Howdy Saddle Sore Riders,
August sure was a rootin’-tootin’ good month for our crew! We had rides, tacos, and plenty of good ol’ cowboy fellowship.
Jeanne Kelly’s Famous Fallbrook Ride
Jeanne once again outdid herself hosting her ever-popular Fallbrook ride. With water crossings aplenty, shade along the trail, and time in the saddle, it was a refreshing and memorable day. One of the true highlights was stopping to visit with a group of scouts along the trail. Many of those young folks had never been close to a horse, let alone seen a whole herd ride by. The smiles on their faces as they petted our horses and asked questions said it all. For some, it was a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and for us, it was a reminder of why we ride together and share our love of horses. If you haven’t been on this ride yet—partner, I highly recommend it. We wrapped things up with a hearty lunch under the shade trees, swapping stories and laughs.
Tacos & Tack with Cindy and Tammy
Cindy Merritt brought us something new with her “Tacos & Tack” event. Members and non-members alike set up booths, swapped out extra tack, and turned it into a fun little market day. Then, Tammy Kapec and her legendary taco team stepped in and turned the American Legion into a fiesta. Tacos, tack, and terrific company—it doesn’t get much better than that.
Don’t Forget the Biggest Shindig in 40 Years!
Now folks, I’ve got to ask:
• Have you marked your calendar?
• Have you RSVP’d yet?
• Has Karen Gonzalez heard from you?
If you answered “no” to any of those questions, you’re about to miss the biggest hoedown Saddle Sore Riders has seen in 40 years! Our 40th Anniversary Roundup is comin’ September 27 at the American Legion. We’ve mailed ya, emailed ya, posted on Facebook and Instagram, and hollered from the corral. But remember, no RSVP by September 7 means no entry at the gate. Don’t be the cowboy or cowgirl sittin’ outside the dance hall when the party starts inside.
Looking Ahead to September
August wrapped up with some blistering hot weather, but September is shaping up mighty fine. On thecalendar:
• Labor Day Parade
• Opa Ride
• SSR 40th Anniversary Roundup
• Hamburger Night at the Legion
Plenty of chances to saddle up, share a meal, and celebrate our community. I look forward to seein’ each of you at one—or better yet, all—of these happenings.
Parting Words As we ride into fall, let’s remember this cowboy wisdom:
“When you’re throwed from the horse, the best remedy is to climb right back in the saddle.”
Let’s keep ridin’ strong together, supporting one another, and celebrating 40 years of Saddle Sore Riders!
Happy Trails,
Don Pettinger
President
Saddle Sore Riders, Inc.®
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Officers, Board, and Standing Chairpersons
2025 OFFICERS
PRESIDENT Don Pettinger 909-636-2130 bulldwgs@aol.com
VICE-PRESIDENT MayLynn Motley 951-965-1724 maylynn.motley@yahoo.com
SECRETARY Michelle Marshall 909-816-3441 mrsbryant@msn.com
TREASURER Alicia Ziegenbein 951-316-5529 treasurer.ssr@yahoo.com
BOARDMEMBERS
Danny Gonzalez (IPP elected in 2025) 951-642-1362 dkgranch@gmail.com
Cindy Merritt (25-26) 951-250-6492 cmerritt4x@gmail.com
Tammy Kapec (24-25) 951-515-9442 tkapec@hotmail.com
Rona Meyers (25-26) 951-233-3250 ucla78@aol.com
Jeanne Kelly (24-25) 951-204-2924 cowgirljk@msn.com
STANDING CHAIRPERSONS
THE CAGE Joann Vidinoff 760-220-1688 mjvidinoff@yahoo.com
COUNTRY STORE Rona Meyers 951-233-3250 ucla78@aol.com
EQUIPMENT MGR Mike Meyers 951-809-7812 wmmeyers52@att.net
EVENT SIGNS Martin Garcia 951-703-9341 marting19823@gmail.com
HISTORIAN Cindy Merritt 951-250-6492 cmerritt4x@gmail.com
MEMBERSHIP Karen Gonzalez 909-229-4986 dkgranch@gmail.com
NOOSELETTER Pam Witham 951-206-5555 4withams@sbcglobal.net
OUTRIDER /SECURITY Danny Gonzalez 951-642-1362 dkgranch@gmail.com
WEBMISTRESS/PUBLICITY Michelle Marshall 909-816-3441 mrsbryant@msn.com