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chrystal
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Post subject: New thread on OCTRA's Mission and direction.:-)
 Posted: Oct 28, 2011 - 10:20 AM
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Joined: Dec 06, 2008
Posts: 1088
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As a Director I would like to know what is important to the membership: we (OCTRA) have limited resources in every department, money of course but especially in manpower!!!! There a a few people doing the majority of the work in this club and one of the consequences of that is that we ( OCTRA) can not be all things to all people and although there are many " good 'ideas out there it is not possible to make them all happen. I would like you to keep this in mind as you answer the question:
"Where should OCTRA focus it's resources ?" a decent amount of the resources ( again time and money) are spent on just running the club, where should the rest go? Take a look at the committee list any ideas?
Is it more important that OCTRA support educational clinics or cut costs or have a presence at big events ( the Royal? the Can AM? Local shows/tack shops) Is it more important that we identify new members and spend time and maybe money to "keep" them or do we give $ to a Canadian Team or give money to an FEI initiative ? Do we put money into helping Ride Managers run rides in order to increase rides being run each season?
Those are some choices I am just trying to point out they are all choices and when you pick one you will negate another as we cannot do it all.
Now this gets harder: after stating what you think should happen : you need to describe how it will happen!  People get carried away with " oh yeah we should do that" without giving a though to the repercussions or implementation so you need to do that as well!
Chrystal |
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mandymae384
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Post subject: RE: New thread on OCTRA
Posted: Oct 28, 2011 - 06:21 PM
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Joined: Feb 23, 2009
Posts: 126
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ok,, lets try this again.. Had a post then lost it....
Ok so I am thinking we should look at what we are already doing that is great then work on how to make them better. I think it is GREAT the initiatives that have been taken to attract the Junior riders to the sport. BUt what I think is lacking is a way to attract the 20-30 age group. There really does not seem to be many riding in my particular age group ( and yes I am on the higher end of that group but still not many out there). One barrier could be financially as well as ride locations. If it wernt for the fact that I have wonderful parent who provided me with a horse to ride (transportation, care etc.) I am not sure If I could have afforded to ride all if I had to be paying to transport my own horse. members in my agre group are generally just starting the 'adult' life of runing a house/ paying for school etc. SO with that said I suggest an incentive program for attrcating this age group. I know Chrystal you wanted specifics and Im sorry I dont really have specific ideas...just the thoughts.
Another suggestion I had was OCTRA focusing on encouraging people to host more rides/different rides. I really like the idea of OCTRA supporting ride managers. OCTRA memberhips does a really good job at supporting rides in the west but it seems there are hardly any rides in the east (compared to the west) and this goes back to cost.. to attract more members we have to look at what needs to be done to do this- more options for rides, less travel times for everyone (having more options in their own backyards) etc. So back to my iniitial thought about OCTRA support. I dont think it has to be financial support- It could be ni the form of volunteer support etc. Maybe an initiative where if you volunteer at a ride you get more then just worker credits. Maybe credit towards decreasing membership costs or what not. Getting the general membership more involved in running rides instead of just a select few.
Anyway I am sure I am just rambling now.. I tend to do that sometimes.... |
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dane
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Post subject: RE: New thread on OCTRA
Posted: Oct 28, 2011 - 07:51 PM
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Joined: Jan 20, 2009
Posts: 198
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There have been more eastern rides in the past, Oxford Station, St Lazare, Buckingham...perhaps someone needs to talk to those ride managers . Historically OCTRA rides where in the west, there was a time when Peterborough was the big drive of the season. [and I'm not suggesting that is the way it should be]
I think it would wise to focus on getting new riders not to just focus on a age group. Many of us in our 40s...or 50s for that matter have to watch our spending when competing. |
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dessia
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Post subject: RE: New thread on OCTRA
Posted: Oct 28, 2011 - 08:03 PM
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Joined: Dec 08, 2008
Posts: 934
Status: Offline
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| We have talked to them and one might be coming back online for next year, but basically loss of trail, health and other issues have taken their toll on these Eastern Rides. More rides, more entry level and showing a clear "path" towards goals is important for new riders of this era. Riders coming in are generally 35+ (more like 40+) and have either taken a hiatis from horses during their 20s and looking for something fun to do again with them, or people who always wanted a horse and are now in the position time and money wise to have one and consider venues to participate in. Also looking for low key structured events to socialize and have fun in. It may be years before our sport ever becomes full of youngsters. It has to make sense to boarding stables and coaches for them to encourage it. We need to educate barn owners, coaches and their students to fire their imaginations. |
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chrystal
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Post subject: RE: New thread on OCTRA
Posted: Oct 28, 2011 - 08:05 PM
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Joined: Dec 06, 2008
Posts: 1088
Status: Offline
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Good thoughts: Mandy. Try to verbalize a few things that would help the Ride Managers : a better list or more formalized list of volunteers within OCTRA?
Help/ideas about how to find volunteers in the area of the ride? That is what I found this year - I had no "core" of volunteers in our area who knew anything about OCTRA or long distance riding.
As Lesley suggested contacting RM's who are no longer holding rides?
More thoughts? |
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dane
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Post subject: RE: New thread on OCTRA
Posted: Oct 28, 2011 - 10:05 PM
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Joined: Jan 20, 2009
Posts: 198
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I know I'm repeating myself but I really feel low level events that some how don't include the up front costs for new riders. would benefit the club and its numbers..
I just had this conversation with a barn manager and their coach. They have 42 lesson kids, many would love to try distance riding. Some that would have joined us at our last ride. But they both said when they looked into the cost to even try a ride. And then presented those costs to the parents they felt it was to costly.
Also the idea of having rides of many different lenghts and types is important. But those riders doing 50+ are hooked. we don't need to convince them this is an amazing sport.
What about the riders that are new and exploring the possiblties of distance riding aren't they the ones who will really increase numbers. |
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dessia
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Post subject: RE: New thread on OCTRA
Posted: Oct 28, 2011 - 10:25 PM
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Joined: Dec 08, 2008
Posts: 934
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| Convince that barn manager/coach to host a training ride and have it run by OCTRA experienced people at their place and yes, lower fees apply to those. Riders under a "coach" are often covered by that coaches commercial liability insurance at events. We should be able to be creative, because I agree totally with you Lesley! |
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howie
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 29, 2011 - 09:29 AM
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Joined: Jan 15, 2009
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Yes I totally agree with Leslie, look at how we can lower the costs for someone to get a taste of our sport. I personally know a few people that would like to try but in thier thoughts (as they don't compete in any other sport and don't already have coggins etc.) they can go and just ride without the added expense.
Tammy |
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ridearedpony
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 29, 2011 - 02:06 PM
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Joined: Jan 19, 2009
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I have been competing and coaching in dressage and hunter/jumper for many years and except when I was a kid riding in fun shows at the stable where I was taking riding lessons (on stable owned horses) I have never been to a "low level" event where I didn't have to supply proof of liability insurance and negative coggins and often have to have another membership (OEF or dressage or fair board). Maybe it is different in Western Ontario, but these are normal equestrian competition costs in the Ottawa Valley or Montreal area.
If you have a barn that is interested, then help them put on an event of their own. That way, the barn is covered by its own commercial liability insurance, it becomes a barn invitational event, not an OCTRA sanctioned event, they get a taste of running a ride and keep their costs down for riders to try it.
Or cost share with the barn - offer to be a ride manager for them and run a training ride and the stable takes care of the volunteers & food so the only costs that have to be covered by the riders are the cost of sanctioning, the vet judges, and any training materials. That way, it can be an OCTRA sanctioned event and outside riders can be invited to help cover costs.
Cost share with the attendees - offer a training ride that focuses on training "volunteers" - volunteers also pay a fee and get a few hours of dedicated clinic time with hands-on practice - riders get to ride a short distance and see how a ride works. You need to be very organized for this to make sure the volunteers are getting their money's worth.
Find the 4H groups in your area and go to one of their meeting nights and talk about our sport. SVAHA members did 3 of these types of talks this year and had a few riders and volunteers as a result. You have to be willing to donate your time. They often feed you snacks.
In answer to your question, Chrystal, I would prefer to see OCTRA focus on training and introducing riders & volunteers to our sport. I don't think that there is much bang-for-the-buck at the big shows like CanAm unless you have a draw for people who come by the booth to also show up to a ride (e.g. a gift certificate or coupon for a discount on a ride entry or a membership). You also need flyers of upcoming rides and clinics ready to hand out. It appears to me that OCTRA doesn't do much to promote the rides it sanctions - it leaves all of that up to ride management. If OCTRA is going to go to the trade shows, it should be handing out something that shows where riders can go the next weekend to get involved in the sport.
If OCTRA happens to have money left over, then offer funds to junior riders (who are members of OCTRA), international competitors (who are members of OCTRA) or ride managers who are putting on provincial/national/international rides. |
_________________
Kim Woolley
...Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work - Thomas Alva Edison
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dane
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 29, 2011 - 06:50 PM
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Joined: Jan 20, 2009
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There is no need for OEF or coggins tests when entering local schooling shows in this area. Waivers, yes.
Even truilluim and A level shows don't require a coggins test. [which is only good for the day you take it, and we all know that many of our horses live daily with ones that don't have one]
Farm insurance often covers the in farm shows and lessons but is a different coverage again when going on trail. What do other groups do that hold trail riding events??
What about the recreational riders that Tammy mentioned ? I have to say I'm speaking from experince, this is what deters new riders. |
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 30, 2011 - 02:16 PM
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Joined: Feb 10, 2009
Posts: 28
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I know from experience that some trail riding associations require
the same kind of insurance as OCTRA... I think it's a requirement for
any non-profit riding association that itself has insurance.
As for attracting new riders and again speaking only from my
own experience, it might be those extra costs (and really, the coggins test is a bit silly given what it actually tells you)but for me it's more the lack of rides close by and the quite large cost of needing a truck and trailer.
If you ride at a hunter/jumper barn and are showing, the trailering is usually a service provided by the barn owners (for a fee of course). With
this sport, it just doesn't work that way. There don't seem to be
"endurance barns", at least not where I am. I can rent a trailer...but
would have to borrow a truck to pull it...or hope that some kind
person (and there are a few!!) invites me to go. Much as I love
going to rides, I'm simply not borrowing money to buy my own rig.
I just keep hoping to win the lottery!! |
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rocksideridge
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 30, 2011 - 09:06 PM
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Joined: Jan 16, 2009
Posts: 102
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My opinion is the same as "Thiela" in that I don't think it is ride entry costs or even the cost of a coggins test for that matter - this sport has a heavy up-front investment in terms of truck, trailer, other equipment and also a huge comittment level in terms of taking your horse off-site, being comfortable camping with your horse and comfortable with your horse on the trails. Many folks don't leave the arena! Perhaps trying to convert some folks that have already made the investment and are comfortable taking their horses off-site - maybe Hunt Clubs, folks that belong to OTRA, other trail riding clubs, Pony Clubs? Not that I want to take members away from these other clubs, but coming to an OCTRA ride may not be so daunting for them. Just a thought.
Sue Winmill |
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ridearedpony
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 30, 2011 - 09:14 PM
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Joined: Jan 19, 2009
Posts: 370
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Really? Every trillium event I have been to required an Equine Canada Silver Sport license, an OEF membership and a negative coggins test - always has, even when all of the confusion over "discovery" events was happening. Schooling shows in this end of Ontario require OEF (or other province), and negative coggins. I don't disagree that the test is only as good as the day it was taken, but it is more than often a requirement even at the lower levels of other disciplines.
Regardless, OCTRA training rides don't require a negative EIA, so if you put on a training ride you get rid of that cost. Andrea & Sue make a good point about trailering and those other costs - good reason to try putting on a training ride in a single stable - take the ride to the potential riders. Also a good reason to go after other disciplines - cross-training for eventers, for example.
For some additional context, one of our local trail riding associations, who run out of the Ramseyville & Larose Forest trails, requires that all riders carry proof of 2 million liability or OEF membership. You must have these in order to get a trail pass and you must be a member of the organization - 5$ /year. Trail passes are required to be on the trails - 10$ for a day pass or 45$ for the year. So, to ride for one day, it would cost you 60$ + 10$ + 5$ = 75$. Of course, if you got the year trail pass, and rode more than once, then it could cost you less per ride. This is completely recreational riding - there are no vets, clinicians, food, or camping. They don't require any health papers, but they do reserve the right to kick you off the trail if your horse is obviously sick. |
_________________
Kim Woolley
...Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work - Thomas Alva Edison
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 31, 2011 - 08:53 AM
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Joined: Jan 15, 2009
Posts: 1000
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I became a member because there were three novice CTRs within about an hour's drive of the barn (Northwind Challenge, Oxford Station and Stormont).
It was worth it to buy a membership rather than pay day fees 3 times. I have never felt that it was too expensive to pay ride fees. I still think you get way bigger bang for your buck in distance riding than at a show. I get to ride all day on safe, marked trails, a vet checks my horse at least twice during the day and then I get a wonderful supper!
I already had an old but serviceable truck and trailer (about a 13000 dollar investment). In the beginning, I did not camp. I just got up at 4am, drove to the barn, loaded my horse at 5am and got to the ride site by 6:30, vetted in and hit the trail around 8 or 8:30, and drove home after the wonderful supper. A long day to be sure, but I was hooked after the first ride! When I first started to camp, the additional cost was rope for picketing my horse and a tent. I did that for my first LONG haul to a ride = Sharbot Lake (my sense of what is LONG has since evolved).
One thing that really attracted me (besides the riding!!) was the sense of community. Everyone having supper together was something that does not happen at dressage shows, Class A Arab shows or the horse show at the Fair.
Another attraction was that everybody was so nice and wanted to help out (related to the sense of community). At my first ride, somebody told me to go see that lady by the grey trailer for some electrolytes. That was how I met Lynda Townsend.
I also felt like I learned so much at each ride. This holds true today. To continue to meet my needs, I would like to see OCTRA sanctioning more 75, 100 mile and multi-day rides and provide support/clinics for riders who want to move up from 50 to 100s. My goal this year is to ready to enter a 100 mile ride (same goal as last year LOL).
So I would like to see OCTRA continue to promote a sense of community and camaraderie among riders, and help us to all keep learning, going farther and faster and having FUN. |
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chrystal
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 31, 2011 - 05:14 PM
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Joined: Dec 06, 2008
Posts: 1088
Status: Offline
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The EIA test is a rule in OCTRA. anyone can make a resolution to take it out- no idea if it will pass but that is the only way to get rid of it, it is not a BOD initiative.
Ok. so trucks/trailers/traveling a problem and yes I agree that is tough! Any ideas of how to help that? A dedicated place on the Forum for people to ask for trailer rides or people who are trailering and would like company and help with the cost of fuel (soon I am going to need a third job just to pay for that!!) is possible.
Of course more rides around the province = easier to get to rides.
It is OCTRA members who run rides there are no "magical" fairies out there who do it want a ride in your area .....run one!! We will help and mentor you! You can start with a small training / set,speed or CTR type ride.
There have been No rides in the West for a few years , since Thames Valley and Achilles Run stopped, I would love to see a ride out there again.
I mostly agree with Nancy the sense of camraderie , marked trails ,vets and dinner make this sport great!
Chrystal |
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esau.lewin
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 31, 2011 - 08:36 PM
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Joined: May 12, 2009
Posts: 30
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As a non rider but someone who strongly believes in that success comes from focused objectives let me give you my thoughts.
As an organization we need to have established objectives that are aligned to our Vision and Mission Statement. OCTRA needs to have continuous growth through educational programs, clinics, publicity and promotion. These comittees need to be aligned with the same focus...that being "growth and education ".
I believe that these committees need to meet together and develop a strategic plan on how they will collectively design a path forward to address growth. This objective should address grass routes but not neglect the possibilities that lay before them i.e. grass routes to international. Also to run a successful business we can never loose focus on the bottom line.
That being said we cannot forget to identify and focus on the needs and aspirations of our current membership through education. This club represents all members of Ontario and Quebec from grass roots to international. If we can develop and execute a energising program we can accomplish all that you are looking for while generating extra revenue for the club, new rides and ride managers.
Example: Develop a new member program where they can volunteer to work at a ride or committee to learn and utilize their current skills. This would be a great opportunity to share their knowledge and to learn about our sport.
These are just a couple of quick thoughts. I hope that this is the type of feedback that you are looking for.
Esau |
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Silhouette
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Post subject:
Posted: Nov 01, 2011 - 01:27 AM
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Joined: Feb 20, 2009
Posts: 69
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I was 16 years old when I attended my first and only CTR held in St-Lazare, QC by Lynda Townsend...I still have the big map from this! Here I am now 47 years old and have only had the chance to get back to a dream that started 31 years ago...
I now have the proper horse (Excalibur Legend), the proper training put into him, the time with many scarifices to achieve my goals, "some" money to invest in this sport and most importantly the desire to achieve my dreams... It has taken me this many years to finally see come to fruition...and God willing I am not done!
So, 31 years I got my first "taste" of this sport and it's only NOW that I am able to do this with many many scarifices along the way...
Try to hold some smaller events on the EAST Coast and why not approach the Quebecers to host an event in LA Piniere in St-Lazare? Is that not something that the Ontario riders could participate in?
As much as you want to grow the Association with the youth...please don't forget the "older" youth that wants to achieve the most that they can later on in life...some of us feels it's our last chance!
I completely agree with Nancy Z. startments as well...ditto-ditto-ditto!
I would not eliminate the need for a NEGATIVE Coggins...I have a breeding facility and need the reassurance that certain vaccines and Coggins are in place... All other places that I compete in ask for this...
If you were competing in any other equine related competition, if you didn't have the truck and trailer to haul your horse to the event - you would need to hire a transporter or go with a friend... either way there are expenses involved. All sports in my opinion have quite some fees attached to them...I don't believe that anyone can truly soften the blows of the costs...it's just the way that life is...
Enough said - I'm sure someone will add to this...thought I'd share my perspective for anyone who didn't know - it took me 31 years to be here with you today - I have appreciated all the weekend Seminars, pre ride talks, Spring training rides held in Stormont and have built up from there. One day when I am not so busy with training, breeding, competing, having a family, working, etc... you'll be sure to see me volonteer my time at your events!
Don't give up hope! Spread your words through community newspapers, magazines, tack shops, etc...
Hope this helps...from the little girl of 31 years ago!
Monica  |
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Post subject:
Posted: Nov 01, 2011 - 08:58 AM
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Joined: Apr 26, 2009
Posts: 29
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I joined OCTRA this year, (after a few years' reading the forum); I spent the spring fitting up my Arab/Welsh pony. However, as I am on a very limited income and do not own a truck & trailer, (and a family wedding in June), I was unable to attend any of the rides. I still hope to next year, but the cost of hiring someone to ship my pony is beyond my means; I did contact some members about sharing, but it didn't work out. Living just off the 401 doesn't even make it any easier!
However, ever optimistic, I hope to be out on the trails next year! I'll be the one on the chestnut pony! |
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summertime
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Post subject: Ride Thoughts
Posted: Jan 04, 2012 - 06:22 PM
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Joined: Jan 28, 2009
Posts: 2
Status: Offline
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I was glad to see a place on the OCTRA site where people with space in their trailers, or people looking for rides could meet.
I think that transportation to the rides is a major issue for most people who would like to compete. If you are doing Hunter/Jumper or Dressage and want to show it's a simple matter to hire a trailer for transport or share the transport cost with a friend. Unfortunately a good deal of our OCTRA rides are a long distance away from where we live and any trailer that was hired would have to be an exclusive ride and the cost would be prohibitive.
I think if we can get people to these rides we'll see a big increase in membership. A lot of us own horses but have no means of transportation. Very few persons starting out are blessed with enough money to buy a truck and trailer.
Let's hope the sharing works! |
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chrystal
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Post subject: RE: Ride Thoughts
Posted: Jan 06, 2012 - 06:11 AM
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Joined: Dec 06, 2008
Posts: 1088
Status: Offline
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It was due to this discussion that we put up the trailering space I hope people can get rides through it!!!
PLEASE remember if you do find someone to share a ride with that they are helping you out and be respectful, have your stuff ready on time, make sure your horse loads, be ready to look after yourself and your horse. And understand that trucks and trailers cost a lot of money in maintenance, insurance,certification and fuel. Be ready to pay for your ride.
Even if you cannot get your horse to a ride drive out and volunteer it is really a lot of fun and a great learning experience.
Chrystal |
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