Saddle Sore Riders CLUB

Fall Is Here… Somebody Forgot to Tell the Weatherman!

If you’re anything like me, it’s hard to believe that October is already here! The calendar says fall, but apparently Mother Nature didn’t get the memo. After weeks of triple-digit temperatures, I’m beginning to wonder if we skipped fall altogether! But one thing is certain: no matter what the thermometer says, Saddle Sore Riders continue to do what they do best -- ride, fellowship, eat, and have a great time together!

September was another fantastic month for Saddle Sore Riders, and our Membership Ride was certainly one for the books! Despite the extreme heat, we had more than 20 riders saddle up and hit the trails for a wonderful day of riding and camaraderie. Meanwhile, back at camp, Cindy Merritt and her fabulous ground crew were busy preparing a feast fit for a hungry bunch of cowboys and cowgirls!

When everyone returned, they were greeted with delicious, barbecued hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, desserts, and prizes galore! It was an absolutely outstanding event, made even better by the fact that we welcomed several new members into the Saddle Sore Riders family. A huge thank-you goes out to our outriders, Cindy, and the entire ground crew for making this such a memorable day. Events like this remind us why Saddle Sore Riders is such a special organization!

We wrapped up September with another great Burger Night! A special thank-you goes out to Gene and Becky Van De Walker for stepping up and helping make the evening a success. And an extra tip of the cowboy hat to Gene, who took on the distinguished title of Burgermeister Meisterburger! After a little adventure locating the grill and convincing that finicky contraption to light, Gene went to work and performed his magic. Before long, the burgers were sizzling, the folks were smiling, and another great evening of fellowship was underway. Thanks again, Gene and Becky!

Coming Up in October!

One of our favorite traditions is just around the corner — the Annual Crockpot Ride, hosted by Mike and Rona Meyers! If you’ve never attended this event, you are really missing something special. Riders head out for a great time on the trails, and when they return, they're greeted by a wonderful assortment of crockpot creations and homemade dishes brought by our members. There’s always plenty of good food, great conversation, laughter, and stories that somehow seem to get a little better every time they're told!

It’s not too late to join in the fun! Reach out to Rona and let her know you would like to attend. She can still use some additional dishes to round out the feast. Remember, you don’t have to be a gourmet chef — just bring something tasty and an appetite!

And speaking of October, get ready for some Halloween fun! We have an exciting Halloween Ride coming up that promises to be a real treat. Now is the time to start planning that costume, dusting off your decorations, and getting into the Halloween spirit. Whether you’re going spooky, silly, or somewhere in between, this is going to be a fun event for everyone. Be sure to visit our website and check out the Halloween Ride flyer for all the details. You definitely don't want to miss this one!

November 1 — Time to Saddle Up and Get Involved!

Before we know it, November will be here, and with it comes one of our most important meetings of the year. Our November 1 General Meeting and Elections are your opportunity to help shape the future of Saddle Sore Riders!

Have you ever considered serving on the board, becoming an officer, or chairing one of our events or committees? Well, now is your chance! Come to the meeting, nominate someone you believe would do a great job, or better yet, throw your own hat into the ring!

Organizations like ours don't run themselves. They thrive because good people are willing to step up, lend a hand, and give a little of their time. We have some outstanding folks who have carried the load for many years, and it's always good to bring in some fresh faces, new ideas, and renewed energy.

Besides, every good horseman knows you have to rotate the string once in a while. You can't keep riding the same horses every day and expect them to stay fresh! The same goes for our hardworking volunteers and leaders. Let's give a few of those dependable old trail horses a well-deserved breather and get some new ones into the rotation!

Whether you've been a member for 20 years or just joined last month, your involvement matters. Saddle Sore Riders belongs to all of us, and its future depends on all of us.

Happy Trails!

As we ride through October, I hope everyone finds time to enjoy the changing season, the cooler weather whenever it decides to show up and, most importantly, the friendships that make this club so special.

Stay cool, dodge the raindrops if we ever get any, keep your horses happy, and remember that the best part of any trail ride isn't always the destination — it's the folks riding alongside you.

Happy Halloween, and I'll see you down the trail!

Don Pettinger

President

Saddle Sore Riders, Inc.®