The Oklahoma Trail Riding Gals - No One Rides Alone
The Oklahoma Trail Riding Gals began in 2001 when 14 women trail riders who had met while riding at local equestrian trails gathered for dinner in Oklahoma City. The whole idea of the dinner was social networking so no one would ever have to ride alone. Next the group met at Sportsman's Country Club in Oklahoma City for lunch and then went on a tour of the Express Ranch in Yukon. The group grew to more than 30. At that point, Terri Folks offered to take over the e-list and send meeting announcements to the group via email. It took a little while to figure out how to work the group which kept growing and growing and growing. The TRGs do not have rules, dues, bylaws or officers. The only requirement for membership is that the person must have email. That's how the group communicates. TRG also has a Yahoo Message Board which is how the members communicate with each other.
Our first TRG Trail Ride at Bell Cow Lake.
Each month, a volunteer hostess or hostesses organize what the TRGs will do. We've done everything from potluck dinners at someone's home, met at restaurants, gone on trail rides, and even a shopping spree at the World QH Show. We have a fun Christmas party each year where we share tales of the previous year on the trail.
2007 Christmas Party
We've adopted the Yellow Trail at Lake Carl Blackwell, Stillwater, OK. The TRGs worked last
year at Lake Arcadia in Edmond in an attempt to clean up some of the debris
that washed on shore from the record breaking spring rains. We also
participated in trail work days at Cedar Lake Equestrian Trails and Robbers Cave
State Park Equestrian Trails. We support trail advocacy and many of our
members are involved in saving trails.
Lake Arcadia, 2007 Clean Up Day
Almost two years ago, a parade unit was organized for those who wanted to ride in parades. The TRG Parade Group is headed up by Jeanette Zeller and Rhonda Prindle who designed the costumes. The group meets for costume work parties to each make their own costume components. They also presented the colors at the GO Show in Oklahoma City in July. For more information visit the TRG Parade Unit.
One of the TRG Founders is 76 years young, Shirley Smith, riding her
27-year-old horse, Midnight, in the 89er Day Parade in Guthrie.
The whole foundation of the Trail Riding Gals is fun, fellowship and friendship. Through the years, many of us have found new best friends. We've camped together, ridden together, helped each other, celebrated life's blessings together and cried together over life's tragedies. Through it all, we have enjoyed the camaraderie of a network of friends and to always ensure no one rides alone. The organization is women-only but men are always invited to come to our monthly meetings and attend our trail rides. The only event that is members only is the annual Christmas party.
For more information, send your contact information (name, address, phone numbers, email) to Terri Folks, trfolks@cox.net
