BCHC Mid Valley Unit President's Monthly Message

Howdy, members.

Cathy and I are driving up to our three Horse camps today, which is Saturday, September 16.Our previous attempt resulted in problems with the truck and a blowout on the trailer. We did not make it past Twain Harte Grade before we had to turn around and head back home. Our task is to get these bear boxes up to the three horse camps so we can put cleaning supplies in them to use for the outhouses.

Tuesday afternoon I will once again be helping Ripon Christian High School FFA Natural Resources Judging Team to learn the box hitch for competition. For the past three years or so the greater packing community has donated an Iron mule, boxes and bags, pack saddle and a manty to this program. Mid Valley Unit has also donated a lash cinch and rope to complete their set up so now they have what they need to practice for their competitions. The team comes to our place to get familiar with live mules, so they can be safe while competing. When they compete, it is not graded so much on speed as it is about safety and correctness of the load being packed and of course, their box hitch.

You may have heard the All Equestrian Columbia Christmas Parade is back on the Calendar for December 10. Barbara Savery and her crew are taking over this long-time event. It will be a Mid Valley sponsored event just as it has been for years, so make sure to put it on your calendar.

Even though the weather is cooling off, it doesn't mean we're done for the year because we still have some events happening. Check the newsletter for updates and the calendar for scheduled rides, etc. At our last meeting we realized that our website has been neglected for some time. We are in the works to have it updated with new pictures and reports added to the calendar so people can know what is going on. Cathy and I had some folks ask about our Unit and we referred them to our webpage. We got the response back that our calendar was empty!

In closing, I hope all of you can find or make some time to volunteer some precious time and effort to help this Unit out with our commitment to maintain and preserve our horse camps and our trails.

Blessings,

Doug Dollarhide, President

(Our President writes a message every month for the newsletter.)