Greetings from your LGRA Trail Blazer Editor. I finally got a logo done, hope its to everyones liking.

This month we have an article on the January trail ride from our Volunteer Coordinator, Tom Dykes. Another LGRA Board Member introduction from our Vice President, Jeff Bolognese.

As always we are looking for people who want to write. I have had no volunteers as of yet. I know someone out there somewhere wants to write about something or has a yen to be an LGRA Reporter. Please, don't be shy. ..and pictures. Please, if anyone takes pictures at any events they would like to share I would be more than grateful to have them.

Please also take a moment and plug in your email address at the bottom of the newsletter and join the Yahoo group for great conversation and check out our web site for the latest on LGRA happenings.

~jade

Email the Editor

I want to start by once again congratulating Shane on winning the name the newsletter contest and a huge thank you to our newsletter editor Jade for creating the graphics for it.
Our first general membership meeting will be at 7pm on February 10th at PURE Nightclub followed by our Cupid's Corral dance. Be the first to hear a couple of major announcements concerning the Liberty Stampede Rodeo. We will also be ratifying our by-laws at the meeting so please keep a lookout for a separate email from us concerning the by-laws. I'm looking forward to meeting more of our membership. Please feel free to talk to me at any event or drop me an email if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for helping us "Stampede into History"

The 2nd weekend of January has always been my favorite time of the Winter. It's the weekend of the Phoenix rodeo. I always look forward to the nice warm sunshine after a couple months of bitter cold. Wasn't I disappointed this year when it was warmer here in Philly then in Phoenix. Ernie and I nearly froze to death in the desert. We competed together in an event called Steer Deco. This was the first time Ernie took the head position in this event and he did extremely well. We were able to get a time both days of the event which was more than a lot of the other competitors did. Saying the steers were a little wild is an understatement, not just in steer deco but also chute doggin. Only one out of 3 competitors were able to complete that event. That includes both men and women. I took 1st place on Saturday but as luck of the draw would have it I was given the one steer on Sunday that no one got down the entire weekend. I'm happy with my placement and with that I know I will be going to finals in at least one event this year.
One sad bit of news about the rodeo. One of the cowboys from ASGRA, Mitch Horn, suffered a bad head injury during bull riding. He had a 2 week hospital stay and just returned home to NYC this week. Mitch is the producer of the documentary called "Giddy up on the Rodeo Circuit" that aired on Logo. I'm sure we'll see him at future rodeo's this season. He definitely knows how to cowboy up and he has promised to jump on board with LGRA to help out with our rodeo. Until our next report from the rodeo circuit.......

I’ve been an IGRA Rodeo spectator for many years. Last year I attended the LGRA play day and learned to chute dog and that’s where it all really began. This is my first year of competition and I’m having a great time with it. I really look forward to many others stepping up and doing the same

I signed on as Membership Chair and after being involved in many great events and situations like the IGRA Convention in Nashville, the DC Rodeo, and The Las Vegas rodeo. I have recently stepped up to the plate to fill the position of Vice President of LGRA.

I’m looking forward to attending IGRA University in February. It’s always great to bring new information back to contribute to the progress of our association. Also looking forward to a great year of trail rides, bar nights, gay prides, benefits and of course, the planning of our first rodeo in 2008.

We have a great Board of Directors. We have all learned to work well with each other. We still have a few more positions to fill. If you’re interested please check out the web site.

It was a bright sunny day on Sunday, January 7th, when about 13 people made their way to the Trail Ride in Chester County. The group was large enough to split into two groups: the beginners and the more advanced. Since it had been over 30 yrs since I was last on a horse, I opted for the Beginner ride.

After getting our group of 7 mounted, our group headed out for an afternoon ride. The ride which lasted an hour and a half wound through housing developments and the woods. Starting out we had a couple of people who were having a hard time at first directing their horse but all was fine. We spent time going thru the woods up hill and down and past the creek. It was a great way to get used to riding and a fun way to see the area.

Being winter we were all pleasantly surprised when the weather was warm enough that you didn't freeze. What a great way to get to know some new friends. Doing something that you usually don't do since most of us live in the city or burbs. Having grown up with cousins who had horses and we'd go riding at least once or twice a month, it was a great way for me to get back to riding. The horses were very good natured and very easy to direct through the woods and trails. If you can I would encourage anyone and everyone to at least try one trail ride. You'll enjoy the sights and the time spent with friends.

More about Trail Rides

Cupid's Corral Dance & General Membership Meeting At Pure Nightclub

The next LGRA dance will be held Saturday, February 10th from 8pm to midnight at Pure Nightclub in Philadelphia. Admission is $10 for LGRA members, $15 for non-LGRA members. New members who join LGRA the night of this event will have their admission waived.

There will also be a general membership meeting at Pure Nightclub at 7pm. Members attending pay only $5.00 admission to the dance.

More about upcoming events