July 2010: Calling for Board Member Nominations; June Gymkhana; Meeting Change Reminder; Help and Participants Sought for November ACTHA trail ride.

17 July Gymkhana ***Cancelled*** due to the extreme heat warning that is in effect for all day July 17th, as well as the thunderstorm warnings, the MBHA has decided to cancel this event and the July meeting that was to follow. Stay safe and cool, and we will see you at the August Gymkhana!

New Board Members Sought
Fall's just around the corner...okay, it's a WIDE corner, but it's never too early to start thinking about elections! The MBHA will be seeking new board members for the 2011 season, and all positions are available. Elections will be held in November, so we need nominations for each positon before then. If you have an interest in President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Special Events, Ways & Means, or News & Publicity, please consider accepting a nomination. We will be posting some general 'job descriptions' on the site soon, to better explain what each position entails. Please remember: without a board, our club cannot continue. Many of our current board members have served a long time, and would really like to see some 'new blood', with fresh ideas ready to step up and take the reins. Put your stamp on your club - get involved! For more information or to sub,it your name for nomination, contact any current board members, emails and phone numbers are on the contact page.

Fun in the Sun at the June Gymkhana by Cheyenne
Thanks to the participants in the June gymkhana (remember, the July one will be in the evening). The kids generally had a great time—and whoever was not having a great time got an attitude adjustment from Cydney, lovingly done, of course! Kory Baudouine got a 1st, as did Mackenzie Parker—and they deserved it! Haley Jane Ramstorf, whose riding is improving all the time, was very pleased to get a 2nd, and Brady Baudouine, future rodeo star, got a 3rd. The adults who participated, Lori Parker, Amanda Slingerland, and Diana Ortamond, graciously declined their ribbons to save the MBHA some money! Thanks to Janie Ramstorf for running to get pizza and drinks. A good time was had by all!

Reminder: Meetings after events for July and August
Just a reminder that ourmonthly meetings for the next two summer minths will be held after the gymkhana events, the 3rd Saturday of the month. So plan on coming for the ride, staying for the meeting! July 17th and August 21st.

ATTENTION: Calling all area horse people for a November 20th, 2010 ACTHA Trail Ride.
Although this will not be strictly an MBHA event, all MBHA mebers are encouraged to participate, and spread the word to all the horse folks you know. Cydney is scheduling a November 20th, 2010 ACTHA trail ride, and this will only be possible with everyone's help. If you don't know about ACTHA yet, check their website at http://actha.us. This is a competetive trail ride that combines tests of skill with a six mile scenic ride. This is NOT an "Extreme" event, and anyone can participate. In addition to riders, Cydney is looking for those who are willing to commit to being judges (you will get training from ACTHA), for those who can help set up and help clean-up. If you are interested, comtact her at 760-364-2752or email to: MULLIGANWOLFE@AOL.COM (*note: Cydney checks her email weekly not daily)

Ongoing...

Working with the changing times, MBHA is proud to announce that we have gone all digital!
Welcome to the COWBOY UP! website!
As all members know, in 2010 the MBHA moved away from the "non-green" and costly physical newsletter and moved into a downloadable PDF newsletter. With the amount of member news and photos beginning to come in, we have moved a step further in deciding to allow our website to serve as the newsletter, saving members from having to download any files. You will still be receiving Cheyenne's monthly notifications to let you know when the new news is up on the site.

Events are now listed on the home page - right where we want them, so you can find them quickly! News will be here, with links at the bottom to previous news pages in case you miss anything. If you have ads or brags, send them in, and they will go on the sponsors/member ads page. We will also have opportunities for more effective advertising for sponsers, allowing them to update their ads monthly by sending in news about sales and other topics, with a link to their website. If you have photos, news or anything you'd like to contribute, please let us know! deserttrailrider@aol.com

New day and time for MBHA general meetings
For the months of June, July, and August, MBHA will be changing its general meetings in order to make them easier for members to attend. We will NOT be meeting on the fourth Thursday of the month for the summer; instead we will be meeting on the THIRD SATURDAY, immediately following our monthly gymkhanas! If you are there to ride, help, or watch, simply stay for lunch and be part of the meeting. The MBHA needs your input and support, and welcomes your ideas, so please come join us.

Looking for Parade Participants
The Morongo Valley Trail Riders have generously extended an invitation to MBHA members to come participate in the Morongo Valley Parade in September. Interested? Contact James: verrets@netzero.com

Have memories of the Pony Express?
The MBHA is calling for anyone who has ever participated in a Morongo Basin Pony Express Event to please send us your memories! We are putting together a page full of the recollections from people that have ridden this ride, from back in the 1960's right up until now! If you have something to add, big or small, please send it in - we want to hear from all of you! Send an email titled Pony X Memories to deserttrailrider@aol.com, so it can be added to the page.

The MBHA is in need of a Treasurer!
If you have any interest in serving your club, contact: James Verret- 760-366-2788 - verrets@netzero.net

Change in price structure for 2010 Events
Graduated cost for members at events will take effect in 2010. $25.00 for the first rider in a family, $15.00 for second rider in a family and $5.00 for the rest of the family members. Lead lines are free with a family member-ship. Discounts do not apply to Time Only Runs

Past Newsletters

View the June 2010 news page here: 6/10

Download the April, 2010 newsletter here: 4/10newsletter

Download the March, 2010 newsletter here: 3/10newsletter

Download the February, 2010 newsletter here: 2/10newsletter

Past News Items

2010 Extreme Cowboy Race results are here

December 2009: Member Paula Heil proposes stepped-up Barrel Racing participation for 2010.
Read here for detailed information on these Time Only/Exhibition Run Events.

2009 (Not So) Extreme Cowboy Race: read Penny Dees' excellent recap of the event, and see the results here; and be sure to check out the gallery for some great photos!

2008 Trail Trials Clinic

Items needed to build a Trail Trials Course at the arena

USRider Motor Plan

Proposed Arena Layout Plan

Team Sorting Reflection

Equine Herpes Virus Update from UC Davis

M.B.H.A. Member incentives for 2007