28/ APRIL 2021 THE RIDER


2020 Ontario Trail Riders Association Board of Directors


President Sonja Wyss 705-434-7947 info@barefoot-saddlecanada.ca


Secretary Laurie Panagiotou 905-807-2786 lauriep1@live.ca


Treasurer/Membership Elaine Wiesner 519-940-1710 elaine.a.wiesner@gmail.com


Website Development Tina Kerst 416-907-6051 tiamiadart@gmail.coma


Directors at Large Karen Plume, 519-604-4020, kp59ca@gmail.com Cathy Togeretz, 519-465-1758, cathytogeretz@sympatico.ca


Area Representative Elaine Wiesner 519-940-1710 elaine.a.wiesner@gmail.com


Sandra Kendall, 905-939-8356, rlsophia29@gmail.com Lana English, 519-658-3489, lanaenglish@sympatico.ca


9045 20 Sideroad, Tosorontio, Lisle, ON L0M 1M0 • www.ontariotrailriders.ca


OTRA and its members represent the equestrian trail user with the Ontario Trails Council, Ontario Eques- trian Federation and Equine Canada. We welcome your membership to help support the voice of OTRA on your behalf. Visit our Facebook Page


Message from the OTRA President:


Are you READY? For trail riding of course.


The question is not only are you ready but is your horse ready, and is your trailer ready? With warmer temps we all


have the itch to get out on the trail and it goes without saying an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.


Let’s start with you... if


you’ve been sedentary and un- able to ride throughout the winter now is a great time to get moving to avoid the aches and pains that come with not being in shape and still going on those long trail rides. At the very least the weather is great for simply get- ting out for a walk and starting a fitness regime. Yoga is also an- other good way to get stretching, something we all need any way you might even find yoga for horseback riders. All kinds of


videos are available on the net. And how about your state


of mind? Last fall did you leave your riding with any challenges or fears or any particular issues you need to work on? Currently there are many clinics offered for riders addressing particular is- sues you might want to join. Nothing like a confidence booster to ride with like minded people and a good coach to help you through the sticky spots. I’m sure we all have a few. There are even online live forums with


Inc, established in 1970, is an equestrian organization which promotes recreational trail riding and the creation, development, preservation and safe use of trails.


availability to have your ques- tions answered when you can’t attend clinics in person. Some are also free, which is a bonus. Now to your horse... has


he/she been off all winter? Looks like you may have some work to do. If you’ve been lucky enough to have an indoor arena to ride in you may think you are ahead of the game but that’s sure not the same as out on the trail. Regardless this is the time


to get started tuning into each other. You need not ride just sim-


www.ontariotrailriders.ca


ply spend time hanging out, grooming, leading and establish- ing your space. If your trailer is accessible hook it up and practice trailer loading. The first time we load each spring I question in my mind will they get right in! Horses benefit from groundwork at any time and this is a great way to start. If you have a round pen that’s a good place to get things moving on the ground. It will take a bit of time before they are in shape for trail rides after stand- ing around all winter. Start slow and work them up especially if you can’t actually ride. Be fair to your horse and don’t join in on a long trail ride if conditioning has not yet been achieved. Saddle up and see how the tack fits, or does it? Check it over for wear and now is a good time to clean it be- fore you need it. Maybe take time to wash all your brushes for a fresh start in the season. I know It’s been said many


times but check that first aid bag you carry on your horse. If you plan to camp, check


your high line gear and if you are new to camping you can always practice high-lining at home be- fore you camp. If you are nerv- ous about this ask for help from some one experienced. We learned how this is done years back through the OTRA group and only practice makes perfect. People have their individual pref- erences but we advocate less is more with no fancy gadgets and hay on the ground. I’m sure many of us have stories about the high line wrecks we’ve seen. When you learn and understand


the basics you will try to do it right and follow basic common- sense rules. For safety and sleep this not a place to get slack! That pretty much leaves the


trailer. When did you last drive it? Is it due for safety check? If not, there are still many things you need to check yourself. Tire pressure is and condition is a pri- ority as this is usually one of the most common failures. Hook up and test your brakes and lights. Don’t wait until you are loading up to go for a ride or you are on the road to see if everything is functional. If you can take out the mats it’s also good to check the condition of the floorboards as- suming you didn’t get to this last fall! Ramps are also a culprit for rot especially under the rubber tread surface. Drop down win- dows and door locking mecha- nisms may have deteriorated. Grease any fittings on door hinges. Sounds like a lot of work and it is but it’s time well spent rather than sitting waiting in the road side for assistance. So now what do you need


to do to get ready? Make that list and start checking some off. In regards to our 2021 ride


schedule and the ongoing, ex- pected health restriction, our planned rides can change on short notice. Keep checking the OTRA website www.ontariotrail- riders.ca, or follow us on face- book for additions or updates, or contact us at info@ontariotrail- riders.ca.


See you on the trails... Submitted by


OTRA member Yvonne Taylor The Ontario Trail Riders Association


Requirements: If a non-mem- ber, please see ride organizer and pay day fee: all participants must sign a waiver and show proof of liability insurance.


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