Howdy Saddle Sore Riders!
It’s hard to believe that Christmas is only a few days away and that another year has already come and gone. And somehow ready or not we’re staring straight into 2026! Time sure moves fast when you spend it with good people, great horses, and a whole lot of trail dust.
Even though the year is wrapping up, we still have a couple more things this month before we officially call it a complete wrap:
Parade of Lights; one of our favorite traditions! Whether you’re riding horseback or rolling in style on Mr. Motley’s amazing trailer, this parade is always a highlight. There’s just something special about lighting up the night and showing the community what Saddle Sore Riders is all about.
Joint Board Dinner. Our new and old board members will be meeting together over a meal to hand over the reins. It’s always a great time of fellowship, gratitude, and encouragement. The newly elected board will officially take their positions in January after they are sworn in. Thank you to all who serve, you keep this club strong.
Annual SSR Christmas Party & Luncheon December 20 Good food, good laughs, great company. It’s a wonderful opportunity to slow down, enjoy the season, and celebrate what we’ve accomplished together. We hope to see you there!
Final Hamburger Night of the Year. Cindy Merritt has a gift for gathering just the right team to host what have now become legendary hamburger nights at the American Legion. If you’re in town, come on down and enjoy one more delicious meal before we ring in the New Year. Trust me it’s the perfect way to load up on good food before New Year’s Eve fun begins.
As we close out 2025 and ride into a new year, I hope Santa brings each and every one of you everything you could possibly want. But most importantly, I hope he brings you good health, true friends, and time with your families.
I pray that 2026 is a year of blessing for all of you.
“May your troubles be few, your blessings be many, and may the trail always rise to meet your horse.” – A cowboy’s wish for the New Year
Until we meet again on the trail… May God bless the trails you ride. Merry Christmas, Saddle Sore Riders!
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) 951-515-9445 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
2026 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
Denise Lufkin (Shadow) 951-235-5948 lufkindenise@gmail.com
BOARDMEMBERS
Tammy Kapec (IPP elected for 2026) 951-515-9445 tkapec@hotmail.com
Danny Gonzalez (26-27) 951-642-1362 dkgranch@gmail.com
Cindy Merritt (25-26) 951-250-6492 cmerritt4x@gmail.com
Rona Meyers (25-26) 951-233-3250 ucla78@aol.com
Joann Vidinoff (26-27) 760-220-1688 mjvidinoff@yahoo.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 Denise Lufkin 951-235-5948 lufkindenise@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 Deb Long 951-202-9785 debo_long@hotmail.com
WEBMISTRESS/PUBLICITY Michelle Marshall 909-816-3441 mrsbryant@msn.com