Peachland Riding Club

Messages
From President

January 2010

Hello all, I hope you all had a great Christmas and a Happy New Year. Firstly I want to congratulate our 2009 winners. It was a great Gymkhana season and one that will go down in our history as a very competitive one in which many riders were very close in points and some cases the winners were only decided on the last day of the year. As 2010 is already here our new executive have already met to begin the process of setting up the dates for the Gymkhana season, discuss potential clinics, high school rodeo, handing out the duties, and ensuring we get all of our ducks lined up for this year. Our new executive for 2010 are Trecho Demattos Vice president, Holly Dickenson, Treasurer, Erin McQueen, Secretary, and yours truly, Blair Bates your President. We also welcome Brenda Pierron as our new Gymkhana director, Sandy Chevallier continuing as rodeo director, and Diana Chevallier continuing as Awards director, Holly and Tim Dickinson, Grounds director, and Darlene Pappas as our phoning director. We welcome all of you for 2010; please lend all of your support to these people as they lead us into this new season.

Secondly, there are some updates that you need to be made aware of for this year. The membership fees have changed, we voted as a club in October AGM and approved the following, single memberships are now $50 and family memberships are $75.00. The Gymkhana season has been decided upon but is tentative and subject to change. There will be some adjustments as the year progresses; we want to ensure all of our riders have the opportunity to compete here in Peachland and abroad. This year will be a year of transition, there will be new people running the Gymkhana season, which will include new judges, new announcers, new Gymkhana leader, and new grounds keepers. With these new leaders comes a transition and with this transition will require patience and a willingness to assist the leaders when necessary. The success of any club is its ability to increase in leadership, with new leadership brings on more members. I am really excited about our new leaders this year because there is a fresh enthusiasm that they are bringing into our meetings, with new ideas, willingness to learn the ropes, and taking the reins to ensure the future of this club and the success of riders who come and go. This is a testament to the kinds of people Peachland Riding Club attracts.

For this winter there are some clinics taking place, a pole clinic is being planned presently by Sandy C. I know from last year many of the riders who took the pole clinic have greatly increased in their ability and times.

Sandy is also in loop for another clinic in equine massage therapy. Please contact her for details.

Finally as this years president it is my duty to ensure we maintain our regular events and ensure we stay on track. This year we will be on the High School rodeo circuit and so some of you might see me and my family as much but I will be working in the background and when we are in town we will see you at the Gymkhana rodeos. Until then happy trails and God bless

Until then happy trails and God bless,
Blair Bates (2008-2010 PRC President)

November 2009

Hello PRC members, Well, the gymkhana season is over and it has been a good one. With some exceptional weather, great volunteers, and watching our younger cowgirls getting better I would have to say personally this has been one of our better years. I wanted to recap a bit of what was accomplished this year, first of all, in the beginning Katie Craig made arrangements to put on a pole clinic which was well attended. We have also seen some of those riders really improve their times as result. Katie also put on several clinics that helped to better riders along with their mounts for the season and for the future. Thanks Katie for an amazing job. Our club also held the first annual July 1 st Barrel racing event on Canada day. This event was well attended, with more than 50 riders, hot sun, and good payouts made it a successful day, but to add to it, we also had several riders join us for the Canada day parade and it was one for the books. Our girls sang just about every song that I played, thanks to Trecho Demattos for her nice truck and to the girls who participated. The month of July was an interesting one with the fires, we postponed the Gymkhana as result, with many families displaced at the time, it only made sense to do this. Thanks to all of you who came to the rescue of these families, kudos to you. In August we held another barrel racing event in conjunction with the 40 th anniversary of the riding club. That's right! 40 years of riders, cowboys and cowgirls tacking up and riding on these grounds. That is a lot of history of hoof prints. October long weekend we held a high school rodeo which brought out about 110 riders from all over southern BC. Brrrrrrr, can you believe it went down to -11 that weekend. We wore down two sets of harrows that weekend drying to break the frost, but the sun did come out somewhat and did warm up that ground for the contestants.. For those of us in the announcers shack, we pretty much froze to the floor boards. We have Sandy Chevallier to thank for the barrel racing and this rodeo. Thanks Sandy once again for you leadership and passion we appreciate it very much. To finish off the Gymkhana season we held on October 18 th , turned out to be great fun as it was dress up day for many of the riders and let me tell you, the costumes were amazing and incredibly creative.

To finish the year off we are hosting our annual awards banquet for November 21 st , tickets are available through Trecho Demattos 768-9696 , Deb Craig at her shop Westside U Brew and with me, Blair Bates, 452-6941 . You can either drop by Deb's store or call Trecho and myself and reserve your tickets. We need to know by November 10 th how many people will be coming out.

We also held our AGM , which was well attended, and I would like to thank all of you who came out to support this meeting. We voted in our new executive for 2010, carrying on as Vice President Trecho Demattos, our new Secretary is Erin McQueen, and for Treasurer Holly Dickinson, and me Blair Bates will carry on the role of being President for one more year. I would like to thank Deb Craig for your assistance in leading our finances and for Vicky Szulinsky for being our secretary for the past two years; thank-you to both of you for your service and gifts. Sandy Chevallier will carry over as Rodeo director, Diana Chevallier will carry over as year end awards director, and Brenda Pierron will be our Gymkhana director. I also want to say thank-you to all of our sponsors, special recognition to T. Lewis Trucking for providing the water truck, Penticton Auto glass, Westside U Brew, Chevallier's Arena, Cowboy Valley Church , TNI Network, with out your support many of our events and awards would not be possible.

Finally as we close this year I would like to say a few words regarding this club and what it means to our home. Over the last 6 years plus we have been part of this organization for one purpose, to ride! We love the cowboy way of life and the PRC supports this lifestyle. We have had the pleasure of meeting and working with many families over the years who share the same passion, drive and values they want to instill in their children and their homes. So it is very easy to be there, it is not a chore or a burden but a joy and this is good. We do not take for granted the people, the place and the passion to ride. Our grounds is a peaceful place that brings a lot of fun and activity to all of us, we watch we listen, we see our kids get better and dream of the day in which we will be doing the same. Peachland riding club has had many riders come and go, past and present leadership, upgrades and challenges but one thing will always remain the same, the desire to get on our horses and ride.

For 2010 we will be challenged to continue on this passion and it will take many of you to step up to the plate and put your words into action. Gymkhanas require volunteers, good leadership, and willing hearts to help all riders of all ages participate and succeed. So my challenge to you all of you is this, don't be spectators be doers. People of action get the job done and from what I hear whether you are a working cowboy or cowboy at heart, there are jobs that need to get done and from what I know of you, you are people of action. Support your new Gymkhana director Brenda Pierron and your new executive in everyway you can, doing so will help to make it a great season of riding.

Until next time,
Happy Trails
Blair Bates (2008/2009 PRC President)

September 2009

Here are two documents that you need to review.

The first document is the 2009 AGM which will be hosted at our last Gymkhana after lunch during our break on October 18th (Download the 2009 AGM Agenda). We decided this to do it at this time in order to give us more time for the awards night on November 21st and to get as much participation as possible from our members. We feel as an exec that this is a crucial coming year. We have several changes in our exec that will happen at the end of 2009. We have several people who will be stepping away for a while and or will be taking on diminished roles. Some of these members have been part of the executive for several years and need a rest, and or will not be around next year due to their participation on High School rodeo. As a result of these changes we require several willing members who will step up to the challenge and run our Gymkhana season, and help give executive direction to the riding club. We require a new president, VP, Financial, and secretary, along with a Gymkhana director and other directors for the required roles. We know there a few of you who are showing interest and we thank-you in advance. October 18th will be our last Gymkhana for 2009 and we would like to vote in our new executive for 2010. This riding club has functioned for over 40 years as result of volunteers who share the passion for riding and the cowboy way of life. There have been several members and the last several years who have dedicated themselves to ensure your children and you as riders can enjoy a fun filled event that provides competition, healthy relationships, and rewards for a job well done. Join the 2010 team to continue this tradition.

The second document is the nomination form for most improved rider and sportsman for 2009 (Download the Nomination Form). It was decided to let the membership of the Peachland Riding Club decide who these people should be. So if you want to have a vote and voice your choice, then this is your opportunity. You can do it in two ways, print off the document and forward to any member of the executive or fill it out and e-mail it back to me. This must be completed no later than October 18 th . This will give us just enough time to get the awards here for November 21 st . So please fill out your nominee and get it back to us as soon as possible.

See you all tomorrow morning at the Gymkhana

Happy Trails
Blair Bates (2008/2009 PRC President)

August 2009

I would like to address our PRC community with some important information that you need to be made aware. As you are all aware, the fires in July really put life in frenzy for many of us here in the Westbank, Peachland area. There were a lot of horses that needed to be rescued, ranches that needed to evacuated, and families who were uprooted from their homes for a time. July was a very disruptive month and as a result of these events we cancelled our July gymkhana to allow these families to get settled back into their homes and give their animals a chance to calm down. July was a stressful time for many of you and though there was some tense moments, no one was hurt and no animals were lost. This positive outcome was the result of the fast response from our local police, fire and rescue, and the province of BC working together to ensure the safety of all. Another contributing factor was the assistance that many of you offered in helping some of these displaced families. As president of the Peachland riding club, I was proud and honored to see first hand how our community came together to help one another. Kudos to those who came to the aid of others in need; your efforts made a difference. Thank-you!

As a result of the July cancellation, we met as an executive to discuss an alternative date. Due to other conflicting events, it was decided that October 18th is the best possible day in which we can host a Gymkhana event to make up the one we cancelled in July. There were also plans for a fun day for October 4th but this is now on hold. Though it may be a bit chilly, in the past we have hosted Gymkhana's as late as October 31st .

Another scheduled event that is taking place is a High School Rodeo for the Thanksgiving weekend in October. It was decided by the rodeo committee with the approval of the PRC exec that this would be a good weekend to host this event. We felt there were sufficient support and enough volunteers to achieve this rodeo for 2009. Sandy Chevallier is our rodeo lead on this and she will be directing all of us. If you would like to be involved and participate, please give Sandy a call. We are also looking for local sponsorship for this rodeo, if you are interested, sponsorship packages are available through Sandy, Deb Craig, Trecho Demattos, Diana C, and myself. You can give any one of us a call.

Starting this Sunday August 23 we will be selling year award tickets. The costs are $20 per adult, $15 for ages 6-12 and 5 years old and under are free. We are asking you as PRC members to purchase your tickets sooner than later. This will help us in the planning process for the Year end awards banquet.

Finally, I want to thank all of you for your patience during these last few weeks as we figure out some of these details that directly affect all of us. As a committee we volunteer our time to ensure the Peachland Riding Club continues to function as it has done in the past. We look forward to seeing all of you at the next event.

Happy Trails
Blair Bates (2008/2009 PRC President)

June 2009

Peachland Riding Club held their second Gymkhana on May 31st. With over 30 horses and 29 riders, add some great weather and we had a great day though. I must confess I was hoping for some cooler wet weather instead of the instant hot summer heat we have received. Pictures to follow…..So here are the results…..

Seniors
1. Debbie Wright High point
2. Janine Blacklock Reserve
3. Sandy Lewis
4. Donna Hinchliff
5. Holly Dickenson
6. Tina Brodzniak
Junior A
1. Asia Cole High Point
2. Amanda Dickenson Reserve
3. Tasha Larose
Junior B
1.Jessie Bates High Point
2. Allie Sorenson Reserve
3.Kallie Pierron
4.Deziree Goltz
Junior C
1.Courtney Demattos High point
2.Darby Ensign Reserve
3.Alana Ensign

PRC would like to express a sincere thank-you to our volunteers that day. We were short parents and helpers due to other rodeo events taking place that weekend. The parents who were there did some double duties and we want to say a huge thanks to all of you. Speaking of volunteers, this month go up and thank one of those volunteers who give of their time and energy to ensure you as the rider can enjoy a day of competition. As you work towards your PB, these volunteers help to ensure you are achieving your goals. In June Cowboy Valley Church (which runs out of PRC)was given the opportunity to do Cowboy Church at the BCHS championships. CVC would like to thank Lee Fennel and Doug Mills for the invitation to serve this cowboy community.

Coming for Peachland Riding Club is our July 1st Barrel Race, event is BCBRA, BRN4d and CBRA. Start time is 11am at the Peachland Riding Club. For more info call Sandy Chevelliar at 250-718-2761, we will also be participating at the Peachland Canada Day parade for the 5 pm start time. We normally meet at the corner of 13th and Lake. All riders who want to participate please call me by June 25th to confirm your participation. Dress for Canada Day, Red and White. Finally, August 22nd PRC will be hosting another barrel race and a 40th anniversary celebration. Any and all past members are invited to attend a dinner, dance and this barrel racing event. We will be running this event in conjunction with our August Gymkhana, so we are inviting every one to camp out Saturday night.

We look forward to seeing all of you in July. Until next time.
Happy Trails
Blair Bates (2008/2009 PRC President)

May 2009

Hello all, Gymkhana 2009 has finally stated at the Peachland Riding Club and we are thrilled with our first Gymkhana turnout.

With 29 riders, and 31 horses, lots of overdue sunshine, lots of good grub, and lots of great runs, we had a successful day. See our Gymkhana Results here.

We need to let all of you know also we are running a Western Heritage Clinic June 7 at the Peachland Riding Club, and then July 5th our Fun in the Sun Western Heritage Event which will be judged by Kimberly Westgate. Check out our Calendar for entry forms or contact Sasha Hoop at chem_chick@hotmail.com.

PRC in conjunction with Cowboy Valley Church continues to hold bi-weekly services, check out cowboyvalleychurch.com for more info.

We have new caretakers this year, Mike and Val Christopher, who oversee the grounds and Val runs our concession stand, and wow she knows what we like to eat; when you see them, welcome them to our community.

Speaking of community, one of the main reasons why we see so many people coming out and doing events such as our Gymkhanas is because of the community atmosphere it brings. Riding their horses is their love and passion, but it also brings a great sense of community and this my friends is why we love doing what we do each and every time we head down the highway; Great group of people to be associated with.

Our next Gymkhana is May 31st, 9am start time, we look forward to everyone who wants to come out to the central Okanagan and enjoy a great day in a great place.

Happy Trails
Blair Bates (2008/2009 PRC President)

April 2009

Hi y’all, Spring is finally coming, though a bit too slow for my liking. I am sure many of you are looking forward to a great season of riding, competition, camaraderie, sunshine, dusting grounds, and open sky’s. But before all of this happens, we need all of our club members to join us April 26th, from 10AM to 2PM for our Spring clean up. We need all the help we can get, as the saying goes, many hands make light work. So if we have a great turnout it will go fast and be easy.

Our first Gymkhana is a week after that - May 3rd at 9am. Please come early to ensure you are signed up on time and this will give the Gymkhana admin people time to get things organized and hopefully start on time.

Last month I spoke to all of you about the process of getting started when getting involved with riding and owning a horse. Good advice and taking things slow, will help any potential rider to have long lasting success. One of the best pieces of advice I can offer is surround yourself with people who know more then you and those people will surround you with a horse that knows more than the rider. Our first horse that we leased was an old grandpa named Captain, a 30 something Thoroughbred who still loved to roll, buck and gave 110% even when there was about 30% left in him. He had all heart and he was also the best teacher for my daughter. When warming up Captain you simply could not just get on him right away, you had to lunge him first to get him warmed up, if you didn’t he would often buck; there are many horses if not warmed up enough will often buck. When your daughter is ten years old you really don’t want to see her flying like superman. One of the most amazing attributes of Captain was his ability to understand Jessie’s ability to ride, he would not give more than what she could handle, he went at her pace and as a result he was one of the best instructors. Captain holds a special place in our home because he helped our daughter and our family to understand the importance in taking things slow and when you were ready to a little further, he would oblige and take you a little farther in your journey.

As this year begins, remember to take things slow, and go at a pace that will take both you and your riding companion to a level that brings success for 2009. See you May 3rd.

Happy Trails
Blair Bates (2008/2009 PRC President)

March 2009

Hello all, Gymkhana season is upon us and we are ready to get going but we have some changes that we need every one to be made aware of. Due to some scheduling challenges, we have updated our Gymkhana schedule to ensure everyone in our area has an opportunity to participate. Here are the new dates... May 3rd, May 31st, June 21st, July 26th, August 23rd, September 20th; remember our start times are 9am, please forward your registrations in advance, if for some reason you forget, which most of us do, then have it ready for our first event. Check out our Events page registration and mailing info. Another date change is the High School Rodeo we had planned for May; it is being postponed until the fall 2009. We are also preparing to host a Western Heritage clinic and a non sanctioned event, the details will be listed on our calendar/events pages, but I can tell you there is a clinic on June 7th and an event on July 5th. I also want to let you all of you know that Cowboy Valley Church continues to host bi-weekly services. Please check out CVC’s website at www.cowboyvalleychurch.com. CVC is also available to lead church services at other organized rodeo events, weddings, funerals, and counseling. Just go to CVC’ website for contact information.

Now that I got the business stuff out of the way, let me say a word or two about what I was talking about last month and getting people involved in the lifestyle of riding. One of the best pieces of advice we got when Jessie started to ride came from our friend Diana. We had talked about owning our own horse, but she suggested before we make that commitment we should lease first. Being the kind of one tracked male person that I am, I thought lease, forget it, I want to own a horse. Ahhhh but over time, Diana’ advice proved to be good advice. We discovered that kind of commitment is not just a part time thing, it is full time commitment. Leasing a horse was a way of seeing if we were committed to the responsibility, care and on-going commitment that a horse requires. Ask yourself these questions, if you are considering owning a horse for you or your son or daughter, do you like or love horses? Are you willing to spend obscene amounts of your time with that horse? Do you realize the costs that are involved? Are you and or your kids afraid of shoveling manure? Do you like to clean stalls? Are you a patient person? There are many more questions, but these are some key ones that will help you to decide if this is for you or not.

Recently I had a friend call me from Alberta telling me that his 12 old daughter wants to own a horse. I asked him these questions; he could not answer any them outright. I told him to get some lessons, lease a horse and if his daughter thinks the smell of horse crapp and urine smell like perfume to her, then she will be a cowgirl for life(not trying to be rude), just saying that if you or your child are not afraid and show the kind of commitment it takes, then maybe it is some thing to look into. If you know someone who is thinking of leasing a horse to learn to ride, maybe forward them this note; it might just help them to reach their goal and desire to be more then just a horse owner, but join the cowboy way of life, and ride!

Until next month
Happy Trails
Blair Bates (2008/2009 PRC President)

February 2009

Our spring Gymkhana’s are fast approaching and if your homes are like our home, we are getting really restless to get out and get riding again. Winters are way too long and overrated. Regardless, there are some winter events happening. Katie Craig is our clinics director and she is really ramping things up. She hosted a clinic at the beginning of February with about 40 people coming out to listen to a Vet talk about a lot of things to keep your horse healthy and what kinds of potential problems you need to look for. There are other clinics she's got planned so take a look at our list of events. Also want to encourage all of you to start sending in those membership forms; last year it was almost a train wreck trying to take down everyone’s contact and registration info for the year while getting ready for the first Gymkhana of the year. Send that info along with your cheque into Darlene Pappas, she loves taking in money! As for memberships, there is always a challenge for any local community group to grow in membership. Over the past few 2 years or so we are seeing some of the kids become teens, and some of those teens are moving on to high school rodeo, which translates to some of these teens not coming out to Gymkhanas. Now the point of this club and its purpose is to train up riders to become better more confident riders and competitors, but it is also a community gathering place for the Cowboy Community. The best way to encourage membership growth is to invite friends, family and or anyone who has an interest in joining this club for the same purposes the rest of us are part of today. So my challenge to the rest of us is to invite at least one person this year who you know has a desire to ride. With your encouragement, and some proper guidance, they too might join the rest of us in this journey.

Next month I will talk to you a little about what steps you need to take in order to get started.

Until next time,
Happy Trails
Blair

January 2009

Welcome to the 2009 Peachland Riding Club's 40th season. That is right, 40 years. Let me introduce to you our 2009 executive which includes co-VPs Trecho Demattos and Deb Craig, Treasurer Darlene Pappas, Secretary Vicky Szulinzsky and President, myself, Blair Bates. This is our team and it will be a pleasure to serve you for 2009. We have many news items for you to be made aware of. This year Katie Craig is our new clinics director and she is really on the ball. She has clinics planned already for the winter and the spring and encourages you to check out the calendar of events to find out more details.

All past members were mailed a registration package for the 2009 season. I encourage you to fill out that membership form and mail it in along with your payment so that you are ready for all the 2009 events. This membership allows you discounts on many Riding Club events such as the monthly Gymkhanas and all clinics. It also allows you to vote and be part of the decision making processes.

Each year Peachland Riding Club (PRC), made up of volunteers, sets in motion a series of events that encourage all riders at every level to participate. Forty years of events, riders, horses, trucks and trailers, food and drink, good times, hot days, rainy days, and even some cold ones, clinics, rodeos, and cowboy church, all run by volunteers, families who love and care about the cowboy way of life. PRC is truly an outpost ranch that attracts all walks of life. The Gymkhana rodeo, High School rodeo, Western Heritage, and Barrel races all designed to help improve each rider reach their full potential. 2009 is a particularly special year as it is the 100th anniversary of the Town of Peachland, and the PRC has been invited to participate in the events which includes the July 1st parade and a special Canada Day Barrel Race.

As you read this note, I would like to challenge you to set goals for 2009 that will better you as a rider and allow you to become more involved with PRC. Two main values of the cowboy way of life is the relationship between rider and horse and between friends; being part of the PRC events will help you in achieving those goals.

So get ready, dust off the tack, ready your horse, and saddle up, ‘cause 2009 is here!

Until next month
Happy Trails
Blair

November 2008

Well our season has ended and ended well. It has been an exceptional year of amazing events such as the Little Britches, and High School rodeos and our regular Gymkhana rodeos. We saw many riders come out and approve their skills, their team building with their mounts and their personal best times. I want to say a huge thank-you to all of you riders for your continued support and competitive spirit that we benefit and enjoy at the Peachland Riding Club. I want to congratulate our 2008 winners for the Gymkhana season. Well done! This year has also had some great contributions, with the new announcers building supplied by Jazel Homes, and Mike Gibson taking the lead in the construction of this facility, our regular tireless volunteers who came out consistently to run our events, thank-you!!!!

The 2009 season is a little ways off but it is coming really soon and there are many things to look forward to, High School Rodeo in May, Peachland Centennial, Gymkhana season, the March Poll Clinic and many other items we are planning. I encourage all of you to get your rest because 2009 will be a great year.

Until next month
Happy Trails
Blair

October 2008

Oct 18th, Peachland Riding Club will be hosting a fundraiser Pub night at Riley' Pub. Tickets are for sale and will be available at the High School Rodeo this weekend and at the last Gymkhana rodeo on September 28..come see Deb Craig, Darlene Pappas , or Brenda Bates and me for tickets. This fund raiser which will include a silent auction will help raise some funds that will go back towards the upkeep and future of the PRC . We are encouraging all you to come and bring a friend(s). The cost is $15 dollars per person and that includes a meal and one drink. This is an adult only function but to those of you who would like to get to know more of the members in an informal way, this would be great event and don't have to haul a horse home at the end of the night, just yourselves. If you have any questions just call me direct.

We are excited to announce that Peachland Riding Club in conjunction with the Peachland Centennial Committee have been included in Peachland's Centennial Year Schedule of Events and Celebration for it's 100 th birthday. We are posting all of our Gymkhana Rodeo dates early to give everyone in our community and our riding community the opportunity to plan early for this up and coming year. Along with these dates there will be a Barrel Racing Sanctioned Event for July 1 st 2009 and another High School Rodeo; date TBD. To everyone who reads this announcement we invite you to come and participate with us at Peachland Riding Club Gymkhana Rodeo'. We are also excited to share with you that 2009 will be the 40 th anniversary of the Peachland Riding Club. Here are the dates, so mark them down on your calendars; it is going to be a great year!

Happy Trails
Blair Bates

August 2008

Have some amazing news that we need to share with the rest of you; our very own Bailey Woods of Peachland BC had an amazing finish at the Canadian High School Finals in Williams Lake. Bailey and her horse Tyke, placed 6th overall in break away roping, and 10th overall in barrel racing. this is an amazing accomplishment, congratulations to both Bailey and Tyke for being great competitors, and showing your stuff to the rest of the country. Wow!

Another high note, our second annual Little Britches Rodeo took place on the last weekend of July. We had over 70 riders along with supporting family members at this year's event. We had a great time, with Rod Sterling doing the announcing, hey Rod still running the trailer on 3 tires? Mexican Joe Dias who was our arena director, along with Rodeo Director Sandy Chevallier doing all of the organizing and keeping all of us cowboy' inline, you guys did an amazing job. We also had Cowboy church with about 60 attendees, and a special group of visitors from the Westwood Retirement center coming up to join us for church and watch the kids do their stuff. I want to say a huge thank-you to all of our organizers, sponsors, volunteers, riders, family members and spectators, and stock suppliers. All of you did a great job, thank-you for setting such a great example to the young riders who came to Peachland.

Again thank-you to our members and volunteers for participating at the Gymkhana, this is a great event and with great people enjoying their passion, riding!

In closing, PRC is hosting a High School Rodeo September 20-21st , along with a Cowboy Church Service. We encourage you to come out and join us this weekend. If you have any questions or would like to sponsor this event you can contact Sandy Chevallier at 250-718-2761.

As for the July Gymkhana rodeo, here are the results..

Senior
Janine Blacklock on Reno - High Point
Bea Sureman on Starbuck - High Point Reserve
Jenn Miller on Zippy - 3 rd
Amanda Capuano on Easter - 4 th
Holly Dickinson on Tator - 5 th
Sandy Lewis on Bud - 6 th

Junior A
Bailey Woods on Tyke - High Point
Micaela Gibson on Navarone - High Point Reserve
Caleb Bates on Ember - 3 rd
Marie Leginus on Dakota - 4 th
Krysta Forsyth on Canelle - 5 th
Sylvana Huber on Cloie - 6 th

Junior B
Jessie Bates on Bella - High Point
Shay Sutherland on Little Guy - High Point Reserve
Britta Wuestefeld on Shooter - 3 rd
Brianna Pastor on Jolena - 4 th
Candace Chevallier on Hollywood - 5 th
Brandie Morsette on Crimson - 6 th

Junior C
Allie Sorenson on Simmy - High Point
Kiera Smith on Dawn - High Point Reserve
Courtney on KitKat - 3 rd
Alicia Pastor on Cheana - 4 th
Jacey McQueen on Raven - 5 th
Kallie Pierron on Sunny - 6 th (tie)
Raven Chevallier on Opie - 6 th (tie)

Junior D
Darby Ensign on Cutter - High Point
Alana Ensign on Fancy - High Point Reserve
Hunter Chevallier on Ace - 3 rd
Dori Szulinsky on Flash - 4 th (tie)
Joelle Szulinsky on Flash - 4 th (tie)

Until next time, Happy Trails.
Blair

July 2008

Well we have had an incredible busy spring. Believe or not we are half way through the Gymkhana season. The results from last week were great though it was the hottest day I think we have had in a long time. It reached 38 degrees on June 29, but our riders did great. I want to give you a short update on up coming events. First of all, the Little Britches Rodeo is in full swing and will be happening at the end of July. We encourage you to come and attend this two day event. Sandy is still looking for volunteers so if you are available to come up, please let Sandy know. For July 1 st Peachland Riding Club participated in the Canada Day parade in Peachland, and I want to say thank you to Courtney, Michaela, Jessie, Alley, Christie and Amanda. These girls did a great job and represented our club very well. I also want to say thank-you too the parents for coming out and supporting this event also.

On a sad note, one of our fellow riders had a tragedy take place on June 29 th , Shai Sutherland was faced with the difficult task of having to say goodbye to her beloved horse Frosty. Frosty unfortunately succumbed to a severe case of colic. Frosty and Shai were a great team. Frosty was a great horse with great talent and the ability to bend like no other horse I have seen yet. Both Frosty and Shai were our Junior C champions for 2007 and it is sad that we will not see this team running together in the future. Shai we share in your sadness in the loss of a great horse who brought you joy. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Coming July we will be welcoming a retired couple, the Walsh's to be our new caretakers. They will be starting in July and will be watching over the grounds until fall. When you see them, introduce yourself and welcome them to our community.

Finally, I look forwards to seeing all of you at the next Gymkhana at the end of July.

Take care,
Blair

May 2008

Wanted to do a recap of this past month's events and events to come; over the month of May we had many great things happen. First of all, we held our first Gymkhana clinic and it went over really well. We had 10 riders who were instructed by Sandy Chevallier. I was amazed how many of our gymkhana riders came up to learn more about doing the gymkhana events and how well it was received. We have received several comments on how much the riders enjoyed the clinic and all of the information Sandy gave them. I want to say a resounding thank-you to Sandy for leading this clinic. Sandy ' ability to relate to people and her passion to teach is very evident in her clinics. Everyone learns something and comes out a better rider as result of her passion to pass on this knowledge. Thank-you Sandy for such a job well done! This month we have been working on the new announcers shack. Not much of a shack more like a miniature house. Mike Gibson has taken the lead on this, and it is really coming great. We have the trusses on now and hopefully by middle of June it should be roofed and ready for our June Gymkhana. Along with Lyle Pastor and Glen Sorenson these changes are getting done and we are grateful for their leadership.

The may Gymkhana was a success, with many new riders showing up and several of our regulars working towards becoming better riders. I want to say how much it is a pleasure to see the young riders become more confident. One month they are timid and the next month there is confidence being demonstrated in their riding. Wow, this is great, keep going everyone. What a joy to watch the kids grow.

Here are the Gymkhana results for May:
Senior high point             Janine Blacklock
Reserve                          Bea Sureman
Tied w/                           Jenn Millar
Junior A High point         Kristy Forsyth
Junior B High point         Jessie Bates
Reserve                          Brianna Pastor
3 rd                                Britta Wuestefeld
Junior C High Point        Allie Sorenson
Reserve                         Courtney Demattos
3 rd                               Kallie Pierron

This June our Gymkhana is happening June 29th.

Until then,
Blair Bates

April 2008

This month we had some great things happen. First of all, we a great clean up day with so many members coming out and preparing our grounds, the club house, small repairs, lots of raking, and great cooperation. The following people are to be commended for coming out and helping our club get ready for a great year, they are.Allie , Glen, and Teresa Sorenson, Michelle, Kurtis, Alysha, Brianna, and Lyle Pastor, Courtney and Trecho Demattos, Amanda Capuano,Tina Brodziak, Bailey Woods, Jackie and Shay Sutherland, Brandie Morsette, Darlene Pappas, Nicole Ellis, Nicolas Ingram, Alan Peters, Diana, and Candace Chevallier, Michael, and Micaela Gibson, Tryston Ducharme, Caleb, Jessie and Brenda Bates. Wow, what a great group of people, I hope I didn't miss anyone. We also got a great start on our new announcers building, thank-you to Jazel Homes for their donation of materials and plans. We were hoping to get this new building up by summer, but Michael Gibson has gone to town, and the way he is going, along with the extra bodies helping, we should have this ready early May. Thanks to Mike for your leadership on this.

Also we are hosting a Gymkhana clinic for all new (or existing) members and new riders who want to participate in our Gymkhana' this year. Check out our announcement for details on this site.

Until next month,
Blair Bates

March 2008

This is a reminder that this month is the first of 6 Gymkhana' for the Peachland Riding Club Sunday April 27 starting at 9pm. We encourage all riders to come early to get setup from 8 to 8:45 and registered on time to ensure we have a 9am start time. We are also encouraging our parents and volunteers to come in western attire, hats, boots and shirts to help support our riders and in keeping with the cowboy way of life.

Our clean up day is coming up Sunday April 13 from 10am to 2pm . Lunch will be provided. We encourage every club member, kids and all to come out and help get the grounds ready for another great year of riding. It does not take long to do when there are many people around to help, hence the saying, more hands means less work.

As for the Little Britches and High School Rodeo', our sponsorship program is running and doing very well, plus we are holding a fund raising campaign which includes three gift certificates from City Furniture, 1st $1500, 2nd $1000, and 3rd place $500. Tickets are available at the Gymkhana rodeos, plus you can contact us at 250-452-6941 for more info on where you can get tickets. We have several members selling them so I can direct you to the right person in your area.

As part of the events for Peachland Riding Club, Cowboy Valley Church runs 2nd, 3rd and 4th Thursday of every month, for further info check out www.cowboyvalleychurch.com .

We are really excited about this year and encourage all club members to invite riders from abroad to come out and enjoy the PRC and the most amazing arena in the valley.

Until next time,
Blair Bates

January 2008

Welcome to 2008 a year in which there will be many new and exciting events. Firstly let me say thank-you to our past President Darlene Pappas who did an amazing job the past couple of years. We are so appreciative of your efforts, hard work, leadership and overall desire to lead a group of people who share in the same desires. I also want to thank our past committee members for their hard work and leadership. Without these volunteers who put out for all of the riders we would not enjoy organized gymkhana rodeos, a family atmosphere, and a safe environment for the riders to train, compete and enjoy riding in the most amazing arena in the valley. Many thanks to all of you.

I want to convey to all of you something that I think is amazing about our community of riders. The Cowboy in all of us! All of us share in the spirit that comes with being a cowboy. Call it a lifestyle, call it a connection with horses, call it a daily desire to live out your dreams, but it still points to one thing, being a cowboy. In keeping with that Cowboy spirit, we are going to continue in the tradition that is associated with PRC. Peachland Riding Club has provided an environment that makes everyone feel at home, a place that enables you to train your horse and compete at the same time. It is a growing club with many new features such as new covered pens, arena upgrades, and safe ground for you and your horse. We are encouraging all of our volunteers this year to come with cowboy attire hat and all. We ask our kids to wear this in keeping with tradition, and we at PRC want to help set the standard and be good, positive role models for our kids.

2008 will be a great year and there are great things happening. Our gymkhana schedule has been posted and we are excited in doing this amazing event that is a foundation event for our club. We encourage you to come and to invite your fellow riders to join us this year. Along with our Gymkhana' we are hosting not one but two main rodeo events. Last year was the first year Little Britches came to PRC and they are returning again this July and along with this rodeo, PRC is also hosting a High School Rodeo. This is going to be amazing! Our rodeo team headed up by Sandy Chevallier and her team has already got the business of doing these rodeo' well on their way. There is a fund raising campaign going on right now for some excellent gifts, there are many returning and new sponsors already established, there are more arena upgrades and new equipment on its way. Our club is also purchasing new software and timers that will help out all of these events to run smoother and hopefully faster. There is so much more to tell about but not enough room in this letter. You are just going to have to come out and find out for yourself what is going on at PRC.

Finally, as your new president it is my desire to serve this community of cowboys and cowgirls and keep up the tradition of great events for great riders and bring new innovative ways to ensure all of us keep our riding club going strong for all of the future riders to come.

Riders, get your tack ready, shine those boots, dust off those hats, and saddle up, cause our riding season is coming soon.

Until next month,
Blair Bates

P.S. Peachland is hosting two rodeos this year, Little Britches Rodeo in July and a High School rodeo in September. PRC along with the Rodeo committee have a raffle. Prizes TBA, The draw is at the end of May and it will be held at City Furniture at Westside. For more info or to buy tickets call Diana Chevallier, Sandy Chevallier, Kim Smith, Darlene Pappas, and Deb Craig.

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