OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011 THE RIDER /27
Proposed Big Ben Memorial Trail in Lanark County Approved
Foundation Reining Training Centre
Specializing in Natural Horsemanship & Body Control Foundation/Western Dressage
Body control/western dressage, reining training, colt starting, lessons, coaching, tune ups, ‘train the trainer’ teachings
Certified Professional Horse Trainer “Putting my spin on things!”
Susan Dahl
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The proposal for a trail in one of Lanark County’s Community forests, named after Canada’s most famous Olympian horse, has now been approved by five levels of governance. In its pro- vision for horses, the Big Ben Memorial Trail marks a first in the history of wilderness trail development on public land in Lanark County.
Approximately 10.5 kms of trail loops have been considered connecting to 8 kms of existing logging roads in the Lavant Main Block forest. Routings for the trail loops will be GPS mapped and tagged commencing this fall and resumed next spring. The three-season, non-wheeled network of wilderness trails will meander throughout the forest accommodating walkers, birders, field
naturalists, school nature group outings, families, day packers, and participants in the therapeutic riding program, cross- country skiers and snowshoers. The trail will not interfere with existing users in the forest or the county’s forest manage- ment plans and will be closed during deer hunting season.
The Big Ben Memorial Trail Initia- tive got underway in 2005 after the unveiling ceremonies for the Big Ben Statue in Perth and went on to gain 40 Canada-wide moral supporters including the Ian Millar Family, RCMP Musical Ride, Wayne Rostad, Marg Southern, Ontario Trails Council, Equine Canada, Town of Perth, tourism associations, XPLORNET Communications (host of the Big Ben Memorial website), and
various financial donors. In-kind service providers from the MNR and Mississip- pi Valley Conservation, along with keen and committed volunteers from various trail user groups, have all contributed considerably to the success of the pro- ject being approved.
Once the GPS mapping and tagging of the potential trail routings has been conducted, a life science study will take place. After review and approval by the County’s municipal trails corporation, trail blazing by volunteers will com- mence. It is anticipated the trail will be ready for public use by 2013.
For more information, http://thebig-
benmemorialtrail.ca/.
Ganaraska Forest Horse Club BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2011
Experience the beauty of the Oak Ridges Moraine from the comfort of our 1870's farmhouse. Enjoy a leisurely country breakfast on the veranda then ride or drive directly into the Ganaraska Forest. Spacious box stalls and turnout for your horse and country hospitality for you. Explore the nearby towns: theatre, antiques, fine dining, and the most beautiful scenery in southern Ontario. Relaxing rural life only an hour east of Toronto. Now available at Kendal Hills, "The Hen House" a self-sufficiency bunkhouse for guests desiring a more rustic independent experience.
President: Caroline Thornton Vice-President: Jim Higgs Secretary: Jess Brill Treasurer: Michele Bignell
www.gfhc.ca
RAIN AND SHINE! (by Cynthia Armour)
A tenacious team of near- ly 40 diehard riders dawned wet weather gear and headed out on their steeds to enjoy the Cool Colours Ride under the canopy of the east section of the Ganaraska Forest on Octo- ber 2nd. Hosted by Sheila and Tug MacDonald, the day began with a welcoming warm back bacon sandwich and a hot drink around a campfire. While our return was a soggy one there were still smiling faces as we bid our farewells to fellow enthusiasts.
The weather behaved much better at our previous gathering. The Skills Ride was a gorgeous, sunny day of equine adventures through the forest. Horses were introduced to a variety of obstacles includ- ing fluttering shower curtains, colourful pool noodles and feed
sacks that stalked them from behind (while being dragged by their owners for as long as pos- sible!)
(See photos below)
The Ganaraska Forest Horse Club executive has already planned much of 2012 so mark your calendars NOW and consider joining this active group in the new year!
NEXT YEAR’S FEATURES Highlights include:
DATE/ ACTIVITY/ LOCA- TION
January - (Date TBA), Educa- tion Day, TBA
Saturday, March 17, 2012 - Annual Dance, Millbrook Legion Hall
Sunday, April 15, 2012 - AGM, Ganaraska Forest Centre May 5 or 6, 2012 - Education Day, TBA
Saturday, May 12, 2012 -
1) Riders enjoy the "Cool Colours" despite the rain 2) No Fear! Participants ace Cowboy Curtain 3) Gypsy says noodles belong in the pool!
Early Bird Ride, West Ganaras- ka Forest
Saturday, June 2, 2012 - Poker Ride, Central Ganaraska Forest
Saturday July 21/Sunday July 22, 2012 - Camping Ride, TBA
August 18 or 19,2012 - Educa- tion Day, TBA
Saturday, September 8, 2012 - Skills Ride, Central Ganaras- ka Forest
Sunday, October 7, 2012 - Cool Colours Ride, East Ganaraska Forest
So you can see, your $20
Membership: Gail Reid PR Director: Bob Coleman Email Director: Shirley Stapleton Web Master: Jacqueline Visconti
annual membership goes a very long way (and includes a com- plimentary subscription to The Rider too!) We are a group of horse enthusiasts who are com- mitted to camaraderie, equine education, improving the facili- ties of the Ganaraska Forest for all riders as we enjoy 11,000+ acres of woods that are blanket- ed with sandy trails.
Watch The Rider’s col- umn “GFHC News” for further announcements or visit our website at
www.gfhc.ca for more details as they unfold. Our Board President, Caroline Thornton welcomes any ques- tions you may have. You can contact her directly at 905-797- 3025 or you can email her at
cthornton@oakknollstables.co m.
May the “horse” be with you...we hope to see you on the trails!
Ganaraska Forest Horse Club c/o 805 Carmel Line, Millbrook, Ontario, L0A 1G0
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