. I felt such a team effort throughout the weekend and the synergy from working together. Some members played a big part in helping and others maybe not so big. But it all is important and made things go smoothly. Thank you one and all. I am very proud to be part of this organization and to know the people that are in it.

We saw many new faces both riders and drivers. New acquaintances were made and I felt that the new comers were made welcome. Folks seemed friendly and greeted new people and helped them with the registration process and the vetting in. Others pitched in and helped folks get carriages unloaded. Another member loaned part of her harness and her vehicle to competitors.

A whole crew of members went out to rescue the cart with the broken wheel. It was raining, but I heard much laughter and good hearted teasing as the cart rolled awkardly back into camp. Everyone pitched in to take down the tent, tarps and clean up. The weather was less than perfect for us humans, but it didn=t seem to dampen our spirits.

I am so thankful for so many things in my life and one of those is the friendships that have come from the involvement in MDDA. There are so many great horse people and we have such a common bond that we make friends easily. I am reminded of an observation that Monna brought to my attention. It is a wonder how horses become attached or familiar with each other so quickly. Perhaps it is because their lives are shorter and they take nothing for granted.

Until we meet again at the next distance drive or horse event, keep up the conditioning. Spread the word about distance driving. If you need promotional flyers we can email those to you.

Questions or comments - let=s hear from you.

Theresa