Howdy Saddle Sore Riders! 🤠
Whatever you’re doin’ right now—whether yer wranglin’ horses, grillin’ up some grub, or just sittin’ on the porch with a sweet tea—drop everything and grab that calendar!
Mark it in bold: SEPTEMBER 27
That’s the day we’ll be celebratin’ 40 years of Saddle Sore Ridin’, Ramblin’, and Raisin’ a Ruckus! 🎉
This here ain’t just any ol’ get-together—it’s a full-blown anniversary shindig that folks’ll be talkin’ about ‘til our 80th! We’re callin’ on EVERYBODY—regular members, lifetime legends, Charter cowpokes—whether you're ridin' the trails here in Norco or watchin’ sunsets out in South Dakota.
Start plannin’ now, partners! We’re rustlin’ up a night filled with:
A live band sure to get your boots stompin’
Dancin’ till the stars come out
Barbecue that'll make your taste buds holler "YEE-HAW!"
And good ol’ fellowship with friends new and old.
Bring along them old photos and Saddle Sore souvenirs—let’s take a ride down memory trail and celebrate the journey. The plannin’ posse has already been workin’ hard, and they’ve got some surprises up their sleeves.
Best part? If you’re a member (regular, lifetime, or Charter), this whole hootenanny won’t cost you a single silver dollar. That’s right—FREE! 🎉
We’ll also be honorin’ the occasion with some special dignitaries and presentations you won’t wanna miss.
Now, for some bittersweet news from the campfire…
It’s with a heavy heart but happy spirit that we say so long for now to our wonderful secretary Megan Carson. Her family’s hittin’ the trail to a new 10-acre homestead in Oklahoma, and we’re mighty excited for this new chapter in their lives. Megan’s been a true gem on the executive board, and she’ll sure be missed.
Let’s all tip our hats and send her off with love, luck, and a wagon full o’ well wishes. ❤️
Now don’t fret, ‘cause we’ve already found ourselves a mighty fine gal to fill them big boots. Join me in welcomin’ our new secretary, Michelle Marshall! She’s the queen of communication, the sparkle behind our website and Facebook, and she’s always ready to lend a helpin’ hand with that bright smile of hers. We’re grateful to have her on board!
In ride recaps…
MayLynn Motley wrangled up her annual Poppy / Poker Ride—though them poppies forgot to RSVP this year, that didn’t stop over 30 riders from havin’ a rootin’-tootin’ good time. Prizes were won, stories were shared, and MayLynn’s famous soup warmed every belly on the trail.
Then we wrapped up April with the Talkin’ ‘Bout Taco Ride hosted by the always-awesome Jeannie Kelly. Over 34 riders joined the fun, and we celebrated a big milestone—Megan Carson’s 11-year-old son completed his first unassisted trail ride! Way to go, young cowboy! 🐎
After the ride, we feasted like kings back at the American Legion, thanks to Tammy Kapec and her dream team. Tacos of all kinds—even corned beef! Folks loved it so much, they cleaned out the kitchen! Huge thanks to all who pitched in.
Don’t holster that calendar yet!
April 22 is comin’ up fast, and that means it’s time for the famous Saddle Sore Hamburger Night at the American Legion! If you wanna help out, holler at Cindy Merritt. If eatin’s more your style—come hungry and support the club!
And don’t forget: Horseweek kicks off April 25 with the big ol’ rodeo. Check the website for all the events—we’ll need help with the poker ride, parkin’, quarter dip, and adult fun night. We’d love to have ya ride alongside us.
That’s all for now, trail mates.
Keep your boots dusty, your heart open, and your saddle ready.
And remember the wise words of Dr. Seuss:
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose."
Until we ride again,
May God bless the trails you ride.
~ Don 🐎🌵
President
Saddle Sore Riders, Inc.®
VIEW OUR LATEST YOUTUBE VIDEO:
VIEW OUR LATEST VIDEO IN THE HORSE SENSE SERIES
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
Mike McCarthy (shadowing) 714-357-8800 4mhorseranch@gmail.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