Arizona Fox Trotter Association (AFTA)
P.O. Box 33       Cave Creek, AZ  85327-0033

NEWSLETTER - November, 2004

Where to begin?  Let’s start with the 2005 National Trail Ride.  The BLM tells us that the Belmont Mountains is the last Federal Land Area that is unexplored.  No trail maps available.  You guessed it. That’s where we are going.  It is an area that was a center of activity in the 1920s during the Arizona Gold Rush. It is laced with old mine claims and mule team roads.  In fact, BLM officials are asking for any intelligence we can gather about the area.  We already did the first two pre-rides.  Now the tedious work of making trails begins.  If you want to ride an area where there are no beer cans, no buttes or trash, really no evidence of mankind, then come ride with us.  Starting in November we will be going out there regularly.  Now let me make an “announcement.” AFTA is taking a new direction.  We brought our stud Ranger to the Missouri Celebration in September where he was fourth in points in the Versatility competition, that as a Junior Horse in the Open Class.  It was more fun than a barrel of monkeys.  Trail classes, Ranch roping, cow sorting, reining, this is where all the excitement is in the Fox Trotter Breed now. We have new members that come from Arab and Quarter horse disciplines.  We are heading for the main stream in equine sports.  We will begin with a trail class fun clinic in November at White Dog Ranch in Cave Creek.  Anyone can come.  Any horse can try the gate, the bridge, the cavelettis etc. We will help each other.  Trail classes teach and test the skills you use on the trail and on the ranch. Nothing makes a horse dead broke and disciplined better than a trail class. In February we are hoping to have a Ranch Roping clinic.  Now Ranch Roping is a far cry from the hell-bent-for-leather team roping you see at the Rodeo.  It is a slow, controlled approach to a calf, with a break-away rope. Anyone can do it.  It is more like the way a rancher catches his valuable cows for branding etc. He doesn’t want the calves run hard and losing weight.  They are his livelihood after all. So get ready folks. And remember, no one should be intimidated.  We are all new at this.  We’ll have some laughs and learn new skills with our horses. Check out the schedule of events.

BOARD MEETING - October 5
Board meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month, 7:00 p.m., at White Dog Ranch, 39342 N. 26th Street, Cave Creek.  Our next meeting will be Tuesday, October 5th.  All members are welcome and encouraged to attend.  If you are not a board member, please call Karen King (623-465-7577) to confirm the meeting location and time in case of any changes.

The Board met on October 5 at Sam and Karen’s house. The meeting was called to order at 7:20 by President Sam Pallin. Judy Kipen agreed to take minutes in Debbie Stephens’ absence.

Treasurer’s report: 
Beginning Balance: $11,825.71
Expenses: $400, Wilson Web Design; $36, Post Box rental.
Ending Balance: $11,389.71

Sam Pallin reported on the November 20 versatility clinic, for which he will build a gate.
Gloria Adams provided preliminary details on Ranch Roping Clinics provided by Bob King. They are available for a fee of $2,300 for 10 riders. There is also a charge for the cows and the arena. Options for cows and arenas were discussed. The next available openings begin in February of 2005. Sam suggested that AFTA consider subsidizing the first clinic to generate interest. Sam will also check with his trainer Tyler to see if he would give a clinic. Sam gave Gloria the go-ahead to present a detailed budget to the Board.

Charles Richards, the newsletter editor, described the growing conflict between horse owners and suburban developers brewing in Cave Creek. He will offer a proposal based upon successful efforts elsewhere to prevent suburbanites from filing nuisance complaints against horse owners. The first public hearing on both his proposal and the one offered by the Mayor will be held at the Cave Creek Town Hall, October 21, 2004, 7 PM, before the Cave Creek Planning and Zoning Commission, which is open to the public.

Website: the new website should be available for public access by the time you receive this issue, as the Board dealt with the last remaining issues.

Directory: Alicia said a new membership directory will come out in January.

Membership: Karen reported there are 99 memberships totaling 145 members.

The meeting adjourned 9 PM.

AFTA NATIONAL TRAIL RIDE COMMITTEE Report

The AFTA National Trail Ride Committee met October 5, just before the monthly Board meeting, to continue to plan the best ride yet.

As this issue’s President’s Message indicates, the location of this NTR , the Belmont Mountains, will prove both interesting and challenging. Who knows what we’ll discover in this relatively unexplored territory?

An outline of the Agenda for the Ride was developed and presented to the Board. The informational flyer and registration form was also developed and presented to the Board.

Both the Registration Form and the Agenda Outline are included in this newsletter as an insert, and will also be included in the next issue as well, to be sure that every member has a chance to sign up.
Arrangements for the food and entertainment have been made.

A to-do list of remaining tasks was developed, which of course is rather extensive. Anyone who would like to volunteer to help with these items is encouraged to do so, just contact Bonnie Andersen, the chair of the Committee, whose contact info can be found on the back of this issue.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING IN NEWSLETTER

Members: 3 line ad/3 months (no photos) – Free.
Mail info to AFTA, P.O. Box 33, Cave Creek, AZ 85327-0033
or e-mail to cavecreekking@aol.com.

Non-members: 3 line ad/3 months (no photos) - $15 pre-paid. Mail check payable to AFTA, send check and information to AFTA, P.O. Box 33, Cave Creek, AZ 85327-0033
  ____________________________________________________

AFTA MERCHANDISE FOR SALE
* Shirts - $8.00   * Hats - $10.00   * License Plates - $15.00

* Contact: Karen King, 623-465-7577

FALES FOXTROTTERS OF LAS VEGAS: 4 geldings for sale ages 4 to 10.  From 14 1/2 to 16 hands. Sorrels and a palomino. Well trained and experienced horses. Also mares, weanlings and younger horses for sale. All registered fox trotters.  Steve Fales 702- 210- 9695

BEAUTIFUL BLACK FOX TROTTER GELDING.  Smooth gait; 14.2 hands, 850 lbs., 15 years old, goes without shoes; responds well to Pat Parelli’s Seven Games. Asking $4000, will consider all offers. JamesHutchinson at  480-982-4186.

CAMPER FOR SALE. ’95 Six Pack cabover camper, fully self-contained; good condition. $3,000. Might consider trade for Fox Trotter. (520) 424-3514.

HORSE SITTER. Savvy horsewoman will horse sit your precious babies while you are away...Gilbert area only!  Jaurich@cox.net or 480-632-6231.

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

Have a change of name, address, etc.? Please contact our Membership Committee.

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