Conference noted::equitation

    I'm the secretary for the SMQHA (Southern Mass Quarter Horse Assoc.)
    Newly appointed this year, in fact!  It helps to get new blood on
    the board as the old officers do get tired or might need a break.
    We have about 90+\- members and it is still growing.  We do events
    throughout the year, i.e. Feb 6 is the Tack Repair/Care Clinic being
    sponsered by SMQHA and held at a local hall.  We have other events
    such as a "Play Day" with games, (with & without a horse!) food,
    swimming and fun in the sun, Trail Rides, Flea Markets, etc.
    We also have a newsletter, and it seems to be very important to
    the members to receive it.  One thing I have noticed is that if
    members are willing to pitch in in whatever way they can, such as
    picking up a member's horse if they don't have a trailer, making
    calls, or offering their farm as a location for a trail ride or
    other event, it makes it easier for more participation.  It is
    difficult to please everyone, but we try.  
    
    
    
    Lynne  

    Me and My husband might have chance to take over a horse newletter.
    
    	What would you like to see in a newsletter..?

    How about an editorial viewpoint that's focused on people who "do their
    own" i.e, those who are interested in the enormous pleasure to be had
    from learning from their horses, by doing their own training, with
    ordinary horses.  There are many publications that run article after
    article on showring stars whose road to success was heavily dependent
    on first buying a made horse, and then keeping it "in tune" with even
    more expensive trainers.
    
    Agreed, it seems that this is what you *have* to do nowadays to make
    it big.  (Yes, I know there are notable exceptions.)  But my point is
    that these stories are not very interesting to those of us who will
    never do this, and don't want to.  
    
    Also, articles aimed at adults.  I get really bored with pages of stuff
    aimed at junior riders.  People are juniors riders for a few short years.
    They are adult riders for *decades*!
    
    -ellie

    Our informal NE Pinto news letter has letters from club members
    published.  Some advertising space available.  A cover story (each
    month is aimed at a different type of Pinto ie, stock, hunter, pleasure
    or saddle).  Class lists, show schedules, point standings, futurity
    information, club gossip, foal introductions, for sale listings.....
    It is brief and to the point, informal but fun.
    
    I can send you an old one if you'd like.
    
    Michele

It might be nice to include some helpful hints or tips on seasonal problems
i.e. toxic weeds, sunburn prevention (for horse), maybe blanketing suggestions
for the winter, medications that should be in you first-aid box, things like
that.

    How about having something in the newsletter concerning people who
    really like to ride but can't afford all that goes with riding 
    (ie Owning their own horse or equipment, Weekly lessons versus 
    leasing etc.).  Perhaps some discussion around new and unique
    alternatives to just once-a-week lessons.
    
    

    You could publish short articles from riders in other countries ...
    
    Lisa.
    

    You could give pointers to places/clubs that might
    be of interest to the members...i.e. Tufts, or
    riding programs for handicapped children/adults,
    or special clubs like "Horses for Adults" (it's
    for beginner/non-horse owners/lovers who need
    a network to help them take care of the horse right,
    or who might just want to learn more about horses)
    
    
    L