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March 2026 Newsletter

The March 2026 newsletter is HERE, including the current ride schedule, a member spotlight, highlights of special awards, and other news.  

Do you have a suggestion for a future newsletter topic?  A question about ECTRA rules or awards? Pictures or stories from a ride to share?  Please send them to Carolyn Blocker.

February 2026 Newsletter

Read more about the annual meeting, new board members, volunteer opportunities and more!  Click HERE to access the newsletter.

ECTRA ANNUAL MEETING

All ECTRA members are encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting. This is your opportunity to hear updates from the Board, participate in important discussions, and be part of shaping the future of our organization.
 
  • What to expect:
    • Organization updates & business items
    • One featured speaker
    • Year-end awards announcements
    • Raffles
    • Discussion on the direction of ECTRA moving forward.
Whether you’re a long-time member or newer to the organization, your voice matters. Engagement from our membership is what keeps ECTRA strong.
Please mark your calendar — we hope to see you there.
 
For link information contact Carolyn Blocker

Upcoming BOD Meetings

 August 25

September 22

October 27

ECTRA members are invited to attend all board meetings the last Monday of every month, starting at 7:00 p.m. The Zoom link is a recurring list, i.e., it is the same for all board meetings. The link is posted on the ECTRA calendar or email Carolyn Blocker.

Announcing the Keystone Classic CTR Series!

The ride managers (Millie TurnerKaterina Procyk, and Carolyn Blocker) of the three ECTRA competitive trail rides in Pennsylvania are thrilled to announce a special award for any horse/rider team who completes any distance in each of the three rides: 7 Mountains, Crooked Creek (brand new!), and Mucklertaz Run. We will keep track of each rider/horse team, and you don’t have to do anything special other than enter and ride (R&T and equathon counts, too!).
 
For those who are familiar with the Old Dominion Triple Crown Award, the rules for the Keystone Klassic are similar.
The Keystone Klassic Series is open to a rider/horse team who complete any distance, including a competitive trail ride (CTR), conditioning distance ride (CDR), and ride and tie/equathon, in all three ECTRA-sanctioned competitive trail rides in Pennsylvania (Seven Mountains, Crooked Creek, and Mucklertaz Run).
 
The purpose of the Keystone Klassic Series is to challenge a horse/rider team to compete in each competitive Pennsylvania trail ride while choosing the distances that work for them.
 
The Keystone Klassic Series is modeled after the Old Dominion Triple Crown, plus a couple of bonuses.
 
What are the basic rules?
 
1. The rider must be a current ECTRA member (or Ride and Tie Association member).
 
2. The same horse/rider team must complete all three rides: Seven Mountains, Crooked Creek, and Mucklertaz Run.
 
3. Riders are free to mix and match the distances. For example, the same horse/rider team may do the 25- or 30-mile CTR in all three rides; one CDR and two CTRs; or one equathon, one CTR, and one CDR.
 
4. Each mile ridden counts as a point. Each horse/rider team can choose either full (scored) vetting or pass/fail. For a R&T or equathon, each mile of the total distance of the race counts as one point.
 
5. No separate entry blank or fee is required – just enter the rides and we’ll keep track.
 
What are the awards?
 
• A special inaugural Keystone Klassic Series award
 
• A credit for $30 off an entry fee on one of next year’s (2026) Keystone Klassic Series rides for completing the CTR (25- or 30-mile ride) in all three rides or $15 for completing a mix of distances.
 
• A fancy “Achievement Certificate” to show that you really did it!
 
• Your name, your horse’s name, and your lofty accomplishment in the ECTRA newsletter and social media.
 
• For horse/rider teams who complete the CTR (25 or 30 miles) at all three rides:
 
–A $25 gift certificate donated by Mary Coleman of Country Aire Farm.
 
–The highest scoring rider (full vetting) receives a free entry to a Keystone Klassic Series ride of their choice in 2026!
 
 
• If you enter and start all three of the Keystone Klassic Series rides but do not finish, you will still receive a Keystone Klassic Series credit just for meeting the challenge.

Board of Directors Meeting

The next Board of Directors Meeting will be held on March 10th at 7pm.  Check your email for the Zoom link if you are a current ECTRA member.

Topics to include:

  • Meet your new officers
  • Resolutions on past motions
  • 2024 Award Announcements

Winter Get-A-Way CANCELLED!

The Annual Membership Meeting will be held Monday, February 24, 2024 at 7pm via Zoom.  Members will be emailed the Zoom link.

ECTRA NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2025

Important information in this month’s newsletter including information about ECTRA’s Getaway at the end of February and the slate of candidates for 2025 Thank you for everyone who has served ECTRA and who is joining the board next year. Access the newsletter HERE!

ECTRA Winter Get-A-Way Sign Up

Happy New Year!  It’s time again for ECTRA’s annual Getaway where we celebrate 2024 accomplishments and learn about the latest hot topics. 
 
We have two fabulous speakers lined up, so mark your calendars and send in your registration for February 28-March 2.  Click HERE for information and registration form. Register ONLINE HERE!