FEBRUARY 2012 RGMDA NEWSLETTER
go back to RGMDA website
NEWSLETTERS |
| Januray 2012 |
IN THIS ISSUE |
REGULAR FEATURES |
FORMS |
|
|
WELCOME to the Rio Grand Mule & Donkey Association Newsletter!
Contact us at RGMDA@eeebray.com for any information about the newsletters.
Please check our RGMDA website often, as we are adding pictures and information as they become available. We are lucky to have members who have taken some great pictures. It is one of the special items on the RGMDA website that sets us apart from other clubs.
All membership information, rules, and other club related information is stored there also.
 |
Packy is the donkey on the left of the team in the above picture
WORDS FROM THE PRESIDENT
February 2012
Well, here it is February and, hopefully, the severe weather is over but for those of you who have lived here for some years we know better. Now is a good time to work on ground manners and lead line training as well as inspecting and repairing your equipment.
Let's make February a membership drive month. Right now 60% of you have renewed your memberships for 2012 and that's a really good start for the year. For those of you who have not the 2012 Membership form is located in this newsletter and on the website. Also, consider bringing a friend or someone interested in longears to one of the chapter meetings. If you need any club brochures to hand out see your chapter chair.
2012 paid members were invited to participate in the 2012 Member Survey. For those who responded, we've received the first round of results and I think you'll find them interesting. These are posted in this newsletter and on the website and will be updated as the results change.
The Scott Martin Memorial Ride at San Lorenzo is scheduled for Sunday, February 5th and hosted by Steve and Mary Randall. I look forward to seeing everyone and introducing you to my new little mule, Peaches. The ride was rescheduled due to weather and, hopefully, it will cooperate this time. Check the calendar for information on the ride.
The driving clinic last year was such a success and the survey results show there is interest in another driving clinic. Allen and Mandy Severs, of Severs Mules, have once again offered to host a driving clinic this year. Watch the website for further announcements or you can let Allen know if you plan to attend.
The greatest asset of our club is our members and their knowledge. If you have animals that don't lead, load, etc ask a member for help. If you're not sure who can help check with your chapter chair. If there is a particular interest maybe a clinic can be scheduled to meet the need.
Bill Crawford
"Stay on top of things"
January 20, 2012, 6:30 pm
Copper Canyon Restaurant
Gibson Blvd, Albuquerque, NM
Members Present: Bill Crawford, Sanny Silvius, Kim Fay,
Jerry Badura, Stan & Katy Lundy, Steve & Mary Randall, Allen, Mandy &
Cody Severs, Babel & Corina Gorham, Bob Larison
Minutes of last meeting accepted as printed in the newsletter.
Treasurer’s Report: Balance $2,966.77 Jerry noted that years projected expenses would be close to current balance, with approximately $1,500 income from events in 2012. Kim Fay moved to accept, Sanny Silvius seconded, report accepted.
Committee Reports:
Membership: 41 paid memberships to date. Corporate Member letter will go week of Jan 23. Discussion of offering Corporate Members a write up in the newsletter. Sanny also reported that name tags for members are about ˝ done and will be given to Chapter Chairs to hand out to members.
Parade/Event Committee: Allen would like to have a representative from each Chapter to report on events/parades within the chapter that the club could participate in. Some ideas are: Magdalena, Pie Festival, Fort Bayard Days, Corrales Toy for Tots Parade, Valencia County Fair Parade, State Fair Parade.
Show Committee: Sanny passed out sheets for a point system for a “Participation Award”. Points will be given for training, trail riding, helping other members etc. Points will be turned in monthly to a “Point Keeper”, once 100 points are achieved a certificate will be awarded with the top five for the year given an award at end of year meeting. Chapter Chairs are asked to talk to the chapters about this and get feedback and report to next board meeting. Additionally, a show “High Point” system was discussed with three (or more shows) per year having the same classes and points from each show tallied for a high point award at year end. Chapter input is requested. Also, a point keeper is needed with excel experience.
Horse Council: Kim reported that to join the council it is $30. The board voted to approve membership for 2012.
Business
San Lorenzo Canyon Ride Steve (as ride host) will re-schedule
Transition: Bank account is done; corporate paperwork and insurance also are taken care of. Kim requested she be informed of any RGMDA sanctioned events so she can inform the insurance.
Survey of Membership: surveys were distributed and there was a 52% return rate.
Correspondence: Steve has volunteered to continue to check PO Box since he and Mary come into Belen on a regular basis. He will forward relevant mail to Jerry or Bill.
Adjourned Next Meeting: March 16, 2012, Copper Canyon Restaurant, room open at 5:30 pm; meeting starts 6:30 pm; all members are invited and encouraged to attend.
Respectfully submitted: Kim Fay
RGMDA East Mountain Chapter
Meeting Minutes
JANUARY 3, 2012
Meeting called to order at 6:30 pm by Sanny Silvius.
Members present: Gayle & Lowell Clark, Deb & Alan Platt, Sanny Silvius, Bill Crawford, Liz Moore, Buddy Buzzard, Connie Hatley, Allen, Mandy, Cody, & Clayton Severs, Stan & Katy Lundy, Marvin Perkins, Rick Thompson, and Karen Lloyd
Old Business:
Sanny introduced new RGMDA Board members from the East Mountain
Chapter. President: Bill Crawford; Vice President: Alan Severs; and
Jerry Badura: Treasurer.
Sanny announced: Anna Coffer has been doing a great job organizing meeting times, places, and reminders via emails. Karen Lloyd volunteered to do meeting minutes for 2012. Agenda items must be presented to Sanny prior to monthly meetings.
Sanny presented our past Chapter President, Lowell Clark, a Certificate of Appreciation for all of his hard work.
Treasurer’s Report: Current balance of $3,378.77. The end-of-year dinner and meeting at Elegante Hotel in Albuquerque was $580.00 for 58 people. The annual auction brought in $717.00.
Next RGMDA Board meeting will be at 6:30 pm on January 20, 2012 at the Copper Canyon Restaurant on Gibson Blvd. All members are welcome to attend; however, only board members can vote.
RGMDA Facebook page was never approved by the RGMDA Board; therefore, it has been changed to only allow initial postings by the Board members. Members may respond to posts, but not create them. These limitations are due to false information being posted, “for sale” postings, and non-member postings. Another Facebook page was created for members to discuss varied topics and it is entitled: Southwest Mule and Donkey Appreciation Page.
Bill Crawford requested Allen Severs to head up the Parade Committee. Allen is currently getting dates for parades and will post to RGMDA website.
Sanny discussed the Horse Show Committee
(Phase 1). The Show Committee members are Sanny, Liz Moore, and Donna
Lunn.
o Classes and general structure of shows o Divisions to meet needs of
members o Three shows (Mule and Donkey ONLY)
o Our current Estancia horse show structure may not meet the needs of
the new point show and may require a different show committee.
o It will be up to each local committee whether to allow horses in the
shows.
Christmas Party 2011. Connie Hatley thanked everyone that attended. Due to weather constraints, there is an idea that next year’s party may be earlier (i.e. Christmas in July). Allie took photos and Martin Baker played Santa Claus.
Twinkle Light Parade. Allen Severs took 2nd place with his mules!
New Business:
San Lorenzo Canyon Ride was scheduled for Sunday; however, has been postponed due to another approaching Winter Storm. A map for San Lorenzo Canyon is on the RGMDA.org website. It is anticipated that there will be a 1:00 pm potluck.
Membership forms are available from Sanny. Everyone must fill out the Hold Harmless Agreement on the back of the form.
Sanny emailed a survey via SurveyMonkey to paid members only. This anonymous survey was to get an idea of what animals members owned and what members would like get out of their local chapter, and what events members might volunteer for. Survey Monkey is limited to 10 questions and distribution to no more than 100 individuals. The response rate as of January 3, 2012 was 38%.
Rick Thompson mentioned a NM Event Calendar online. Research online
found these websites:
NM Tourism Department
http://www.newmexico.org/calendar/events/index.php?year=2012&month=4
Draft Horse, Mule and Oxen Events (not solely New Mexico)
http://www.ruralheritage.com/calendar/index.htm
Deb Platt gave names of events and dates for the following:
National Western Stock Show (aka Denver Stock Show) § Trade Show
5-22 January 2012 § Draft Horse and Mule Classes and Performance 20-22
January 2012/p
Rocky Mountain Horse Expo @ National Western Complex,
Denver, CO 9-11 March § Equine related vendors § Horse trainers
Colorado Classic Mule and Donkey Days @ Douglas County
Fairgrounds, Castle Rock, CO 28-29 April 2012
https://sites.google.com/site/coloradoclassicmuledonkeydays/home
Bishop Mule Days Celebration @ Bishop, CA, 22-27 May 2012 http://www.muledays.org/
Sanny mentioned East Mountain Chapter’s meeting location may need to be changed due to space constraints if more members start attending the monthly meetings. Connie Hatley advised the Edgewood Community Center is free ($50 key deposit); however, food is limited to “bring your own”. Gayle and Anna checked out Bufford’s in Moriarty with mixed reviews.
Connie Hatley tried riding at the racetrack; however,
it has been flooded for over a month.
Vicky and Jerry Badura
went on a nice ride at Galisteo Basin Preserve, Santa Fe.
http://www.galisteobasinpreserve.com/trails/index.php
Liz Moore updated http://www.eeebray.com with new things about donkeys and mules.
Liz Moore and Karen Lloyd attended the webinar The Care and Feeding of Donkeys and Mules, by Dr. Amy McLean, PhD. They presented copies of slides, terminology, and points of interest. The full lecture can be viewed at: http://www.myhorseuniversity.com/resources/webcasts/dec_2011 - click on “WATCH” near photo.
Meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm.
Minutes submitted by Karen Lloyd
RGMDA Central Mountain Chapter
Meeting Minutes
January 11, 2012
Kim Fay called meeting to order The only announcement was the
upcoming board meeting. Kim handed out printouts of the online
presentation "The Care and Feeding of Mules & Donkeys" with a link
to the recorded presentation. An informal discussion followed
consisting of what we did over the break and how to increase
attendance at meetings. February's speaker will be Dr. Paul
Polechia talking about history of donkeys in the southwest. It is
Valentine's Day, so bring your honey have a great meal and listen to
a good talk. We will also do a 50/50 drawing so you could win some
Valentine's day cash!
RGMDA Northern Chapter
January 18, 2012
at the home of Sue and Dick Kimberley
Attending: Dick & Sue Kimberley, Bob & Cindy Larison, Ron & Pat
Rundstrom, Karen & Eldon Reyer, Carolyn Miller, Kathy Olshefsky,
Joyce Davis, Karen Denison and Pat Kuhlhoff.
A lovely potluck supper was followed by just a bit of general
business.
Bob Larison reported news from the latest state BOD meeting
including newly elected officers and show committee.
Eldon Reyer gave a summary of discussions from the "NM Equine
Summit" which only had nine participants (not a roaring success) :
Although the U.S. ban on horse slaughter for human use has been
lifted, there aren't likely to be any approved slaughterhouses in NM
in near-term due to lack of meat inspectors. There is likely to be
an upswing for infectious diseases this coming year because of the
current weather pattern ; don't overlook spring inoculations. The
Continental Divide Trail Alliance has dissolved due to financial and
administrative difficulties.
Joyce Davis announced that on Wed., Jan 25th the Northern NM
Horseman's Assn. is hosting a small "meet-and-greet" event for local
equine groups so members across various organizations can meet and
mingle. More info : Joyce, 424-9349. Also, Terry Berg at the SF
Equestrian Center is hoping for a repeat of last year's
well-received Horse Fair in which many RGMDA member participated.
Tentative date is March 3-4.
Our guest speaker was member Pat Kuhlhoff who in "real life" is a
historian and Santa Fe tour guide. In advance of the upcoming
northern Chapter Grand Canyon mule ride in June, Pat reviewed the
life and work of Mary Colter, the planner/architect and interior
designer for Fred Harvey, including all of his properties in the
Grand Canyon. Colter was a proponent of the "American Modern"
movement at the turn of the 20th century which celebrated the
vibrancy of American spirit, culture and landscapes rather than
European traditions. As a result of both her own interests and those
of the Fred Harvey/SF&AT empire, Colter designed hotels, shops and
other structures by drawing on local building styles, local labor
and materials, and featured local artists including many native
Americans. Some of Mary Colter's iconic Grand Canyon structures are
El Tovar Hotel, Hopi House, Hermit's Rest and Indian Watchtower.
Mule riders will be staying at Bright Angel Lodge which she designed
in the mid-1930's.
For more on Colter's work at the Grand Canyon including photos
http://www.ohranger.com/grand-canyon/news/2009/mary-colter-visionary-behind-grand-canyon%E2%80%99s-landmark-architecture
Meeting concluded. Next meeting February 22
Submitted by Karen Denison
UPCOMING MEETING
DATES
East Mountain Chapter: 1st Tuesday, February 7th, East Mountain
Grill, 150 Highway 344, 6:30 PM, Sanny Silvius 505-363-7006
Central Chapter: 2nd Tuesday, February
14th, TJ's Mexican Restaurant, 319 Hwy 315 Suite 1, Los Lunas,
866-5123, just south of Main Street, on the west side. 6:30PM-Guest
Speaker Paul Polechia, History of Donkeys in the Southwest,
50/50 Drawing- win some Valentine's Day money!
Northern Chapter: 3rd Tuesday, February 22nd, Dick or Sue, 505-820-2727.
Board Meeting: March 16th, Copper Canyon Restaurant, 6:30 PM
Vicki Badura talks about Packy
We unexpectedly lost Packy recently. Many of you know him, and he was a sweet little guy with a gigantic personality. He'd volunteered many times at Los Golondrinas and was always a big hit with kids and adults alike. He taught me so much, and will forever be in my heart.
 |
 |
Spring Driving Clinic, presented by Severs Mules, March 31st, 2012 click to see details
Location: Town &
Country 15600 Central Ave SE Albuquerque, New Mexico 87123
Email: seversmules@gmail.com or 505-288-8442 Registration: Starts at 8:00AM
Clinic begins at 9:00AM until 4:00PM
Fees: RGMDA members $10, non members $20
All proceeds go to RGMDA
Clinicians: Allen & Mandy Severs along with other RGMDA
members & their talented mules & donkeys
We will be covering beginning driving
basics, safety, harnessing, ground driving, round pen, choosing
vehicle, basic driving skills, obstacles, and show tips.
Bring your animal for the afternoon session or you may drive one of
ours.
*****For Safety Reasons****
Only Animals that have been driven before may be hitched to vehicles.
You may ground drive or do round pen work with beginning driving
animals. No unruly or unmanageable animals allowed
 |
 |
SCOTT MARTIN 6TH ANNUAL MEMORIAL RIDE
San Lorenzo Canyon February 5th 2012
Location • San Lorenzo Canyon • Road will be marked with paper
plates. • The “High Road” is recommended • In Saddle when you get
there, ride at will Ride Information • Sandy terrain, no shoes are
needed • Single track road / wash • Novice level ride, 7 miles round
trip to end of canyon • OK to drive with wide tire rigs, narrow
“bike” tires not recommended due to sandy conditions. • No water,
restrooms or facilities of any kind. • Pot Luck lunch will be held
back at the trailers after the ride at 1:00. Bring • Stock water for
end of ride • Pot luck lunch item Contact • Steve Randall 861-1088
RGMDA Ride Rules & Trail Etiquette apply.
Click here for map
|
||||
|
RGMDA Ride
Rules & Trail Etiquette apply to all RGMDA rides/drives click on events for more info |
||||
January |
February |
March |
||
April |
May |
June |
||
|
|
|||
July |
August |
September |
||
October |
November |
December |
||
|
* Events in
ORANGE
are not RGMDA events.
Revised 1/31/2012 click here to print calendar |
||||
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 RGMDA Mule and Donkey Association PO Box 1677 Belen, NM 87002  Vicki & Festus with Packy along behind at Golodrinas |
|
President Bill Crawford bc1935@aol.com |
|
|
Vice President Allen Severs seversmules@gmail.com |
|
|
Secretary Kim Fay kim.fay318@gmail.com |
|
|
Treasurer Jerry Badura jbadura@aol.com |
|
|
Newsletter Elizabeth Moore RGMDA@eeebray.com |
PRINTABLE VERSION |
 |
RGMDA CONTACT |
|
PO Box 1677 Belen, NM 87002 www.rgmda.com
|
OFFICERS |
|
President 2011 Bill Crawford bc1935@aol.com Vice President Allen Severs seversmules@gmail.com Secretary Kim Fay kim.fay318@gmail.com Treasurer Jerry Badura jbadura@aol.com Newsletter Elizabeth Moore Rgmda@eeebray.com
|