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  • Corral Chatter 4_2025


April 2025

Our purpose is to promote good fellowship between horsemen and a greater understanding of horses.


• President’s Message

• Event Calendar

• Events - Last Month's Fun

• Membership

• General Meeting Minutes 

• Volunteer Corner & Donations

• Photo Funnies and Classified Ads




President's Message

Dear SCCHA Members,

Spring is in full bloom, and with it comes the perfect weather for spending time in the saddle and enjoying the beauty of the season. April is shaping up to be a fantastic month for SCCHA, with opportunities to gather, share a great meal, and ride together along the coast.

We hope you’ll join us for our April General Meeting on Friday, April 18. This month, we’ll be serving up a delicious chicken teriyaki dinner as we come together to catch up with friends, share club updates, and talk about all the exciting events ahead. Social hour begins at 6:30 PM, followed by dinner and the meeting. Whether you’re a longtime member or new to the club, this is a great opportunity to connect, get involved, and enjoy a wonderful evening together.

The following morning, on Saturday, April 19, we invite you to take part in a truly special experience—our Salinas River Beach Ride and Lunch. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of riding along the beach, the sound of waves in the background, and the fresh ocean air all around you. We’ll be meeting at 10:00 AM to saddle up for the ride, then gathering for lunch in the parking lot around 12:30 PM. This is a relaxed and enjoyable day for riders of all levels, and we hope you’ll be part of it. If you’d like to join us, please RSVP with Kathleen O’Neill at (408) 590-3933.

As we move deeper into spring, we look forward to even more time in the saddle, more chances to connect, and more great memories to be made. Keep an eye on our website and social media for upcoming events, including trail rides and clinics that will take us into the summer season.

Looking forward to seeing you all at the general meeting and out on the trails!

Happy trails,

Tami Moore, President

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Contact Information

Website: https://horsemens.org/

Email: SCCHA.1939@gmail.com

Follow Us on Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SCCHAHorsemens

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sccha.1939

Event Calendar

Hi All.  We need our club members to lead events.  Let's camp, trail ride, have clinics, or other fun events (anyone for cards?).  Please come forward and propose them  - lets make this a fabulous 2025!!  We also need someone to lead some Hoofbeats (Junior) events - movie night, riding, games....   

The Board meets the 2nd Tuesday of the Month 7:00pm-9:00pm

 Apr 6 Spring Grounds Clean-up Day Wendy Fedde Showgrounds
 Apr 18  General Meeting and Dinner  Jennifer Lien  Clubhouse
 Apr 19  Beach Ride - Salinas River Beach Ride & Lunch  Kathleen O'Neill  Salinas River Beach
 May 2-4  Robbie Potter Horsemanship Clinic  Liz Kehoe  Showgrounds
 May 16 General Meeting and Dinner Jennifer Lien  Clubhouse
 May 16-18 SCCHA Campout Kathleen O'Neill Showgrounds
 May 17 SCCHA Tack Sale 5/17 Kathleen O'Neill  Showgrounds
 May 17 Potluck Kathleen O'Neill Clubhouse
 May 16 Line Dancing with Sydney Sydney Vandenbrand Clubhouse
 May 18  5D Play Day  Yvonne Lee  Showgrounds
 Jun 20  General Meeting and Dinner  Jennifer Lien  Clubhouse
 Jun 22  5D Play Day  Yvonne Lee  Showgrounds
 Jul 4  149th Annual July 4th Parade - Morgan Hill  Yvonne Lee  Morgan Hill Downtown
 Jul 410th Annual July 4th Fireworks Festival Info Booth- Almaden Lake Park Rachael ParakhAlmaden Lake Park 
 Jul 20 5D Play Day  Yvonne Lee Showgrounds

 Jul 30-Aug 3

Santa Clara Country Fair Booth/DisplayRachel Parakh  SCC Fairgrounds
 Aug 15General Meeting and Dinner  Jennifer Lien Clubhouse 
 Aug 17 5D Play Day  Yvonne Lee  Showgrounds
 Sep 13 Almaden Days Jump in Parade  New Almaden
 Sep 19 General Meeting and Dinner  Jennifer Lien  Clubhouse
 Sep 20 5D Buckle Play Day Yvonne Lee Showgrounds
 Oct 4 Santa Clara County Horse Association : 3rd Annual Fall Festival Open HouseRachael Parakh  Showgrounds
 Oct 17 General Meeting & Dinner (Board Nominations) Jennifer Lien Clubhouse
Oct 17-19
 SCCHA Camping   Kathleen O'Neill  Showgrounds
Oct 18 Line Dancing, Poker Fun, and Potluck   Kathleen O'Neill & Sydney Vandenbrand  Clubhouse
Oct 19 Gaited Horseshow & Playday 10/19 (Optional Camping,
Line Dancing, Poker Fun, and Potluck 10/17-10/19)
 
 Kathleen O'Neill Showgrounds 
Nov 21  General Meeting & Dinner (Board Elections)  Jennifer Lien  Clubhouse
Dec 13    Holiday Party & Board Installation  Jennifer Lien  Clubhouse
Dec 14  Hoofbeats Party, Crafts, & Potluck   Kathleen O'Neill  Clubhouse

Events 

Take a look at Facebook for Pictures....or check out the pictures (Click the link and scroll down): Pictures












April Dinner and General Meeting

Friday, April 18th 6:30pm social, 7pm dinner, 8pm Meeting

Please join us for a chicken teriyaki dinner.

2025 Family Members are welcome to bring their kids to enjoy the dinner at the fantastic discount rates.


We'll be raffling off a beautiful quilt at our dinner meetings so please think about purchasing tickets! Winner will be announced at our buckle show Sept. 20th. You need not be present to win. All proceeds go to supporting our club.




Salinas River Beach Ride

This is always a fun ride & luncheon.  We met Tami Moore several years ago on this ride.  Look at her now - our President.   Come one, come all....

Contact Kathleen O'Neill if you are interested.  koneill_950372003@yahoo.com. or (408) 590-3933

Robbie Potter Clinic-- May 3rd and 4th

We have 2 spots left for the Robbie Potter clinic!

You may also audit the clinic, just arrive the day of the clinic and sign in a the clubhouse, audit fee is $25.00.




SCCHA Tack Sale:   

Come one, come all to the SCCHA tack sale.  We need sellers and buyers.   Don't want to sell, donate your tack and Kathleen's team will sell it with proceeds going to the Hoof-Beats Junior Program fund.   

All members can use our club tables.

Non-Members can bring their own table or rent a club table for $15/table.

Contact Kathleen O'Neill if you are interested.  koneill_950372003@yahoo.com. or (408) 590-3933

Tell your horsey friends.    If you want to sell crafts or other things, that is fine too.  Be sure to RSVP and start collecting your items.   I have a whole pile 'hidden' beside my couch just waiting for the sale.

This will be a great weekend full of activities and fun.   Friday the Dinner and General Meeting, Saturday the Tack Sale, Saturday night Sydney has volunteered to lead the group at line dancing.  Before the line dancing, we'll have a potluck.  Sunday we'll have the first of the series of 5D play days, lead by Yvonne Lee.   All these activities and camping Friday to Sunday.   Come join the fun.  




We need volunteers!

Do you want to come help with registration, announcing and scoring at the 5d Playdays? We need you! Kathleen and Tami can train a few more people. We need someone to do the scoring for the Buckle Playday. Best to start scoring early to learn. If you are knowledgeable with excel or open to learning this is for you. It's all automated, but you would need to follow the directions for sorting and setup. 

Contact Kathleen O'Neill if you are interested.  koneill_950372003@yahoo.com. or (408) 590-3933


Membership 

Membership - Bring a Friend.  Help Grow the Association:  

Tell your friends about the "Horsemen's".  Their first dinner, as a guest, is free at the General/Dinner Meeting.  Have them apply for membership!  Membership Application     See all the benefits membership brings Membership Overview & Rules, Trainer Policy, Liability Release Waiver

Welcome New Members:

Evelyn Brown- Single Membership

Hi- I am a life long Almaden native and I got into horses later in life, in my mid-20's. I started trail riding and never looked back. I have owned a Polish Arabian, a draft cross and my most recent horse is a Rocky Mountain Horse named Pepper. Pepper lives on property with me and two donkey buddies. I really enjoy going out on trail with other people and hope to meet others that like to do so as well. My goal this year is to get much more comfortable trailering.

I take lessons with Ali Kermeen and follow trainers like Warwick Schiller and Tristan Tucker. Pepper is coming off a long injury, so we have also been playing with trick training too.

Justine Whitney encouraged me to apply to SCCHA and I finally decided to go for it. When I'm not playing with my animals, I'm a professional fundraiser for nonprofits.  I'm looking forward to meeting everyone at SCCHA.

March General Meeting Minutes

SCCHA GENERAL MEETING MINUTES

March 21, 2025

CTO at 8: 02 PM by Yvonne Lee.  Yvonne thanked all the chefs that made our delicious Corned Beef dinner:  Liz, Yvonne, Linda, Sandie, Michelle, Stephen and Cheri and Jennifer.  She also thanked Shalla, Mikey, and Jim Lee for bartending.

Pledge of Allegiance said by Rene Celsi.

Guests: Debra Heesch, Jack Newby, Katie Petro with Ollie, Krista Kahl.

TREASURER’S REPORT:  Yvonne gave the February 2025 Treasurer Report. (see Treasurer’s report)

Yvonne reported that our AC and heater are not functioning.  We are currently getting bids for a new system, 1st estimate 40k, 2nd at 19k, we are looking at a 3rd estimate for $14k. We are currently open to other estimates.

MEMBERSHIP: Jennifer reminded all members that although the deadline is past for renewing, however, they can still renew.

SOCIAL:  Jennifer asked if any members would like to cook for our General Meeting, in April, August, and September.

EVENTS:  Liz reported the Robbie Potter Clinic, (May 3 and 4) has only two spots left.  Private lessons are available, contact Liz if interested.

Michelle Hiatt reported Comedy Night for the Lion’s Club will be April 5.  Proceeds from this event go to Scholarships for High School seniors.  See Michelle for details.

Stephen of Lone Oak reported The Gold Coast Arabian Show will be March 23 and April 27th.  The Lone Oak Stables start of their Buckle Series is May 29. The following shows are May 17, and October 26. The shows are held rain or shine. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Yvonne reported that we have a fundraiser for our wall out front where they can do a mural on cinderblock.  The prize is a handmade quilt.  Tickets will go on sale soon.

Bev from San Martin Horsemen’s reported they will have a tack fitting clinic at the Blomquist Arena in Gilroy from 11-5, you can sign up online at San Martin Horsemen’s website.  You can attend an an audit or bring your horse for a personalized tack fitting.

Yvonne reminded the community our Tack Swap will be the same weekend of our Playday. We will also have line dancing!  Mark your calendar for the weekend of May 16, 17 and 18. That Sunday the 18th is the first 5D show of the year.

Rachael reported we have grounds clean up on March 30, (the rain day is April 6) please bring your weedwhacker and rakes, and join us in getting ready for our show season. Rachael also informed us that Mid-Pen will be meeting about the future of Bear Creek Stables.  She invited any members to join the meeting.  Rachael will send the Zoom link.  Rachael also discussed the Silicon Valley Mountain Bikers event – Tails and Tires - here at our clubhouse, in trail advocacy and educating the bikers on how to be safe when on the trail with bikers.  We have stickers and keychains with our Slow and Say Hello logo.  The leader of the group has invited us to partner with all of them throughout the year.

Cathy Angell discussed a developer is interested in building 99 homes on 30 acres on San Vicente.  Cathy mentioned that we need to keep aware that this is a possibility and may push out horse ranches.  Discussion held on Builder’s Remedy proposals for construction.

Horse and human birthday prizes were given out by Rachael.

Motion to adjourn at 8:46 pm made by Cheri, seconded by Stephen, the motion carried.


Volunteer Corner & Donations

There are always opportunities to volunteer for our activities. Check here frequently as more activities show up in the summer.


 Activity  Date  Volunteer Duties  Contact
General Meeting Dinners  3rd Friday each month Plan, prepare, set up, and serve a meal at the meeting  Jennifer Lien Gonzalez jenligo@gmail.com
Clubhouse & Grounds April 6

Spring Clean-up Day.

Wendy Fedde (408) 390-0201
Craft Supplies NeededWe need to replenish our craft supplies and especially need the following:  Beads, any kind of jewelry, acrylic paint, paint brushes, bead wire, horse magazines or books to cut up, leather, and glue.  Let me know what else you want to donate!!   We recently wiped out a lot of our supplies.Kathleen O’Neill (408) 590-3933
 Donations MarchThank you Brook Kwalick for monetary donation to the club during membership renewal in the month of March.  Every penny counts and your generous donations go to the general fund to help keep the club hooves beating.Kathleen O'Neill 
Gaited Horseshow Buckle Donation By May 1 for the October ShowDo you want your name or company name on the back of one of the buckles given at the Gaited Horseshow??  Let Kathleen O'Neill know by May 1st that you want to sponsor a buckle for $120.  Your name will go on the back of one of the gorgeous custom buckles and we'll advertise the heck out of your donation as we advertise the show.  We are in the process of designing the "One-of-a-Kind" buckles for this year.    We already have one donor - Gaye Derusso, of Majestic Rider.   (She is also dedicating her time as the Judge for the show.) We appreciate the support from our members for this event, so please let us know if you want to be a buckle sponsor.
Kathleen O'Neill 
Photo Funnies and Classified Ads

Want to submit something to the Newsletter?

The Santa Clara County Horsemen’s Association publishes the Corral Chatter monthly for its members and friends. Please e-mail articles of interest to the Newsletter Editor Stephanie Barada swbarada@gmail.com by the 25th of the month to be published in the next month’s edition. 





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