Saddle Sore Riders CLUB
We are a pure riding club.
We want to: "Get the backyard horse out of the backyard!"
President's Letter
Howdy Saddle Sore Riders,
Wow! January has sure flown by like a mustang across the plains. We've had some downright fantastic rides that have set the bar high for the rest of the year. Kicking off on January 1st, Danny Gonzales hosted a trail ride at Chino Hills State Park, with 19 of our riders saddlin’ up to start the year off right. What a fantastic way to ring in the new year!
Not to be outdone, Cindy Merritt led a thrilling ride and campout at Lake Perris. Nineteen riders, including our sprightly young cowpokes aged 5 and 11, tackled the trails for over 8 miles through rolling hills and stunning vistas. These youngsters completed their first ride all on their own—a proud moment for all of us, showing they truly are the future of Saddle Sore Riders!
The nights might’ve been cold, but thanks to Brian Motley and his mighty fine bonfires, our spirits and bodies stayed warm.
Now, hold onto your hats because February is lookin' to keep up the pace with some outstanding rides lined up. We’ve got the Glory to God Ride on the 8th and a Sweetheart Ride on the 15th—perfect for bringin' along your darlin'.
For those who appreciate a good visual, head on over to our Facebook page. Cindy Merritt, our historian, has been doing a bang-up job capturing and collecting snapshots from every event. It’s worth takin’ a gander at the amazing photos and videos she’s corralled on our group page.
As y’all know, this year marks our 40th anniversary. We’ve been receivin’ kudos and congratulations from every corner, and we ain’t done yet! Circle September 27 on your calendars, as we’re plannin’ a grand shindig to celebrate this milestone. We want every last one of ya there, especially our lifetime members and past presidents.
Now, a little bird told me we’re aimin’ to rope in 200 members this year. Remember, you don’t need to own a horse to join the fun at Saddle Sore Riders. If each family brought just one new member, we’d surpass our goal faster than a jackrabbit on a date!
Let's take to heart what Craig Groeschel said, “Success won’t come from some big step you take in the future. Success starts with small steps today.”
Until we meet again, may God bless the trails you ride.
Happy Trails,
Don
President
Saddle Sore Riders, Inc.®
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Officers, Board, and Standing Chairpersons
2025 OFFICERS
PRESIDENT Don Pettinger 909-636-2130 bulldwgs@aol.com
VICE-PRESIDENT MayLynn Motley 951-965-1724 maylynn.motley@yahoo.com
SECRETARY Megan Carson 951-204-5451 megancarson@live.com
TREASURER Alicia Ziegenbein 951-316-5529 treasurer.ssr@yahoo.com
Mike McCarthy (shadowing) 714-357-8800 4mhorseranch@gmail.com
BOARDMEMBERS
Danny Gonzalez (IPP elected in 2025) 951-642-1362 dkgranch@gmail.com
Cindy Merritt (25-26) 951-250-6492 cmerritt4x@gmail.com
Tammy Kapec (24-25) 951-515-9442 tkapec@hotmail.com
Rona Meyers (25-26) 951-233-3250 ucla78@aol.com
Jeanne Kelly (24-25) 951-204-2924 cowgirljk@msn.com
STANDING CHAIRPERSONS
THE CAGE Joann Vidinoff 760-220-1688 mjvidinoff@yahoo.com
COUNTRY STORE Rona Meyers 951-233-3250 ucla78@aol.com
EQUIPMENT MGR Mike Meyers 951-809-7812 wmmeyers52@att.net
EVENT SIGNS Martin Garcia 951-703-9341 marting19823@gmail.com
HISTORIAN Cindy Merritt 951-250-6492 cmerritt4x@gmail.com
MEMBERSHIP Karen Gonzalez 909-229-4986 dkgranch@gmail.com
NOOSELETTER Pam Witham 951-206-5555 4withams@sbcglobal.net
OUTRIDER /SECURITY Danny Gonzalez 951-642-1362 dkgranch@gmail.com
WEBMISTRESS/PUBLICITY Michelle Marshall 909-816-3441 mrsbryant@msn.com