Valley Lodge Trail Ride News
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To join our email updates list please contact Susan at susan.j.murphey@gmail.com.
Thanks you,
Susan Murphey
VLTRA Secretary
December 2009 Newsletter and Document Downloads
Download the full newsletter and all forms in MS Word files:
January 2010 Newsletter and Document Downloads
Download the full newsletter and all forms in MS Word files:
Greetings Trail Riders:
Happy New Year! When I sat down to write this newsletter two years ago, I remember thinking what on earth have I done! As we begin the last year of my trail boss commitment, I want to thank you for continuing to be the BEST trail ride association ever. I have to admit that my chest kind of swells when I am introduced as the Trail Boss of the VLTRA as I know the legacy of the ride, the friends that I have made and the volunteers that make this ride run so smoothly are what makes the VLTRA so special. As we start our quest for the next 50 yrs. (this is our 51st ride), let's remember our history and look forward to the future. The stories that have developed, the friendships that have been kindled and the privilege that we have had to associate with our western heritage over these 51 years make the Valley Lodge a most unique organization.
As we have said before, we have seen many changes in the last 51 years of our ride. Pastures have become massive subdivisions. Sleepy towns are now the "Hot" places to live. However, we have had constant great leadership on our ride. Please thank the following Past Trail Bosses:
Sam Olsen, 1960 - 1964
Don Zapp, 1964 - 1972
Mac Goldsby, 1972 - 1979
Gary Garrison, 1979 - 1980
Chris Black, 1980 - 1983
Tom Walne, 1983 - 1986
Burns Turner, 1986 - 1989
Bobby Schmidt, 1989 - 1992
Ken Caldwell, 1992 - 1995
Roland Fulton, 1995 - 1998
Ted Bland, 1998 - 2001
Bill Fry, 2001 - 2004
Tim Braunagel, 2004 - 2007
Whether you have ridden with us before or not, please make sure to thoroughly read the newsletter. Pay particular attention to the rules and regulations as they are set by the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. As part of our participation agreement, the VLTRA and ALL of its members are required to adhere to them to ensure a "Safe and Fun" ride.
Remember, to ride on the Main Ride, you must be a member of the VLTRA and attend one of the warm up rides. If you have not ridden on the Main Ride with us before, we will have a Rookie Orientation after each of the two warm up rides. During the orientation we will go over the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo rules and regulations that we are required to adhere to and are JUDGED on. We have won the Medium Trail Ride category for the last two years. Selfishly, I would like to "grand slam" it for my last year as Trail Boss.
Thank you:
Assistant Trail Bosses
Secretaries
Scouts
Cook Team
Rolling Stock Drivers
Bar Team
Without the assistance of these people, we would not be able to have a safe and fun ride year after year. Please remember to thank them for the tireless effort they put into making this ride happen.
I look forward to seeing each of you Saturday, February 20th as we begin our 51st trip into Houston.
Mark your calendars so that you can come and be a part of the fun and tradition that is the VALLEY LODGE TRAIL RIDE!
Happy Trails!
Mike Murphey
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