2012 GallEP and other important events*

1. Battle of the Breeds preliminaries | February
2. Wild West Winter Fest | February 18
3. GS&HC Chili Feed** | March 4
4. GallEP Annual Public Meeting | March 6
5. Circle L Expo | March 31-April 1
6. MSU Equine Conference | April 21
7. Copper Springs Horse Sale | May 5
8. GallEP Board/member ride | May 6
9. Eagle Mount: Western Rendevous | June 9
10. BDCT Schooling Show: Saddle Peak† | June 16
11. GallEP Safety Clinic | June 24
12. GVBCH Poker Ride†† | July 14
13. Ride Into Town | July 20
14. BDCT Schooling Show: PGHB | July 21
15. Sweet Pea Parade | August 4
16. BDCT Schooling Show: Saddle Peak†| August 18, 19
17. BDCT Hunter Pace – TBD?
18. GallEP Trail Horse Challenge | September 16
19. Fall Board/member trail ride | September 25
20. GS&HC Halloween Play Day** | October 27
21. GallEP Fall Board Retreat | November 5
22. GallEP Christmas Caroling | 12/4 or 12/11
23. GS&HC/GVBCH Christmas Party** | December 15

* GallEP sponsored events are bolded.
** GS&HC (Gallatin Saddle & Harness Club) has 9 rides and campouts over the spring and summer. Go to http://gallatinsaddleandharnessclub.com for details.
† BDCT (Bozeman Dressage & Combined Training Club) has other similar regional events on their website: http://bdctclub.com/calendar.htm
††GVBCH (Gallatin Valley Back Country Horsemen) has Wednesday trail crews over the summer and many other events. Go to http://www.bchmt.org for more info.

GallEP 2012 Trail Horse Challenge:
Thanks to all the competitors for braving the smoke and rain to participate in the 3rd annual Trail Horse Challenge. Jo Beatty was our course designer this year and each side of the course had challenges for all of us. We had 12 horses competing this year and every person that participated was a joy to have around.

We would first like to thank Bohart for hosting us again this year. It is a privilege to be able to host the trail challenge at Bohart, and we are grateful to Jean for allowing us to return again this year. Bohart is a such a unique and special place where horseback riders can enjoy nearly endless trails in a spectacular location. If you return to Bohart for riding, please consider leaving a donation so horses remain welcome there.

Chuck Grempt of Grempt Photography took photos of the event. He will have photos from the event on his website, grempphotography.com, available for purchase. It is wonderful to have such a great photographer at equestrian events, so consider purchasing a photo or two so we can keep him around!

Several volunteers assisted our judges with obstacle set up and scoring. A huge thank you to Naomi Woienski, Leah Woienski , and Mindy Brown! It was fantastic to have their help and company. Another huge thank you goes to Spencer Dominick and his wife Dale. Besides being a judge again this year, Spencer is the clinician for our Urban Riding Safety Clinic in the spring. Thank you Spencer!

There were lot’s of 10s for horsemanship on the score sheets, so thanks to everyone for modeling great horsemanship for our spectators, volunteers and judges. The trails were a little more challenging to follow this year than last. Bohart has done tons of extra mowing in case of fire due to the drought so following the trails was very challenging. We are glad everyone made it back down!

KBZK covered the event. Currently there is a short write up on their website, and we hope to get the video posted too. Here is the link: http://www.kbzk.com/news/gallep-trail-horse-challenge-about-more-than-just-tricks/

The GallEP board will be meeting soon to discuss the event, and we welcome input on how we can make it better. Our goal is to keep the event fun, simple, safe and promote good horsemanship. Send us an email with your feedback so we can make next year's even better!

Thanks to all the participants, volunteers, judges, Bohart for making GallEP's 2012 Trail Challenge a wonderful event! We look forward to seeing you all at next year's GallEP events!

Preparation for Urban Riding Clinic

On June 24th GallEP held its annual Preparation for Urban Riding Safety Clinic with local trainer Spencer Dominick. The main focus of the clinic is to prepare riders for many of GallEP’s annual events including the upcoming Ride to the Fair that is going to take place on Friday July 20th and the Sweet Pea Parade on Saturday August 4th. This year the clinic offered two different sessions, a beginner session in the morning and a more advanced session in the afternoon. Throughout both sessions Spencer helped the clinic participants with specific issues as well as with general horsemanship, building respect and confidence with both horse and rider. There were also many obstacles within the clinic to simulate what GallEP members could be faced with on their ride through town to the fair. Riders were able to use these opportunities to desensitize their horses to anything from moving vehicles, and objects blowing in the wind, to dogs chasing balls, all of which are very likely to be encountered when attending GallEP events. Overall the clinic was a success and we were pleased to see that there were new faces attending the clinic this year, and would like to welcome all of those that became new members at the clinic. We received great feedback from participants as well as many thank yous to all involved in this years clinic. GallEP would also like to personally thank Spencer Dominick and helper Summer, as well as volunteer Liz Williams for putting on a great clinic! We look forward to seeing everybody the upcoming our events this summer.

Meet artist Jenni Lowe-Anker Thursday, May 24th at Pub317

Eagle Mount and GallEP, The Gallatin Equestrian Partnership, will be hosting a free public event featuring local artist Jenni Lowe-Anker at Pub317 on Thursday, May 24 from 5:30-7:30. Jenni will present her newest original artwork, a portrait of one of Eagle Mount’s therapeutic riding horses, “RC”, now being sponsored by Pub317. Jenni has generously donated this artwork for auction at the Western Rendevous, one of Eagle Mount’s annual family fundraisers, this year being held on June 9. Jenni’s artwork is sold locally through Visions West in Bozeman and Livingston. Eagle Mount and GallEP representatives will also be available at Pub317 on May 24th to answer questions about their respective organizations.

Spring 2012 Board/Member Ride

2012 GallEP Annual Meeting Summary

On Tuesday, March 6, GallEP held its 2012 annual meeting, an Equine Club Summit Roundtable. Representatives from GallEP (Gallatin Equestrian Partnership), GVBCH (Gallatin Valley Back Country Horsemen), BD&CT (Bozeman Dressage and Combined Training), Eagle Mount, Gallatin County Fairgrounds, Twisted Spur Arena and GS&HC (Gallatin Saddle and Harness Club) provided roundtable representatives and the audience was invited to participate. Discussion was lively, and even though it was designed to gather information mostly about challenges equine owners and clubs face as we look into the future, many viable solutions were offered. Topics with responses are listed below.

What challenges do we face looking into the future?:

MSU: diversity, lack of student involvement in community because leave over summer

GallEP: lack of unity, lack of unified voice, no clout with officials for infrastructure

BD&CT: space to put on events/stabling, membership

GS&HC: not losing space, infrastructure to use horses, finding it hard to stay cohesive with other groups

Eagle Mount: finding volunteers, small square hay, getting veteran programs to work, coordinating efforts with different groups

BCH: has huge FS workload and needs trail crews, getting out in the public eye
Twisted Spur: event registrations down, how to get word out to public, how do we make safe, fun, affordable events and get word out

Fairgrounds: liability concerns and insurance costs hinder efforts; people don’t do as much with their horses; diversity in number of activities to do with horses but also more competition for time to devote to family projects; attendance down; 4-H project #s down; societal shifts: no joiners, no volunteers, all gray-hairs doing the work, youth not engaged; fairgrounds used to be primary location of horse events, but with private arenas opening, use has declined

Attendees: lack of easy way to find event calendars; general public does not know about Montana Equine Directory and Big Sky Horse Resource; need better communication of events both in print and on web; a lot of people not using their horses, or not using them very often; the threat / fire is slow burning and we've become complacent with being ignored and pushed to the margins; it's an uphill battle to get horses on trails in town

Solutions?:

• use classifieds and Craig’s list to publish events
  
• find ways to generate interest through public outreach
  
• must adapt to times
  
• be creative/find news ways to get people to connect with horses, because many horses are just sitting in the back yard
  
• central web-site that is easy to find with all local only events and no advertising
  
• use Belgrade News and Bozone
  
• use annual economic impact on community for clout with city/county officials
  
• more pack training to get more people using their horses
  
• use social media
  
• have booth at MSU horse sale as well as equine conference
  
• get younger generations involved/outreach/recruitment/get MSU involved
  
• more news releases

Is there support for an equine newsprint insert?:

unanimous support, Sue Shockley gave basic requirements: 12 page minimum, 50% ads, 50% editorial (which we would have to provide), have to buy back page for $1,500, but get another ad free

What is working?:

MSU: student numbers are growing, equine science is currently the largest option, there are many horse clubs for students, with those numbers growing as well

GallEP: Our events are good at drawing in the media, which provides us an opportunity to educate the public about sharing roads and trails with equine users

BD&CT: organizing volunteer needs into smaller, well-defined roles has increased volunteer activity; getting member input more regularly; going from paper to electronic newsletters saves a lot of money

GS&HC: keep cooperation/communication going between clubs

Eagle Mount: volunteers that we have enable all programs; the horse groups are willing to reach out to each other and work together – thank GallEP for facilitating this; appreciated when folks find a horse that meets our criteria and can help weed out the ones that won’t work out – too old, too lame; identification of hay donation sources unknown to Eagle Mount; in the event of an equine emergency situation (e.g. EIA outbreak) we know and hopefully have started to build trust within our community so these situations can be dealt with expeditiously with a minimum of finger pointing; getting new veterans program going as well as new program for people with age-related disabilities, winterizing arena

BCH: new trail/pack clinic series is full

Twisted Spur: friendly open atmosphere where all disciplines, activities are welcome; appropriate for children/family use

Fairgrounds: different, creative, unique alternative events like trail horse challenge and ranch rodeo are successful; being multi-use ex. indoor soccer

Attendees: MT liability law is pretty progressive,

Is this a good format for GallEP’s annual meeting?

Unaminous support for this format with following suggestions:

• perhaps now that we have laid this foundation it can be more focused next time
  

• add prizes and some fun element to draw more people
  

• do twice a year
  

• offer a reward to each club for bringing people

December 6, 2011 Christmas Caroling

Get yourself and your horse into the holiday spirit and spread some cheer! Join GallEP for our second annual Christmas caroling event. We will meet at the fairgrounds @ 9 or 10 am (TBD), warm up, decorate our horses, practice our carols (music provided) and then head over to the Senior Center. If wagon drivers want to participate, and the weather permits, we will plan a route through the neighborhood. Our back up date is 12/10. RSVP to Marianne at 920-0888. You and your horse must have parade experience!

July 23, 2011 Ride to the Fair

Eight people joined GallEP this year for the Ride to the Fair. It was a bright beautiful morning and a gorgeous ride, mostly on dedicated trails. We donned our new safety tshirts and began the ride at a spur trail in the Sourdough Ridge subdivision. This led us to the beautiful Painted Hills subdivision trail, Cherry/Holly Loop and Pete’s Hill segment, delivering us to within two blocks of Main street! The views were breathtaking and we had the trails mostly to ourselves. Nancy Creel led us as trail boss, and Sabrina Hannan brought up the rear, making the ride organized and safe. This year’s ride was on Saturday, which we thought might lead to crowded roads and trails. We were delighted and surprised to find less traffic and trail congestion! KTVM met us on Main street and fairgrounds, providing good media exposure. We entered the fairgrounds on Tamarack, made our way to the stalls and enjoyed lunch and a few hours at the fair. Check out our photos, and consider joining us next year!

July 10 2011 GallEP Safety Clinic

On a dry, warm day in July, horses and riders joined GallEP and Spencer Dominick to prepare for urban riding. Whether it is riding roadside or in parades, the unexpected is inevitable in urban conditions. In preparation for upcoming events like “Ride to Town” on Saturday July 23rd, or for someone’s own personal improvement, GallEP offered a free Safety Clinic conducted by local trainer, Spencer Dominick. Spencer worked with a variety of breeds and disciplines at Saturday’s packed clinic. First attendees established groundwork methods to gain control and respect. They then used those tools to drive horses over tarps and mattresses or drag bags of cans. Riders graduated from the ground to saddle to continue exposing their horses to the unexpected. A jogging stroller with balloons was pushed through the ring. Loud horns and machines such as four wheelers were driven throughout while riders followed on horseback. These tactics were designed to desensitize horses to noises and sights they will encounter when amongst crowds and vehicles. Spencer did a fantastic job at working with horse and rider to overcome any obstacles they faced as well as broadening everyone’s knowledge base. Those who attended were very happy with the clinic. It gave riders a chance to gauge how their horses performed in an unpredictable environment. GallEP looks forward to hosting future events that contribute to the Gallatin Valley equine community!

Many thanks to those who attended and to Spencer Dominic for a job well done!

To view more pictures, click here.

let's ride!

2011 Events

Equine Club Summit Tuesday, March 29

Preparation for Urban Riding Safety Clinic Sunday, May 22

Ride to the Fair Saturday, July 23

Sweet Pea Parade Saturday, August 6

Trail Horse Challenge Saturday, August 20
Bohart Ranch

Christmas Caroling Saturday, December 3*
Saturday, December 10 (bad weather/ice date)

*If on 12/3 the roads are icy or weather is not conducive, we will move the event to 12/10

let's ride!

September 2010

We hope everyone was able to dodge the hail and thunderstorms and enjoy the summer with your horses! Please read below about some exciting developments for the Equine-enthusiast community.

News
URGENT: The Conservation and Parks Coordinator is holding an open house discussion about the Axtell-Anceny mud-bogging problem. If you ride on that road, please contact Marianne (gallepmt@yahoo.com) about attending the meeting to be held Tuesday, September 21, 2010 in the Gallatin County Courthouse Community Room, from 6pm to 8pm. Any solutions that are potential new County Policies regarding rural recreation will be part of the new County Park and Trail Plan (see below).

Other News

1. The Draft County Park and Trail Plan is on-line and open for public comment @ www.gallatin.mt.gov. Look under “What’s Happening” and then click on “Parks and Trails Master Plan Draft.” This is a truly monumental plan for the County, and we’d (a GallEP member chaired the committee) really like the equestrian community’s input. Please send your comments to Mike Harris @ mike.harris@gallatin.mt.gov, and bcc gallepmt@yahoo.com. The public comment period is almost over, and we haven’t heard from the horsey community. In GallEP’s view, more could be done to preserve rural recreation. Please read the Policies under Title II and give us your opinion. County Routes/Facilities priorities do include an Equestrian Park and a signed horse route around Bozeman.
   
2. At the last TCC meeting (Transportation Coordinating Committee) the project manager for the last Greater Bozeman Area Transportation Plan came up to a GallEP representative and communicated that all his transportation planning projects since Bozeman’s must now include consideration of Equestrian and Horse-Drawn vehicle needs!!! YAY! This is thanks to the Resolution we got passed in the last legislative session…So another thank you to all of you that came to meetings, etc.: you have help effect positive change for all Montana!
   
3. The Mayor of the City of Bozeman (at the same TCC meeting) indicated that they would put on the City Agenda an item to endorse the County Park and Trail plan and at the same time allow GallEP to present inclusion of GallEP’s Addendum to include equestrian considerations in the PROST plan—finally!
   
4. The survey has been a failure!! Apparently no one wants an equestrian park!! Please take it yourself, forward it to all your horsey friends, post on other club’s websites, bring hard copies to your club meetings, and share any other ideas you might have about how to motivate people to take it!! You can access the short survey (less than 5 minutes to complete) at the following link: http://gallepsurvey2010.questionpro.com/ The survey has been modified slightly since the April annual meeting, so those that took it previously, please take it again. It is also accessible on our website www.gallepmt.org.
   
   It is extremely important that we generate a high survey participation rate. This would demonstrate to the County that equestrians still exist and have needs in this Valley! For people that do not have email, they can mail a hard copy to 5588 Patterson Rd. Bozeman, MT 59718.
   
5. A new trail will soon be announced at Trail Creek. GVLT is looking for GallEP’s input on education, safety, and bringing together the biking and horse-back riding communities to effect safe sharing of this fantastic new trail. If you have ideas, please share with GallEP!

Events
Twenty-three riders came out for GallEP’s first Trail Horse Challenge on August 28th. They tried six fun and challenging obstacles over eight miles. Jean MacInnes of Bohart did a wonderful job of hosting. Our judges did a great job on the obstacles. The judges were Jim Brown, Sandy Kypfer, Michelle Baumgartner, Alan Jackson and Jen Mohler. They came from a variety of disciplines and handled their jobs admirably. The volunteers that came up specially to help were Nancy Brooks Hartz (food), Laura McDevitt and Rachel Fessenden (sign in), and Pamela Hainsworth (judge assistant). Also young Evan was a big help with starting us over the jumps.

We had a rider get injured at the first obstacle, but the good news is that her leg was not broken (18 stitches) and her horse was unhurt. Two EMTs were on hand to help stabilize the situation and we were grateful for their calm presence.

Otherwise everyone made it around the course despite thunder, lightning and weird obstacles.. All the riders were impressive in that they came out to try something new.

Chuck Gremp of grempphotography.com took photos. All riders should check for ones that they would like to purchase.

Here's a link to the few photos that I took: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mNUYTaHQfo

That’s all the news for now. We’re wishing you and your horses a fabulous Fall!
let's ride!

August 2010

Trail Horse Challenge

Saturday, August 28th 2010
Sign up from 8:30 - 9:30
Ride at 1o:00
Bohart Ranch up Bridger Canyon Road

8 Miles of trail and 6 judged obstacles. Ride the beautiful trails of Bohart Ranch while being judged by friendly folks on 6 trail obstacles. Both the horse and rider will be evaluated with prizes awarded to the top three teams.

Cost is $35 per rider and includes a pulled pork sandwich for lunch. Please RSVP to nmcreel@bresnan.net so that we can have an accurate count for lunch. Only folks that RSVP will be eligible for a free lunch.

For more information go to gallepmt.org or contact Nancy Creel at 522-7748 or nmcreel@bresnan.net.

Click Here To View Flyer

July 2010

Ride To Fair

This year's ride to the Fair was fun and safe......a little hot, but worth the effort and definately successful in terms of getting horses in the public view and furthering our goal of educating the public about the importance of preserving our heritage. Please take time to follow the link and comment on-line so that news providers think people like this sort of coverage!

http://www.kbzk.com/news/horses-take-a-stroll-through-bozeman-to-help-kick-off-county-fair/

http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/article_2bb3d57a-9523-11df-b0cc-001cc4c002e0.html?mode=story

Many thanks to riders Lain Kay, Sabrina Hanan, Andi Shockley, Nancy Creel and Lucy Amsden. We could use more riders next year, so please consider attending our safety clinic and joining us!

May 2010

Please help us plan a park to serve all our diverse needs. Take our short survey now! It is extremely important that we generate a high survey participation rate. This would demonstrate to the County that equestrians still exist and have needs in this Valley! We encourage you to have it posted on other club’s websites, forward the link to as many horsey people as you can and bring it up at your meetings. For people that do not have email, they can mail a hard copy to 5588 Patterson Rd. Bozeman, MT 59718.

Here is the link or click on the banner above. http://gallepsurvey2010.questionpro.com

This survey format is made possible by the Gallatin County Interconnect committee, comprised of the Open Lands Coordinator, Mike Harris, the County Planning Department, Board of Park Commissioners, County Planning Board, Montana PBS and other citizen volunteers, working together to update and merge the County's Parks and Trails Plans. The County was impressed by the meeting results and has offered to make our survey official. It has been modified slightly, so those that took it previously, please take it again. For those of you that just did the County’s Interconnect User Group Survey, this is different—please take this one too!!

Preparation for Urban Riding Clinic
We are pleased to announce a Preparation for Urban Riding Safety Clinic with Spencer Dominick of Wilsall on Sunday, May 23.  The clinic is sponsored by GallEP, Gallatin Saddle and Harness Club and the Montana Horse Sanctuary.   It will be free and required for anyone who plans to ride with GallEP in the Ride Into Town for the County Fair or the Sweet Pea parade.  The Clinic will run in two sessions from 9-11:30 and 12:30-3 at the County Fairgrounds.  Spencer will help horses and riders gain confidence as they become acquainted with a wide variety of objects likely to be encountered in town.  Snacks and water will be provided.  Our light-weight, long-sleeved waffle-T, or short-sleeved T-shirts will be available for purchase for $20, as well as free bumper stickers.  For more information and to RSVP (by May 19), call 388-5668.

March 2010

January 2010

ATTENTION ALL HORSE ENTHUSIASTS!

Come join fellow riders and drivers at Gallatin Equestrian Partnership's First Annual Meeting and Roundup on WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7, FROM 6-8 PM AT THE EMERSON CULTURAL CENTER BALLROOM, in Bozeman.

GallEP will kick off its First Annual Meeting with a look at all they have accomplished this past year and how they are galloping into the future as Gallatin Valley's advocate for equestrian recreational opportunities.  Guest speakers will share experiences of how horse recreation is sustained in other urban areas.  Check out their vision for a regional equestrian park and participate in a survey to guide its development.  Enjoy free refreshments and look for good deals on dining and equipment at the silent auction. 

GallEP needs your help preserving and creating local riding and driving opportunities for horses in the Gallatin Valley.  BE A PART OF GALLATIN VALLEY'S HORSE FUTURE!  SEE YOU WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7, 6-8 pm AT THE EMERSON CULTURAL CENTER BALLROOM!   Call 406-920-0888 or email gallepmt@yahoo.com for more information.

NOW LET’S RIDE!

Free Preparation for urban riding clinic: June 6th (mandatory to join Ride Into Town and Parade)

Ride into Town: July 15

Sweet Pea Parade: AUGUST 8TH
see May update for more info.

The Wild Pink Yonder Charitable Society has invited our membership on an epic wagon train adventure this summer. All the info is at www.WildPinkYonder.com, but the gist of it is this: they will leave Lethbridge, Alberta, on June 20th with 100 horses and their riders/drivers and head to Calgary, then Red Deer, then Edmonton.