Happy Spring
Welcome to Altoona Trail Riders
Dedicated to preserving equestrian trails, participating in community service and promoting family fun.
january 2026
Thursday, January 1
Monthly meeting, 7PM, Altoona school.
Happy New Year's Day
January 8-11
Serenity Farms Campout, Inverness.
Thursday, January 15
Day ride at Fechtel Ranch (Lower Wekiva River State Park Preserve. You can camp if you want. You must call the ranger to pay for day riding or camping, 407-553-4348. Ride out at 10 AM. Bring lunch to eat after the ride. There are restrooms, mounting blocks and water for horses.
Saturday, FEBRUARY 7 ***** date change
Day Ride at Inglis Island. Ride out at 10 AM. Bring lunch to eat after the ride. There is a restroom, mounting blocks and water for horses.
february 2026
Thursday, February 5
Monthly meeting, Altoona School, 7PM. Refreshments will be served.
February 12-15
Campout at Shangri-La on the Greenways. Everyone to make their own
reservations with reserve.floridastateparks.org. Camping is primitive with bath house, pavilion, mounting blocks, water for horses.
Friday, February 20
Day ride at Doe Lake. Ride out at 10AM. Cost is $10. Or you can camp for the weekend through Kerry Young. Restrooms on site, water for horses.
Saturday, February 28
Progressive dinner ride, starting at Paige and John Chassis's place. 11 AM .
march 2026
Thursday, March 5
Monthly meeting, 7 PM, Altoona School.
Refreshments will be served.
Saturday, March 7
ATR Yard Sale, 8AM - 1PM, Central Avenue, Umatilla
Thursday, March 19
Day ride - Tiger Bay State Forest, ride out at 10 AM. Bring lunch to eat after the ride.
March 26 - 29
Campout - Colt Creek State Park. Everyone to make their own reservations with the rangers, 863-815-6761.
April 2026
Thursday, April 2
Monthly meeting, Altoona School, 7PM.
Saturday, April 4
Lake George Conservation Area day ride
Thursday, April 16
Half Moon WMA day ride
April 23 - 26
Campout at Hitching Post Trails farm. Let Ron know if you want to be in the drawing for electric . Elec sites are limited. Unlimited primitive site, bathhouse. Pens.
About Us
Come ride with us!
We have monthly day rides and campouts with horses. We have monthly meetings on the first Thursday of the month at 7PM at the Altoona School, SR 19, Altoona. Visitors are always welcomed.
The Trails we Ride
We ride many different trails in the north Central Florida area including the Ocala National Forest, the Florida Greenway Trails, Sunnyhill Trails, Ocklawaha Prairie and state forests, parks and preserves.
Join Us On The Trail
Visitors are welcome to come ride with us and will have to pay a day membership fee of $10. ATR enforces Nicole's Law - an approved helmet is required for those 16 and under when riding horses on public lands.
Current newsletter
Message from your president :
Altoona Trail Riders Newsletter March 2026
OFFICERS DIRECTORS Michelle McWilliams, President Contact info: email markmichellworks@aol.com or Text 352-636-6430Ron Smith, Vice President/Trail Boss Contact info: email trails4me@aol.comRenee Lewis, SecretaryPaige Chassie, Treasurer
Directors: John Dalziel, Jerry Harrington, Libby McDermott, Karen Szabo
Message from your President: We survived!! For those who might have missed it we just pulled off the largest group ride during my time as President! Whew! We started strong with 48 butts in the saddle and ended somewhere in the low 30's that made it from start to finish. I've said it before "Being President will be a continually learning experience". Sure you gain some experience in handling situations, learn to make better preparations for events and even find a way to make difficult things work but nothing ever goes exactly as planned. Yesterday was an excellent example of just that. Definitely found areas where I need to improve especially when dealing with larger number of riders. Overall the ride went smoothly. All riders and volunteers made it back safely. No one missed a morsel of the delicious food provided by the members. So give yourselves a round of applause! You all did a TERRIFIC job helping make this ride one to remember.
Believe it or don't I think members are finally starting to get the concept of RSVPing. Days before the ride I had a total of 63 planning to attend as either a rider (51) or non rider (12). At the end of Saturday we had a final total of 59 in attendance with 48 riders and 11 non riders. Off the original RSVP list 14 people canceled, no showed or went from being a rider to non rider. So that left me with approx 8 Day of Add ons which included 1 new member and 1 day ride participant. So I'd say that is improvement. Let's finish the year RSVP strong!
By now many of you may have received calls from our Nominating committee. I was surprised at the limited "YES" responses they received. As it currently stands we do not have enough candidates running to fill out the entire Board. We are about three members short of the full eight that is required. I completely understand the responsibility and commitment it takes from ones personal life to fill any one of these positions. I also get that many of you have served on various Boards or volunteered your time elsewhere for years while working and now in retirement you just want to show up and have fun. I get it! However without the necessary leadership this Club cannot go on. Yes, we did get several new members but per ATR Bylaws you may not run for a Board position until you have been a member in good standing for one full year. So unfortunately they cannot even run if they were asked and wanted to. So I am sending out a plea to all long standing members, anyone who has been a member for longer than one year, to really think about running for the Board. Please reach out to me or any other Board members if you have questions about what is required, how much responsibility there really is or even just to see what the pros and cons are of being on the Board. You can sure bet I did the same thing when I was considering running for President. I asked more than one former President and other Board members. It can be a great way to bring fresh ideas to events as well as helping improve areas where we may be struggling. We also take nominations from the floor at the March 5th meeting so if you've reconsidered and wish to run speak then or reach out to me before hand. Thanks for your consideration on this matter.
I've updated ride information so be sure to check Facebook and see what shenanigans lie ahead. If you would like an electric spot at our last campout of the season be sure to let Ron Smith know so he can add your name to the March 5th drawing. We are asking for a $40 NON REFUNDABLE deposit down for those who get an electric site. We have reserved the whole place so we want to make sure we fill it up. You will need to pay deposit at the March 5th meeting and if you are unable to attend meeting please make arrangements to get payment in immediately, either by mail or in person at any of the March events. Deadline for deposit will be April 2nd at the Monthly General Meeting. If a deposit has not been recieved your spot will then be available to other members.
If any of you have made it this far I would like to encourage everyone to attend this Thursday's March 5th meeting. I will be asking for member input on a potential ride for next year and would like as many members as possible to help make a decision about the opportunity to rent out Shangri-La campground as a whole. Remeber this is YOUR club so speak up and help us plan for next year.
Calendar:
March:Monday March 2nd - BackCountry Work Day - Meet at two different places at 9:00AM. Some folks meet Jerry at FR 49 where the Blue/White crosses it. He will take a group to Ridge Trail where it needs a lot of trimming for thick bushes and face slappers. We need 4 people to meet at Karen's house where she and Ron will take folks to Turtle Trail to do some clearing. Bring water, gloves, bug spray and your tools. Let us know who will be coming to help out.
Thurs. March 5th - ATR Monthly Meeting at the Altoona School at 7pm. Address: 42630 FL-19, Altoona, FL 32702. Social time 7PM, meeting at 7:15 PM. Refreshments served. We will be drawing for electric sites at Hitching Post Trails campout in April 23rd -26th. There are 6 electric sites available. Cost is $30 per night and $10 per horse so $40 per night. You will be required to put down a $40 NON REFUNDABLE deposit if your name is drawn to guarantee your spot at this meeting. We will announce who is running for the 2026/2027 ATR Board. We will also be accepting nominations from the floor for anyone who needed more time to think about running.
Saturday. March 7th - ATR Yard Sale : Come out and shop from 8am to 2pm. Location : 449 N. Central Ave, Umatilla, FL 32784 (former Joe and Dan Junk Store).
Saturday, March 14th NOT AN ATR EVENT Customer Appreciation/33rd Anniversary for Dan's Discount Feed at Altoona Station. Fun starts at 11 am. Address : 43300 State Road 19N, Altoona, FL 32702. Food, Raffles and Great Deals! Be sure to stop by and say Thanks to Dan and crew for all their support and excellent service provided to our members.
Thurs. March 19th - Tiger Bay State Forest Day Ride : Ride out at 10am. Last 10am ride start. It will be 2 days late but let's get those St Patrick Day decoration out! Go Green! Bring your lunch to enjoy at the trailhead after the ride. Dessert provided by Club. Must go to Florida State Forest website to pay your day fee. Bring your lunch to enjoy at the trailhead after the ride Pass Details - Florida State Forests
Directions: 4316 W. International Speedway Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32124.35 miles from Altoona. Turn left onto CR 42E (19 miles). Turn left onto FL44E (2.8 miles)at traffic circle take the 2nd exit continue on 44 (150ft) to next traffic circle to continue on 44(1.4 miles). Turn left onto FL-15 AltN/N Spring Garden Ave (1.8 miles). Turn right onto International Speedway Blvd (9.7 miles) Turn left onto Brick Road/Old Deland Road (50ft) entrance into Tiger Bay State Forest.
Saturday, March 21st - Camp Boggy Creek Family Day : Not an ATR event but many members volunteer their time and horse for the day. Contact Danielle at 407-529-4538 if you can help. Volunteers will help lead horses, be side walkers for campers while riding, help with handing out helmets or help getting campers on and off the horse. If you have questions please reach out to Danielle.
Thurs. March 26th - 20th - Colt Creek Campout : Primitive camping only. There is a bath house within driving distance. Must make your own reservation through reserve.floridastateparks.org. All meals on your own. There are some who like to go out to dinner so if you wish to join them just let Trail Boss Ron Smith know once you get to camp.
April :Thurs. April 2nd - ATR Monthly Meeting at the Altoona School at 7pm. Address: 42630 FL-19, Altoona, FL 32702. Social time 7PM, meeting at 7:15 PM. Refreshments served. It's time to VOTE! Be sure to come to this meeting to vote for your candidate for the 2026/2027 ATR Board. If you are unable to attend there is the option of mailing in your vote (7 days prior to April 2nd) or having another bring it to the meeting in a sealed envelope. ARTICLE IV (Membership Meetings; Voting & Trail Safety)SECTION 2: Members may vote by absentee ballot when the following conditions are met:
· A completed ballot form, signed and dated by the member, is delivered to a member of the Committee counting ballots in a sealed envelope at the April meeting by a member in good standing.
· If the member chooses to mail their completed, signed & dated absentee ballot it must be postmarked seven (7) days prior to the date of the April meeting.
Saturday April 4th - Lake George Day Ride : Ride out time 9:30 am. Make note we are now back to earlier ride out time to get ahead of the heat!!! There are restrooms and wide open parking. Bring lunch to enjoy at trailhead after the ride. We do cross a small country road to get on the trails. We will ride down to the lake. Directions: 37 miles from Altoona. Head north on FL-19N (10miles) Turn right onto CR 445A (4.1 miles) Turn right onto FL-40E (9.5 miles) Turn left onto US-17N (10 miles) Turn left onto Clayton Ave/Lake George Road (0.2 miles) Turn right onto Church Street (200ft) Turn left onto Lake George Road (2.4 miles) Entrance will be on the right.
Thurs. April 16th - Halfmoon Day Ride : Ride out at 9:30 am. Bring your lunch to enjoy after the ride at the trailhead. Directions: 6014 FL-44 Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538 From Altoona, Go west on CR 42 to the end in Pedro, approximately 30 miles. Go left(south) on CR 475 all the way to the end at SR 44, approximately 4 miles. Go right(west) on SR 44 for approximately 6 miles. Look for Half Moon WMA signs. Turn RIGHT onto CR 247 for 4 miles to the Half Moon parking area on the left.
Thurs. April 23rd - Sunday April 26th - Hitching Post Trails Campout : Last campout of the season. We have the whole place to ourselves. All reservations go through Trail Boss Ron Smith. You can ride right off the property onto the Cross Florida Greenway Trails, in the Spider Kingdom Section of the Greenway. There are maps available on site. Sites are shaded with fourteen 12 X 12 pens near by for horses which are also in the shade. There is plenty of room for those who wish to go primitive. There is a bathhouse and a small covered picnic table area. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash at ALL times and be sure to clean up waste after. Cost is $30 per night plus a $10 horse on property fee so $40 per night for 3 nights is $120. All meals on your own. Of course we will be close to some good restaurants so there will a group going out for dinner. Please let TrailBoss Ron Smith know if you wish to join this group. Since will be within 30 minutes of numerous tack stores I'm sure we will find ourselves taking a day trip after riding to support the local horse communities. Friday and Saturday evening after dinner (since it'll be daylight till 9pm!!) we will have some fun activities planned. Bring a dessert to share Friday night. Directions : 10623 Southeast 19th Court, Ocala, FL 34480. From Altoona : Turn right onto Hwy 42 West go 22 miles, turn right onto 27 N/US-441 N and go 7.6. Turn left onto SE 110th Street and go 2.7 miles. Turn right onto SE 19th Court and go 0.3 miles. Hitching Post will be on the right.
Sunshine Committee: If you or any member you know gets hurt, suffers a loss or just needs some SUNSHINE please reach out to Sue Michel our Fabulous Sunshine Committee via text at 352-212-7027 or email suebrascia@gmail.com.
Trail Manners ⦁ Be on time. Be saddled, mounted and ready to ride at the appointed time.⦁ No dogs on the trails. Dogs must be leashed at all times when attending day rides and campouts.⦁ Do not pass the Trail Leader or drop behind the Drag Rider unless given permission.⦁ Do not pass, come up behind or run toward other horses at a high speed. Horses can become frightened or surprised and may spook causing someone to get hurt. ⦁ Ride at the ability level and speed of the LEAST experienced horse and rider. This is a club ride not your personal ride. Please respect that others may not be as comfortable riding the same way you ride. All rides should be at a controlled pace. ⦁ Speak up. If the group is moving too quickly or slowly-others may feel the same way. Do not let the group get out of your sight especially if you are unfamiliar with the trails. Let the Trail Leader know if a problem arises.⦁ Keep a safe distance between you and the horse in front of you. This will allow you to view the trail ahead of you and prevent your horse from being kicked.⦁ Use appropriate tail ribbons for horses that kick. Need red tail ribbons⦁ 16 and UNDER MUST WEAR A HELMET. This is a Florida State law, "Nicole's Law" Section 773.06 of the Florida Statutes.⦁ Stay with a dismounted rider. If someone needs to dismount the whole group needs to stop and wait for the rider to remount before resuming the ride. When necessary a few riders who are familiar with the area can stay behind with a dismounted rider until they remount or help arrives. No rider is to be left alone. ⦁ Clean up after your horse. Pick up manure or spread it according to the rules of where you are. Do not clean your trailers out when you unload. ⦁ Safety meeting will be held just prior to beginning the ride. Please give your full attention to the person leading the talk. ⦁ Passing on the Trail. If you must pass another rider call out “Passing on your Left or Right” ⦁ Most importantly - have fun and be safe!
THE MEANING OF ......RSVPWhat does RSVP mean? It is French (repondez s'il vous plait). Translated to English it means "please reply" or in common terms: Please reply to the Trail Boss and let them know you are going to their event!!!!
Why do we ask you to RSVP? The Trail Boss or Ride Host needs to know how many people will attend so they can prepare beverages and food for those coming. If side-dishes are to be brought to share, it is nice to know what's coming in. So 10 people don't all bring chips! Maybe the RSVP helps the Trail Boss plan parking for all the trailers on ride property-easier if you know not only how many but sizing of trailers too. Also if for any reason a ride must be canceled at last minute we can try to reach you BEFORE you load up and drive.
So please RSVP when asked to the upcoming rides and events. Please take a courtesy moment call/text/Facebook/email the Trail Boss or Ride Host to let them know you will attend. Just as important please call/text/Facebook/email them if your plans change and you are no longer able to attend.
