Former OTRA Director and Ride Host, Marvin Halladay passed away in early December.  We extend our sympathies to Rita and his family on behalf of all OTRA members.  He will be missed by all who enjoyed his company around the campfires and on the trails.

Copeland Forest Stewardship Initiative Open House - October 18th, St.John's Anglican Church in Craighurst.  5 - 8 PM.  Please drop in to learn about the initiative and provide your input, either verbally or in writing on how you use the forest and what you value about it.  Equestrians need to participate in this open house as we are being squeezed by other users!

On behalf of the Ganaraska Forest Horse Club, I would like to extend a warm invitation to all members of the Uxbridge Horsemen’s Association, The Gaited Horse Club of Ontario, the Ontario Trail Rider’s Association and the Ontario Peruvian Horse Association to join us on the Cool Colours Ride on Sunday October 2nd in the Ganaraska Forest. Please distribute this information to your membership. Cost is $5 for GFHC members and $10 for non-members, which includes the cost of the ride permit and hot breakfast. Payment and breakfast of peameal bacon on a bun begins at 9:00 am. Riders leave at 10:00 am. Rain or shine we go! A flyer is attached and there is a location map on our website at www.gfhc.ca on the Upcoming Events 2011 page. Anyone who wishes to take part must pre-register at gfhc-1@live.ca so we can make sure we have enough food for everyone. We look forward to seeing you there :-)

ATTENTION EQUESTRIANS!!  There is a lot of equestrian use at Allan Park, however they are also generating a fair amount of manure on the trails, especially near and in the pond.  Al Leach, Land Manager, has asked if horse clubs could assist in cleaning up the manure. Equestrians should also refrain from taking horses into the pond. There was an incident where a horse reared & went over backwards coming out of the pond and threw the rider. Other visitors are concerned about the manure on the trails and in the pond. If you want to continue to have trails in this area as well as others of the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority, equestrians need assist in the clean up and police themselves as requested. Please contact Al Leach at 519-367-3040 Ex224 or via email at a.leach@svca.on.ca to offer your assistance!

Greg OConnor, the OTRA Representative for the VMUTS Trails System near Mattawa, reports about recent developments and improvements to the trails and campsites.  A large shelter has been constructed in the camp area as well as his n hers log "biffys".  Signage should be completed in time for the ride scheduled there later in August.  Don't forget to RSVP to Greg at gncoconn@hotmail.ca . 

OTRA launches their TRAIL WATCH page that features equestrian trail "hot spots".  Here you will find out where things are happening on the trails and you can download information, contacts and more about each situation.  We encourage anyone working on a trail issue, to provide our webmaster with pertinent information about your fight so we can help spread the word and rally support for you.  Trails are saved or lost on the local level - become an active equestrian!

We are looking for members who wish to represent OTRA in their area.  Regional representatives are a crucial part of keeping equestrian trails open.  It is their job to keep tabs on developments within their area, represent the interests of equestrian trail users and provide information and updates to the OTRA Board.  Please contact Bonnie
if you would like to become a Regional Rep.