ACTHA Ride to Benefit the USERL - Central Piedmont

Gorgeous ride in the picturesque Equestrian Estate of Saratoga in Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina.

It will be six miles through a beautiful gated equestrian community nestled in the hills of Cabarrus County. Saratoga is a tranquil community that gives you the feel of a nature preserve with open meadows, large hardwoods, and walking/ riding trails.

YOU MUST REGISTER ONLINE TO PARTICIPATE

Lunch will be available for $5.00 per plate; primitive camping is permitted at no additional charge

Directions:
From Charlotte : Take Hwy 49 N to Mount Pleasant, at stop light make left onto Mt Pleasant Rd. Approximately 1 mile and take right onto Mt Olive Rd. Then make right onto Phelps Rd. You will see entry way to enter Saratoga.

From Concord : Follow Hwy 73 East to Left on St. Johns Church Road, to right on Mt. Olive Road. Continue straight to right turn on Phelps Road. Saratoga will be on the right.

Check-in is Saturday morning between 8:00 am and 9:45 am
Rider`s briefing: 9:45 am
Ride out: 10:00am - 11:00am
Trail will take about 2 - 2 1/2 hours, 6 miles
Lunch following the ride
Awards following lunch

Entries limited to first 100.
$525 in cash awards & great prizes for 1st - 6th place.
Open, pleasure, junior, and buddy divisions. See the FAQ page for questions regarding the divisions.

Fees payable online:
CTC entry fee - $53 pleasure/$78 open/$43 junior/$40 Adult buddy/$35 junior buddy
New membership fee - $25 individual; $40 family of 2; $75 family of 4

Registration for this ride will close at 9:00 pm on Wednesday December 2nd

Please contact Joyce Lewis at safehorsetraining@yahoo.com for additional questions or concerns or (704) 836-6201

American Competitive Trail Horse Competition - December 5, 2009

Volunteers needed to help with the event!

A Competitive Trail Challenge (CTC) is a trail ride competition that is a 6-10 mile trail ride with judged obstacles (mostly natural) along the way. Each obstacle has its own judge. It is not a timed event. You will have a ride out time (usually within 30-60 minutes) to head out on the trail. You are encouraged to ride with your group, family, or friends. When you come to the obstacle & judge, you perform the obstacle 1 at a time. The trail rides usually take from 2-3 hours. After you come in from your ride, you can eat some lunch and be ready for the awards ceremony. Cash and prizes are given to 1st -6th place for each division. These rides provide a natural setting for your horse and are a lot of fun! At the very least you will enjoy seeing great countryside on horseback and get to know a network of horse lovin' trail riders such as yourself!

ACTHA yearly membership registers your horse and keeps track of all points earned by your horse and for the horse & rider team. Your membership is good for 1 year from the date that you sign up. Top Prize for Year End Regional High Point Horse and Rider Team $2,500.00. ACTHA ride season ends May 2010.

Open division $78.00 Entry Fee: Obstacles will be more difficult. Awards will be cash, ribbons &/OR prizes. $525 cash is given to the open division with 10 or more riders in the division. Prize money is adjusted if less than 10 open riders, subject to affiliate discretion.


Pleasure division $53.00 Entry Fee: less difficult obstacles. Awards will be ribbons & prizes.

Junior division Entry Fee $43.00: 7 - 15 years old. Juniors are required to wear a helmet and be accompanied by an adult rider. One adult may supervise up to 3 junior riders and each junior must provide written authorization from their parent and or guardian consenting to same. Awards will be ribbons/prizes.


Buddy rider Entry Fee $40.00: A buddy rider is a rider who rides the trail following the rules just like a competitor, but does not partake in the obstacles unless local ride management allows. Number of entrants will be the determining factor but regardless buddy riders will not be judged. A buddy rider may be a friend of a competitor, a person who wants to check out the competition before they decide to compete, or someone who wants to take the opportunity to give their green horse exposure. Or perhaps one who wishes to avail themselves of the scenic trails accessed through ACTHA and our affiliate's efforts. Buddy Riders must be members of ACTHA and may change divisions up or down at anytime and as often as they wish.

www.actha.us for more information

Upcoming Cowboy Christmas

MONROE, NORTH CAROLINA – The US Equine Rescue League (USERL) is planning a Cowboy Christmas event to be held Sunday, November 15, 2009 from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Wild West Town at Southern Breezes, 4126 Medlin Road, Monroe, NC 28112. There will be horse drawn wagon rides, an opportunity to meet some of the rescue horses, a petting zoo, and plenty of shopping for the cowboys and cowgirls on your Christmas list. The USERL will be selling hot chocolate, hot mulled cider and baked goods to keep everyone warm.

The proceeds from this event will benefit horses rescued from abuse and neglect in the Central Piedmont Region of North Carolina. The USERL is also looking for vendors to sell their wares that day. If you are interested in participating in the Cowboy Christmas, contact Deb Carl 704-531-4877 or dbcarl@bellsouth.net. For more information, visit www.userlcpnc.org.

S.H.O.E. FARRIER & HORSEOWNER 19th ANNUAL FALL CLINIC

S.H.O.E. FARRIER & HORSEOWNER 19th ANNUAL FALL CLINIC
Date: 10/31/09 Time: 9:00 AM
Where: New Salem Stables 7225 Hwy. 205 Marshville, NC 28103
Located in New Salem
**FREE ATTENDANCE! BRING A FRIEND**
Featuring:
Brock Griffith, 2008 NC Equine Extravaganza Trainer’s Challenge Winner & 2009 Extreme Mustang Makeover Competitor

http://www.brockgriffithhorsemanship.com

(USERL HORSE MAIZE WILL BE A DEMO HORSE FOR BROCK!!!!)

Farrier Demonstrations - watch while they make items to be auctioned at noon!
Veterinary Speakers, Nutrition Clinics, Drill Team Demos!
Mary Cody – Buggy-n-On Driving Demo & Clinic
Dressage with Jennifer Holder, Third Charm Training Center
Huge Tack Sale – Sell / Swap your unwanted tack!

For the Kids
Louie Rodrigues and the 1864 US Cavalry Halloween Costume Contest

Equine Vendors, Clubs and Rescue Leagues

Auction & Raffle & much more……………….Concessions to Benefit USERL

Check website for updates, For Map, Web links and other info go to: http://www.newsalem.biz
Patty Reed – 704-292-0302 Email patty@newsalem.biz
Jennifer Holder – 704-668-3270
Paula Hafermalz – 704-385-9441 Email – wrph@windstream.net

The annual parade of breeds - bigger and better!!!!!
PLEASE be sure to come out and invite all of your friends and neighbors!!!!!!

We have what is shaping up to be a REALLY good silent auction - hopefully that will be a big fund raiser this year!

Center City Carriages will be giving horse drawn carriage rides around Chetola Farms.
Richard Stone and Thor will be giving rides in the fore kart.
We have a volunteer with a 14 passenger van that has offered to be a shuttle from parking - since last year people were parking up to a mile away!
James River Equipment will be there with tractors and ATVs.

Spiro's Hilltop will be there providing a really good lunch!

Professional Photographer, Ray Olszewski will be there taking photos of the horses - if you want your photo with a horse be sure to let him know!

Purina will be giving a Horse Owner Workshop talk at 1:00 p.m. and a special talk on taking care of older horses at 2:00 p.m.
Dr. Robbie Whaley will be there with his horse scales
Equimapping will be giving a demo at 1:30 p.m. and they will be available to do a scan for $25 or a complete work up with your tack for $75

LOTs of FREEBIES have been donated by many of the breed associations!!!!

The Parade of Breeds starts at 3:00 sharp!

Come early to wander through the barns, meet the horses and their owners, learn more about some of the breeds.
If you are new to horses, this is a good opportunity to ask questions about what you need to do when you own a horse!
There will be some really rare breeds there - the Akhal Tekes (Russian Horses), Norwegian Fjords, Fresians, Minis, and Andalusians to name a few!

The best part is there will be lots of USERL rescue horses there - some adopted and many AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!

See you there!
Sunday - October 25, 2009
12 noon - 5 p.m.
Parade of Breeds starts at 3:00 p.m. Sharp!
Chetola Farms (www.chetolafarms.com)
1602 Starnes Cemetery Rd.
Monroe, NC 28112
Farm phone: 704-764-8077 or cell 704-221-4566.
FREE with a suggested donation to the US Equine Rescue League (www.userl.org)

Parade of Breeds Horse Exhibition Sunday October 25, 2009 noon till 6 p.m.

The Parade of Breeds horse exhibition is an opportunity for the public to come out and see horses up close. Come early to pick your favorite breed of horse. Visitors can talk to the horse owners and learn more about the horses and find out what is involved in owning a horse. The parade will start at 3:00 p.m. sharp and all of the horses you meet will show off in front of the crowd in the covered arena with bleacher seating. You will see examples of what the horses are used for and learn interesting facts!

This is a rare opportunity to meet exotic breeds like the Akhal Teke, an extremely rare breed of horse from Russia. The Norwegian Fjord is another rare breed that you will get to meet. Also meet and visit with the beautiful Arabians, the showy Saddlebreds, the all American Quarter Horse, the adorable miniature horses, and the Paso Fino’s of our host farm; Chetola Farms will be showcased. Chetola has many National and World Champions raised and trained at Chetola Farms.

Admission to the Parade of Breeds is FREE with a suggested donation to the US Equine Rescue League (USERL). Meet some of the USERL rescue horses that have been restored to health and are looking for a forever home. You will also have a chance to meet some of the adopted rescue horses that have benefited directly from donations made to the USERL.

Concessions will be available from Spiro’s Hilltop. USERL merchandise will be available for purchase throughout the day. There will be a big silent auction with many items for the horsey folks and the non-horsey folks. Eric Shupe, Purina Horse Nutrition Expert will be giving a presentation at 1:00 p.m. and another specifically geared toward taking care of your older horses at 2:00 p.m. There will be some tack and tractor vendors on hand.

Horse drawn carriage rides and a van shuttle will be available from the parking lot. Come enjoy the day, visit one of the finest equine facilities in Union County, meet some world class horses and trainers, visit some rescue horses and enjoy the day!

The Parade of Breeds will be at Chetola Farms, 1602 Starnes Cemetery Rd.; Monroe, NC 28112 on Sunday, October 25, 2009 from noon until 5:00 p.m. The parade will be begin promptly at 3:00 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.carolinahorseandhound.com/POB or contact Deb Carl at dbcarl@carolina.rr.com or 704-563-2310.

Belk Charity Day

WANT TO GET A JUMP START ON YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING, GET KILLER DEALS AT BELK, AND MAKE A CHARITABLE DONATION TO THE US EQUINE RESCUE LEAGUE THAT DOESN'T COST YOU ANYTHING? Then get your pass to the Private Belk Charity Day Sale on Saturday, November 7 from 6:00 to 10:00am!

Each ticket entitles the holder entry into the Private Charity Sale Event on Saturday, November 7 from 6:00am to 10:00am. (You can't come into the store without a ticket! They cost $5.00 each which goes straight to the US Equine Rescue League, but entitles you to $5.00 off your purchase.

IT COSTS YOU NOTHING TO SUPPORT THE USERL!

Once you are in the sale you get anywhere from 20% to 50% off throughout the store including additional savings on the red dot clearance items as well as rarely discounted merchandise. (For example, Coach handbags and cosmetics were on sale which NEVER happens at any department store.)

Finally, the ticket makes you eligible to enter the raffle for the $1000 Belk Shopping Spree.

Again, the tickets are $5.00 and the USERL gets all of the money! In this economy, you can't beat this sale! AND . . They can be used at ANY Belk department store!

Please email or call Hope Lee to get your tickets at 704-998-7540 or susanhopelee@yahoo.com.

Thanks so much for your help and support!

Hope Lee
US Equine Rescue League Volunteer
704-998-7540
susanhopelee@yahoo.com

Consider being a sponsor for the National Rescue Ride

I am participating in the National Rescue Ride, the nationwide ride-a-thon/walk-a-thon to support horse welfare organizations. There are many charities across America hosting the event in an effort to help abused, neglected and unwanted horses. Would you please join me on the trails, you can saddle up your handsome steed, or lace up your favorite sneakers and help make a difference! I am attending the event for the US Equine Rescue League Central Piedmont. If you are unable to join me would you please be one of my special sponsors?
Visit https://www.nationalrescueride.org/DCarl1.aspx
100% of the sponsorship money goes to help the horses in the USERL - Central Piedmont!

SAVE THE DATE FOR US EQUINE RESCUE LEAGUE CENTRAL PIEDMONT ‎ NATIONAL RESCUE RIDE ‎2009 ‎

SAVE THE DATE FOR US EQUINE RESCUE LEAGUE CENTRAL PIEDMONT ‎
NATIONAL RESCUE RIDE ‎2009 ‎


On October ‎3‎, ‎2009‎, ‎thousands of horse lovers across the nation will pull on their boots or lace up ‎
their sneakers to ride or walk to raise funds for the horse related charity of their choice‎. ‎Similar to a ‎
walkathon the National Rescue Ride ‎(‎NRR‎) ‎will bring together thousands of people across the ‎
country to demonstrate that abuse‎, ‎neglect and shipping of horses across the border for slaughter is ‎
unacceptable‎. ‎It is the nation’s biggest effort once again to help horses‎.‎

Riders and walkers wishing to participate to support US Equine Rescue League Central Piedmont at ‎
Smith Lake Farm‎, ‎Smith Lake Road‎, ‎Mount Pleasant‎, ‎NC will be able to register starting in July by ‎
going to the NRR website to find a charity and sign up‎. ‎Among other prizes to be awarded‎, ‎this year’‎
s top national prizes will be two separate ‎$‎500 ‎cash gifts for the riders‎/‎walkers raising the most ‎
funds‎, ‎and five ‎$‎100 ‎prizes awarded randomly to those who raise ‎$‎100 ‎or more for their charity‎.‎

So “Save The Date” Saturday‎, ‎October ‎3‎, ‎2009‎, ‎whether in the saddle or in your sneakers‎, ‎join us to ‎
help America’s abused‎, ‎neglected and unwanted horses by being a part of this great national effort at ‎
the National Rescue Ride‎!‎

For more information‎, ‎visit the website at www‎.‎nationalrescueride‎.‎org ‎, ‎email ‎
nationalrescueride‎@‎yahoo‎.‎com‎, ‎or contact US Equine Rescue League Central Piedmont call ‎
704‎-‎531‎-‎4877 ‎or email dbcarl‎@‎bellsouth‎.‎net‎. ‎And please‎,‎ ‎Adopt a horse‎.‎ ‎

Volunteers needed to help with National Rescue Ride

We need volunteers to help with the National Rescue Ride - Saturday - October 3rd from 9 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
We need volunteers for parking trailers, checking coggins test, helping riders register, leading the walkers, etc.
PLEASE consider helping.
The ride will start at 9:00 a.m.
There will be an ACHTA Competitive Trail ride going on at the same time, so there may be some confusion for our riders... we need plenty of volunteers to help things run smoothly!
Thank you for considering.
Hope to see you there!
Deb
www.userl.org
www.userlcpnc.org

Ride for the Horse Benefit Trail Ride

Third annual - Ride for the Horse Benefit Trail Ride
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Check-In starts at 9 a.m., Trail Ride starts at 10 a.m.
Donation: $35 includes lunch (Please bring chairs!)
proudly sponsored by the USERL Sandhills Region at the historic Walthour-Moss Foundation

Ride through the scenic beauty of The Walthour-Moss Foundation, Moor Meadow off Furr Road in Vass, NC .
This will be a 2-3 hour ride over rolling hills, sandy trails, and small water crossings, through the pine-shaded forest, entirely suitable for beginner riders or barefoot horses. All levels of experience welcome and encouraged to attend!
Self-guided, marked trail ride ends with sack lunch provided by USERL.
Concessions and USERL merchandise available throughout the day.
To Pre-Register, please contact Reed Tucker via email to rrtucker@nc.rr.com, or call 919-412-6547.
Preregistration is requested for catering estimation purposes.
Last minute additions are welcome, $25 if we run out of lunches.
Current Coggins test is required to participate.
All proceeds benefit horses consigned to the US Equine Rescue League, and donations are fully tax-deductible.
Complete event details available at www.userl-nc-sandhills.com
or the Event Calendar at www.walthour-moss.com
at Moor Meadow in The Walthour-Moss Foundation

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE NATIONAL RESCUE RIDE 2009

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE US EQUINE RESCUE LEAGUE (USERL) – CENTRAL PIEDMONT NATIONAL RESCUE RIDE 2009


On October 3, 2009, thousands of horse lovers across the nation will pull on their boots or lace up their sneakers to ride or walk to raise funds for the horse related charity of their choice. Similar to a walkathon the National Rescue Ride (NRR) will bring together thousands of people across the country to demonstrate that abuse, neglect and shipping of horses across the border for slaughter is unacceptable. It is the nation’s biggest effort once again to help horses.

Riders and walkers wishing to participate to support USERL at Smith Lake Farms, Smith Lake Road, Mount Pleasant will be able to register starting in July by going to the NRR website to find a charity and sign up. Among other prizes to be awarded, this year’s top national prizes will be two separate $500 cash gifts for the riders/walkers raising the most funds, and five $100 prizes awarded randomly to those who raise $100 or more for their charity.

So “Save The Date” Saturday, October 3, 2009, whether in the saddle or in your sneakers, join us to help America’s abused, neglected and unwanted horses by being a part of this great national effort at the National Rescue Ride!

For more information, visit the website at www.nationalrescueride.org or email nationalrescueride@yahoo.com, or contact USERL Central Piedmont dbcarl@bellsouth.net or 704-531-4877. And please, Adopt a horse.

Eating Dinner out to help the rescue horses

This will be our 3rd time with this fund raiser. It is always a lot of fun!
Come out, Monday - July 27th between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. to have dinner and support the horses.
The USERL gets 25% of all food sales and 100% of tips.

We will also need volunteers to wait tables, bus tables and play hostess.

See you all there - Monday, July 27 (5 - 9 p.m.)
Matthews Township Grill
10400 E Independence Blvd
Matthews, NC 28105-5364

In the shopping center by Home Depot - near the 74/51 intersection.

Thanks,
Deb
www.userl.org
www.userlcpnc.org
http://nccp-userl.blogspot.com

Volunteer Training Class Septembr 12, 2009

Volunteer Training Class

USERL - Central Piedmont Region

Horse Handling 101

Saturday, September 12, 1 PM - 4 PM

Stonecrest Farm

Mint Hill, NC

Register for this free class on the basics of safely handling horses. Learn to catch, halter, lead, and groom horses, as well as how a horse communicates and general horse anatomy. Spaces are limited so register today. Participants must be a minimum of 18 yrs. old.

Contact Stonecrest Farm at stncrest@aol.com or 704-753-4297.

Now on Facebook

visit us at http://www.facebook.com/pages/US-Equine-Rescue-League-Central-Piedmont-Region/106198689399?ref=ts

Parade of Breeds Horse Exhibition

Parade of Breeds Horse Exhibition:
Horses and Volunteers Needed

Planning for the second annual Parade of Breeds Horse Exhibition to benefit the United States Equine Rescue League has officially begun for October 25, 2009. The focus of the event is to showcase the beauty and diversity of numerous breeds of horses from the equestrian world and the sports in which they perform. The event is being hosted at Chetola Farms, 1602 Starnes Cemetery Rd., Monroe, NC 28112 from noon until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 25, 2008. Admission is free with a suggested donation to the United States Equine Rescue League (USERL) 501 (c)3, which goes towards the rescue and rehabilitation of starved and abused horses.

Last October, horses of all different shapes, colors, and sizes performed at Chetola Farm’s 27,000 square foot indoor arena, and were made available for greeting visitors at their stalls. The event provides an opportunity for visitors to get up close to the horses, talk to horse owners, ask questions, and collect the free giveaways provided by the breed associations. “Last year’s event was such a huge success and far surpassed our expectations, and we can only hope for the continued community support for this year,” says Tracy Kloc, Regional Director of the USERL’s Central Piedmont Region of North Carolina. “There were over twenty breeds of horses on display at the event in 2008, and we hope to have even more this year.”

If you are a horse owner specializing in a particular breed, the U.S. Equine Rescue League and Chetola Farms need you. “We need local horse people to bring their special breeds to spend the afternoon greeting visitors, followed by participation in the parade beginning at 3:00pm.” Doors open at 12:00pm and guests are welcome to visit horses, and exhibitors answer questions and hand out information on their various equine-related services and products. To participate as an equine exhibitor, please contact Kathy Williams at 704-221-4566 or chetola@aol.com. To volunteer at this event, please contact the U.S. Equine Rescue League Volunteer Coordinator, Deb Carl at 704-531-4877 or dbcarl@bellsouth.net.

The United States Equine Rescue League, Inc. (USERL) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, incorporated in North Carolina in 1997. This horse rescue organization is funded by private donations/fundraising, and staffed solely by volunteers. “All of the money raised goes to the starved and neglected horses that we bring into our Foster Home Network.” “We rescue abused, neglected, and/or abandoned equines; provide them with care and rehabilitation; and finally find them a compatible, loving home.”

Chetola Farms is a full service equine facility located 25 miles south of Charlotte in Monroe, North Carolina. Chetola Farms is comprised of a 27,000 square foot indoor arena with bleacher seating for approximately 250 people, boarding and event accommodations of 2 separate barns that include wash bays, and climate controlled tack and grain rooms, a client lounge area with full kitchen, and plenty of beautiful riding trails in a peaceful and tranquil setting. Established in 1998, Chetola Farms is operated by the Williams Family who specializes in the breeding and training of Paso Fino Horses. Kathy Williams says, “We offer private lessons and several clinics throughout the year that serve as an introduction to the Paso Fino breed, but we are home to a variety of horse breeds and riding disciplines.” More information about Chetola Farms, including driving directions, can be found on www.chetolafarms.com.

For more information about the United States Equine Rescue League and the Parade of Breeds, call 704-531-4877 or visit www.userlcpnc.org.

Wild West Family Fun Day June 13th in Monroe, NC

We would like to invite you to a really fun day for the whole family at
Southern Breezes Farm in Monroe, NC
Saturday - June 13, 2009
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Southern Breezes Farm
4126 Medlin Road
Monroe, NC 28112
www.southernbreezes.com

Visit the authentic 1800s Wild West town for a day of fun. FREE
Admission, FREE Cutest Cowboy / Cowgirl Contest, FREE Games for the kids!!!!!

Horse Drawn Carriage Rides - $2 per person
Miniature Golf - $1 per person
Pan for Gold or Gems - $5 per bag
Concessions
BIG RAFFLE with really great items - raffle tickets $1 each
Duck Races $1 each for a great prize!
Steer Roping Contest $1 each for a great prize (not a live steer just the plastic head)
Professional photo souvenirs $10

Dream Equine Therapy will have some babies available for adoption through their Nurse Mare Foal Rescue.
Union County Animal Control will have some puppies and kittens in the jail - waiting for you to bail one out and adopt them!
The Mid Atlantic Great Dane Rescue will have dogs available for adoption.
The Barnyard Animals just had babies - come see the baby ducks, pigs, and goats!
The Cowboy Church will hold a sing along for the kids
The US Equine Rescue League will have their miniature horse, Holly, there for story time and to visit with the children (young and old)
Free Games include corn hole, horse shoes,

12:00 Noon - Donkey Idol - this is your chance to get on stage and give us your best "Hee Haw" for a really great prize!
1:00 p.m. - Cutest Cowboy and Cutest Cowgirl Competition - no charge to enter (enter when you arrive) and the kids will compete for some really great prizes!!!!!

Proceeds from the event will benefit the US Equine Rescue League - www.userl.org. The United States Equine Rescue League, Inc. (USERL) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, incorporated in NC in the year 1997.
Tax ID# 56-2069469. Funded primarily by private donations/fundraising.
Staffed mostly by volunteers.
Operating a Foster network involving 375+ homes. Averaging over 100 equine rescued per year.
Active Regions across North Carolina, Virginia, Indiana and Kentucky, and now starting in Illinois.

Be sure to dress up your favorite cowboy and cowgirl and mosey on over to Southern Breezes on Saturday - June 13th!
See Y'all There!!
Deb Carl
704-531-4877 or dbcarl@bellsouth.net
www.userl.org
www.userlcpnc.org
http://nccp-userl.blogspot.com

Meet Alabama - Available for Adoption

USERL May Meeting - tuesday the 26th

The next USERL meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday May 26 at Monroe Animal Control - 3340 Presson Road, Monroe, NC

There will be an informative talk done by Union County Animal Control, followed by a short business meeting.

For those interested in volunteering at the Wild West Family Fun Day on Saturday - June 13th, there will be an information meeting at 5:00 p.m. at Southern Breezes Farm - Wild West
Town 4126 Medlin Road, Monroe, NC

They are located near each other.

Thank you and hope to see you there!!!!

Organic Lawn Mowers - No fee to approved homes

consider adopting a companion horse - at no fee to approved homes.

Wild West Family Fun Day June 13, 2009 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Bring the family out Saturday, June 13, 2009 for a fun filled day in the “Wild West” at Southern Breezes in Monroe, NC. Southern Breezes has a complete Old West Town with eleven (11) authentic, 1800s replica structures, including a town jail, blacksmith shop, saloon, basket village, general store, church, trading post, and a mining company where you can pan for your own gold and gems!

Dress-up the kids for the “Cutest Cowboy and Cowgirl” Contest, where they can compete for great prizes. There will be a horse-shoe throwing contest, a hole-in-one contest at the 9-hole miniature golf course, lots of games for the kids, barnyard animals, and best of all, horse drawn wagon rides.

Admission is free to the Wild West Town and the "Cutest Cowboy and Cowgirl." There will be small fee for the gem mining, games, and horse drawn carriage rides with all proceeds going to benefit the US Equine Rescue League of the Central Piedmont of North Carolina.

The United States Equine Rescue League, Inc. (USERL) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, incorporated in NC in the year 1997. Tax ID# 56-2069469. They are funded primarily by private donations/fundraising, staffed mostly by volunteers. They operate foster network involving 375+ homes, averaging over 100 equine rescued per year. There are active Regions across North Carolina, Virginia, Indiana and Kentucky, and now starting in Illinois.

For more information call 704-531-4877 or dbcarl@bellsouth.net.
10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Southern Breezes Farm
4126 Medlin Road
Monroe, NC
http://southernbreezes.com

Event to Benefit the US Equine Rescue League www.userl.org or www.userlcpnc.org

Horse Handling 101 Set for September 12th

The first class was such a success, the US Equine Rescue League will hold another Horse Handling 101 class on Saturday, September 12, 2009 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

This class is held for the benefit of our volunteers, however, it is open to the public and potential volunteers.
The following will be included.

This is a hands-on introduction to horsemanship for children, ages 7 and up, and for adults of all ages. Learn to safely handle horses and ponies. You will receive individual instruction from a teacher with 45+ years of horse experience. Work with friendly horses and ponies at a quiet, private stable in the country, just outside of Charlotte, close to Mint Hill, Matthews, Indian Trail and Locust. Lessons include:
* Basic ground handling
* How to safely catch, halter, lead and tie
* How to groom
* How to bathe (weather permitting)
* Horse anatomy
* Tack care
* Basic understanding of how a horse communicates

For more information, contact Chris at 704-753-4297 or e-mail: stncrest@aol.com or Chris@hellohorse.net

for more information on the US Equine Rescue League, visit www.userl.org or www.userlcpnc.org

USERL Photo Contest

An online photography contest to showcase the equine of the US Equine Rescue League. This contest is your chance to show your talent in capturing images that exemplify the work of the US Equine Rescue League!

* Entries must be submitted via e-mail to kxl@perigee.net as JPEG files

Entry Deadline: September 30, 2009
Peoples' Choice Voting: March 3 – September 30, 2009
Winners Announced: October 1, 2009 (winning images will be on display at
our annual Parade of Breeds October 25, 2009!)

PEOPLES' CHOICE voting will be held March 2nd through September 30th.
Members of the public are invited to cast their vote for their favorite
photo. Prizes will be awarded to the Peoples' Choice in each division.

Divisions:
* Performance - Horse(s) in competition, training or work. Under saddle or in harness. Horse(s) must be in motion
* Horses and Humans - Illustrating the bond between horse and human. Must show a horse with a person, or parts of horses and humans interacting.
* Head Study - The horses head only, no people. May be one or multiple heads
* The Horse at Liberty - Showing the horse in its natural environment: pasture, in the wild, etc. May or may not be in motion.
* Extreme Action - Jumping, obstacles, or running free, must depict extreme action and the athleticism of the horse.
* Black & White - Black and white photos of horse(s) Sepia also allowed. No color!
* Artistic - Your artistic treatment, may include photoshop or darkroom manipulation or creative use of camera controls.

Horses in photographs must be USERL horses - both adopted and available for adoption.

Photographs will be used on websites, in brochures, on boards at information booths, etc.

Sponsored by the US Equine Rescue League Central Piedmont Region - you do not need to be a member or volunteer to enter a photo in the contest. All horses must be USERL horses.

All entries must be e-mailed to kxl@perigee.net to be posted to the contest site on Flickr. The photos will be placed in the appropriate category.
Photos can be viewed on-line at www.flickr.com/userlcentralpiedmont

Everyone will be asked to vote for their favorite by entering a something in the comment section under the appropriate photo.
Further Questions to kxl@perigee.net

Yard Sale update

A big thank you to all who helped to make the yard sale a big success and THANK YOU to Iron Horse Motorcycles for allowing us to have our yard sale in their parking lot!

Yard Sale to Benefit the US Equine Rescue League Horses

Saturday - April 25th from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. is our fundraiser YARD SALE!!!!!
It will be held at Iron Horse Motorcycles right off Independence in Monroe, NC.
We are accepting any and all donations for the sale (not limited to horsey stuff! we sell EVERYTHING)
You can drop donations off the morning of the sale.
Be sure to come out and shop for a great cause! There are always some fantastic deals to be found!!!!
We need more volunteers to help out at the sale!

Go out to eat at Township Grill and Help the Horses!!!!

Monday - April 20th from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., the USERL - Central Piedmont will be hosting a fund raiser at Township Grill in Matthews Festival Shopping Center - right off Independence at the intersection of Hwy 74 and Hwy 51.
We still need volunteers to act as servers and hostess for the evening.
25% of all food sales will be donated to the USERL and we get to keep 100% of the tips.
Be sure to invite all of your friends and family out to the event. This is an easy and wonderful fund raiser - great way to help the horses!!!!

Jillia - Horse of the Month available for adoption

Horse Handling 101

Volunteer Training Class

USERL - Central Piedmont Region

Horse Handling 101

Saturday, April 18, 1 PM - 4 PM

Stonecrest Farm

Mint Hill, NC

Register for this free class on the basics of safely handling horses. Learn to catch, halter, lead, and groom horses, as well as how a horse communicates and general horse anatomy. Spaces are limited so register today. Participants must be a minimum of 18 yrs. old. Contact Stonecrest Farm @ stncrest@aol.com or 704-753-4297.

Poker Run Rules for April 5, 2009

Poker Run Rules

1. Cost to participate is $15 to ride the poker ride or walk the trails. Additional hands may be purchased at $5 per hand.
2. Lunch will be available at $5 per plate and will include BBQ, Slaw, Potato Salad, Bread and Dessert.
3. All monies raised go to benefit the U.S. Equine Rescue League horses of the Central Piedmont Region.
4. Participants may be at Diamond R Ranch and ready to ride by 1:00 PM and no later than 3:00 PM.
5. There will be 5 check points. At each check point, one chip will be collected by each registered rider.
6. At the final stop (Registration table/Final stop) all chips will be counted, you must have 5, and you will then draw 5 cards one at a time from a bag containing one full playing card deck (52 cards) without jokers. The playing cards will be returned to the bag.
7. The poker run route must be completed by 4:00 pm including stops.
8. Neither Diamond R Ranch, USERL, nor any organization or individual associated in any way with the "poker run"; assume any liability for any claims which may arise as a result of your participation in this event. Each participant assumes all liability as to the welfare of them selves and their animals.
9. The rule in case of a tie will result in a High Card Draw at the registration booth between the participants involved in the tie.
10. Other rules may be put in place the day of the run at the judges discretion.
11. Announcements will be made prior to the start if anything changes.
12. The following rules will be used to rank the completed score cards. Prizes will be awarded to the two best hands.

Please fill out the registration form below and return it via:
e-mail to Tracy at KXL@PERIGEE.NET or
mail to:USERL, P.O. Box 157, Wingate, NC 28174 or
fax to: 704-624-3564

You do not need to prepay, payment can be made the day of the ride at the registration table.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
USERL St. Patrick’s Day Poker Run & Trail Ride
March 15, 2009
Name_______________________________
Address_____________________________
City, State, Zip________________________
Phone_______________________________
Email________________________________
How did you hear about the Poker Run?______________________________

Save the Date - Saturday - August 29, 2009

The USERL Central Piedmont will have a volunteer / donor appreciation cook out on Saturday, August 29, 2009.

It will be an afternoon/evening thing since it is usually so hot in August, plus it will give folks time to do other things during the day.

Come out any time after 3:00 and dinner will be at 6:00.  We will set up some tables/tents outside and have the garage available with A/C for anyone that needs to cool off.

We can play with the ponies, throw horse shoes, kids can play in the pool, fishing is
available, etc.  It will be a pot luck, so bring your favorite dish, desert or beverage and USERL will provide the hamburgers and hot dogs.

This will be a great time for the volunteers to get to know each other and we will have as many USERL horses there as we possibly can.

The event will be held in Marshville, NC

USERL Central Piedmont Fundraiser at Township Grill in Matthews

Monday - April 20, 2007 The USERL Central Piedmont group will be having another fundraiser at Township Grill in Matthews 10400 E Independence Blvd, Matthews, NC 28105-5364.

We will get 25% of all food sales that night, as well as all tips. We will be waiting tables, busing tables, playing host/hostess and having a lot of fun!

The last time we did this fundraiser it was a great success, so please come out and show your support!

USER L Central Piedmont to participate at the MARES Event in Marvin, NC

The 4th Annual Marvin Area Recreational Equine Show Saturday, April 4, 2009 · 10 am - 3 pm
9705 Joe Kerr Road
Info at 704-843-1680 or www.marvinnc.org
Featuring: Equestrian Demonstrations · Drill Team and Vaulting · Pony Rides · Crafts for Kids - Kids’ Prizes · Hay Rides · Games for Kids - Face Painting · Great Food · Parade of Breeds - Waxhaw Mounted Patrol · And Much More!

People of all ages enjoy this event, which is geared toward both horse owners and nonhorse owners! Order your tickets by 3/30/09 and pay just $4 for children (12 & under) and $5 for adults. (Kids’ ticket price includes all event sponsored activities except pony rides.
Prices after 3/30/09 will be $5 for children and $6 for adults.) Preordering tickets is strongly encouraged. Give us a call today at 704-843-1680 and order your tickets or take your chances on event day! Food and drinks will be available for purchase or you can bring
a picnic to share with your family.
So get your tickets, wear closed-toe shoes, leave your pets at home, grab your sunscreen & your camera, and join your friends and neighbors for a great day of horse fun in the warm Carolina sun!

Poker Run Ride/Walk Rescheduled for April 5, 2009 (Sunday)

Just a reminder to everyone, the poker run trail ride/walk has been rescheduled to Sunday, April 5, 2009.
Everything remains the same (except the St. Patrick's Day theme sort of got rained out)....
Looking forward to seeing everyone there on April 5th.
To register, or for more details, contact Tracy at kxl@perigee.net

USERL featured in Horse Illustrated March 2009

See a summary write up of USERL in the March 2009 issue of Horse Illustrated! Each month in 2009, Horse Illustrated will have a column titled “Rescue Reality” in which the dilemma of neglected horses is addressed. In addition, each month will feature a reputable rescue. USERL is the feature rescue for this column in the March 2009 issue (see page 66 “Rescue Reality”).

Meeting Reminder - This Saturday - February 28th.

Eric Shupe from Purina will give a presentation on feeding and rehabilitating a rescue horse with a low body score. He will also do a presentation and several demos on how to do body condition scoring using some of our USERL rescue horses as examples.

This presentation is free of charge and open to the public.

Following the presentation, we will have a brief USERL Central Piedmont business meeting.

For anyone that is interested, we will order in pizza and - weather permitting working making some Rein-oir paintings with our USERL rescue horses (if you plan to help, wear old clothes you don't mind getting paint on).

It should be a very informative presentation, followed by some painting fun!
Please RSVP to kxl@perigee.net if you are planning to be there so we will know how many copies of the hand out to prepare.
Photos are before and after of Emma (she will be at the meeting on Saturday - along with 6 other USERL horses!)

Ride for the Green

Reminder about the upcoming Poker Run Trail Ride Walk

You do not need to ride to come out and enjoy the day! You can come walk the trails or just have lunch (BBQ plates for a $5 donation) and check out the tack. We had a lot of tack left over from the recent tack sale - and even more tack was donated... so we are going to have another Tack Sale during the Ride for the Green event!

Ride for the Green - Poker Run/Walk
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Poker Run Rules for March 15, 2009 "Ride for the Green"
Cost to participate is $15 to ride the poker ride or walk the trails. Additional hands may be purchased at $5 per hand.

Lunch will be available at $5 per plate and will include BBQ, Slaw, Potato Salad, Bread and Dessert.

All monies raised go to benefit the U.S. Equine Rescue League horses of the Central Piedmont Region.

Participants may be at Diamond R Ranch and ready to ride by 1:00 PM and no later than 3:00 PM.

Prizes will be awarded to the two best hands. The winner has their choice of either a new English or Western Saddle (see attached photos)
_________

Tack Sale Follow Up and Lots more Tack for Sale!!!!

Just wanted to share this update from Hope about the USERL booth at the REINS event last Saturday the 21st. We have a lot of tack left over - the tack will be at the meeting on this coming Saturday the 28th and also at the upcoming Poker Run Trail Ride on March 15th. LOTS of good deals and remember 100% of the proceeds go directly to helping our USERL horses!

Thanks so much, ladies and gentleman, for coming out to Monroe on Saturday to help with the REINS tack sale. That was the first time REINS has had that event so we had no idea how busy we were going to be so I appreciate everyone who drove out such long distances and supported us. We are also extremely appreciative of those of you who shopped because we ended up raising a total of $377.00.

I, personally, had a blast meeting you guys and having the opportunity to get to know you all. I know we are all kind of spread out across North and South Carolina, but I hope you had a good experience and want to stay involved with the USERL.

Our next big event is the Poker Run, on Sunday, March 15, 2009 in Marshville, NC. This is going to be a blast, and I highly recommend coming out even if you don't ride. You should have been receiving the emails with the details of the ride from Deb Carl, but if you aren't on her list, just let me know and I'll get you the information.

Again, thank you, and I look forward to seeing you again in the near future.

Sincerely,

Hope Lee

USERL Volunteer

Hudson Gets a Valentine

Jana McManus, daughter of Christa and John McManus of Monroe, personally delivered a valentine that she made for Hudson. Jana also brought Hudson a donation from her piggy bank and some apples. Hudson looks really happy!

Poker Run Rules for March 15, 2009 "Ride for the Green"

Poker Run Rules

1. Cost to participate is $15 to ride the poker ride or walk the trails. Additional hands may be purchased at $5 per hand.
2. Lunch will be available at $5 per plate and will include BBQ, Slaw, Potato Salad, Bread and Dessert.
3. All monies raised go to benefit the U.S. Equine Rescue League horses of the Central Piedmont Region.
4. Participants may be at Diamond R Ranch and ready to ride by 1:00 PM and no later than 3:00 PM.
5. There will be 5 check points. At each check point, one chip will be collected by each registered rider.
6. At the final stop (Registration table/Final stop) all chips will be counted, you must have 5, and you will then draw 5 cards one at a time from a bag containing one full playing card deck (52 cards) without jokers. The playing cards will be returned to the bag.
7. The poker run route must be completed by 4:00 pm including stops.
8. Neither Diamond R Ranch, USERL, nor any organization or individual associated in any way with the "poker run"; assume any liability for any claims which may arise as a result of your participation in this event. Each participant assumes all liability as to the welfare of them selves and their animals.
9. The rule in case of a tie will result in a High Card Draw at the registration booth between the participants involved in the tie.
10. Other rules may be put in place the day of the run at the judges discretion.
11. Announcements will be made prior to the start if anything changes.
12. The following rules will be used to rank the completed score cards. Prizes will be awarded to the two best hands.

Please fill out the registration form below and return it via:
e-mail to Tracy at KXL@PERIGEE.NET or
mail to:USERL, P.O. Box 157, Wingate, NC 28174 or
fax to: 704-624-3564

You do not need to prepay, payment can be made the day of the ride at the registration table.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
USERL St. Patrick’s Day Poker Run & Trail Ride
March 15, 2009
Name_______________________________
Address_____________________________
City, State, Zip________________________
Phone_______________________________
Email________________________________
How did you hear about the Poker Run?______________________________

Valenintes for Hudson

Hudson is a pretty black and white paint mare.  She came into the League back in early January.

Hudson has a club foot that was left untreated for many years.  This caused rotation in her coffin bone.  She does not appear to have pain from this and we decided to help her out.  She will require special shoeing to make her more comfortable and increase her mobility.

Hudson came in the day that Flight 1549 went down in the Hudson River.  That was a day for miracles and we are hoping that our Hudson will experience a miracle as well.

We are asking a special favor for Hudson, if you have a few moments would you like to send her a valentine with get well wishes?  If everyone on this list sent her a valentine with $1.00 in it, this would be a huge help in paying for Hudson's rehab.

We will put all of Hudson's Valentines on display during our March 15th Fundraiser (the St. Patrick's Day Poker Run Trail Ride) and she will be there to greet her well wishers (in her new shoes).

So if you have a few moments, and can send Hudson a Valentine with $1.00 to:

USERL
PO box 157
Wingate, NC 28174

all of her Valentine money will go directly to her hoof care!

Foster homes neeeded for 2 horses

Some of you may remember Bailey and Cabot, who came into the league back in October.  These two senior citizens have  been rehabbed and are in need of new foster homes immediately.  If you would be interested in fostering one (or both!), please let us know.

Bailey (the cream colored mare) is in her 20's and has no health problems.  Bailey is an energetic mare and doesn't seem to realize she is "getting up there in years".  We think she may be a saddlebred cross, due to her long, elegant ears and face.  We have not evaluated Bailey for riding ability. 

Cabot, the Paint mare, is also in her 20's.  Cabot does not have any top teeth, probably from a lifetime of cribbing.  She needs to have her food wet to help her eat it.  Both mares eat senior feed.  Cabot was ridden by her previous owner and may be suitable for light riding, with a hackamore or rope halter.  Cabot comes with a cribbing collar, if needed, but she has not been cribbing at her rehab home.

Please contact Paula at sixhorseranch@yahoo.com, if you are interested in fostering Bailey or Cabot.

Natalia Available For Adoption

LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT VALENTINE GIFT

Natalia is a wonderful young pony standing only 12.3 hands high, but what she doesn't have in height, she more than makes up in a wonderful personality. Nattie is the first to greet you for cookies or pets and does great in all of her training. She stands wonderfully for the farrier and doesn't even mind having her mane pulled! We've been doing ground training with her and she's been wearing her dressage bridle and snaffle bit like a champ (and looks very cute in it). We have just started long lining and ground driving and she seems very eager to learn. We've been putting the saddle on her as well and she just takes it all in stride. Nattie has a wonderful floating trot that any pony dressage mount would dream of. Nattie is starting to get the basics and with her natural gaits and some additional training she'll make an exceptional dressage pony or combined driving pony.

Find out more information about Nattie call 980-722-3435

Caring for Horses During Tough Times

The USERL was featured in a Pet O' Mine article in their January issue. Check it out on-line at http://petomine.com/pdf/pom-0901_unifour.pdf#page=6

Looking for the perfect Valentine?

St. Patrick's Day Poker Run Trail Ride/Walk

Come out and ride or walk to help the horses. Diamond R Ranch is hosting a Poker Run Trail Ride/Walk with a St. Patrick's Day Theme on Sunday - March 15th from 1-4 p.m. If you don't want to walk or ride, you can still stop out for lunch. Doug will be serving up his famous BBQ for $5 a plate! Come out to enjoy the day and we will have lots of USERL horses that are available for adoption there that day! To register call 980-722-3435 or e-mail kxl@perigee.net. See you there! Be sure to wear your green and ride for the green!

ANIMAL WELFARE INSTITUTE ESTABLISHES ABANDONED HORSE REWARD FUND

The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) announced today the establishment of the “Animal Welfare Institute Abandoned Horse Reward Fund.” Under the program, individuals providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone who abandons a horse in violation of state law will be rewarded with up to $1,000 by AWI.

Under the program, individuals with evidence should first contact their local police department, provide as many details as possible about the horse abandonment situation and let the department know about the Animal Welfare Institute Abandoned Horse Reward Fund. In such cases, eligibility for rewards and specific reward amounts will be determined by AWI. For complete terms and conditions of this reward fund, please go to www.awionline.org.

“If horses are being neglected or abandoned and the law is being violated, individuals need to be held accountable. Caring for a horse or any animal is a lifelong responsibility and not something you toss aside when inconvenient. We hope our reward fund will assist in bringing criminals to justice,” said Chris Heyde.

For further information contact:

Chris Heyde, 202-446-2142

Rein-oir Painting Event Saturday February 28, 2009

After the Nutrition seminar on Saturday - February 28th, we are going to attempt to make some Rein-oir paintings with our USERL horses. If you would like to come out and help, Hannah (our new Clydesdale/QH cross mare), Hudson (the new paint mare), Summer, Whipple, Alabama and our mascot Holly will all be making an attempt at painting their unique masterpieces.

If you would like to be a part of it, let us know kxl@perigee.net

Equine Medicine Symposium: at NC State Vet School February 21, 2009

Equine Medicine Symposium: Saturday, February 21st, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the CVM. The overall goal of this annual day-long symposium is to bring new horse health information to owners. This year topics include wound management, updates on laminitis prevention, new diagnostics and treatments for lameness, vaccinations, bio-security and emergency planning. Visit http://www.cvm.ncsu.edu/vth/clinical_services/equine/symposium.html for more information or to sign-up.

Horse Owner $65 / $85 after 2/2/2009 Student $35 / $45 after 2/2/2009 Group of 8 or great (must register together) $35 each / $45 after 2/2/2009 Visit the website for registration forms and program or call (919) 513-6421

The USERL will have a group of 8 or more people, so we will qualify for the $35 registration price. We can fax our application to 919-513-6689 and pay the day of the event, or you can print out the application and mail with your check.

you can print out the registration form at- http://www.cvm.ncsu.edu/vth/clinical_services/equine/documents/EMS2009RegistrationFormHorseOwners.pdf

2 important details.

You MUST state on the registration form that you are with USERL! You MUST make a note that you plan to pay the day of, if you do intend to pay the day of, so they won't think you just forgot to pay.

We are working on transportation and hope to have a van available so we can ride together from the CP.

We REALLY Need Foster Homes

If you are willing to open your heart and barn and have strong horse skills please go to the USERL website, www.userl.org and complete a foster application. We all know that the economy is not good at this time and unfortunately, it is the horses that are suffering--- they are last to be taken care of.  The Central Piedmont is doing its best to raise money to feed and pay the veterinary expenses for our rehabs.  Several of
these horses are ready to leave rehab.    If any of our wonderful volunteers are willing to take one of the horses or know anyone that would be willing,it would be greatly appreciated...

Ride for the Green

The USERL Central Piedmont will host a St. Patrick's Day Trail Ride at the Diamond R Ranch. This ride is open to all! It is a fund raiser for the USERL Central Piedmont. You can ride or walk. There will be lots of USERL horses to see at the event. Wear your green, come out to see the horses and we look forward to seeing you all there!!!!
Details to come.
Do look forward to Doug's FAMOUS BBQ - only $5 per plate.
Let us know if you are planning to come kxl@perigee.net
We need to make sure we have enough parking and BBQ!!!

Eric Shupe from Purina to speak to the USERL February 28, 2009

Eric Shupe (in the photo above at our Parade of Breeds Horse Owner Workshop in October 2008) from Purina will give a presentation on feeding and rehabilitating a rescue horse with a low body score. He will also do a presentation and several demos on how to do body condition scoring using some of our USERL rescue horses as examples.

This presentation is free of charge and open to the public.

Following the presentation, we will have a brief USERL Central Piedmont business meeting.

For anyone that is interested, we will order in pizza and - weather permitting working making some Rein-oir paintings with our USERL rescue horses (if you plan to help, wear old clothes you don't mind getting paint on).

It should be a very informative presentation, followed by some painting fun!
Please RSVP to kxl@perigee.net if you are planning to be there so we will know how many copies of the hand out to prepare.

Noel Night Wine Tasting

A HUGE THANK YOU to Hope Lee who took on the entire planning and execution of a wonderful wine tasting fund raiser for the USERL. It was a good time and very well done. Everyone had a good time! THANK YOU!

Tractor Supply Day a HUGE SUCCESS

A big thank you to everyone who participated in the Tractor Supply Day Fundraiser right before Christmas. I know this is a little late, but better late than never, right? I HAD to share the photos for Holly!!!! Barbara Davis and her neighbor made the "outfit" for Holly and it was TOO CUTE! She was a big hit! Barbara MacDonald and her girl scouts came through with many wonderful baked goods to sell that day and we had a lot of volunteers show up to help out! Chris Donahue was there with her popular Rein-oirs! THANK YOU to all who helped! Holly kept calling to the stuffed horses inside the store (note the photo of her with the stuffed horse).