My OET Story: Jenny Hill

Like so many OET members, I originally joined for the guidebook. I’ll admit, I was too shy to attend my local chapter meeting for about two years.

One day, I finally got up the courage to check out a meeting with my husband. We enjoyed the meeting and soon became monthly attendees. As we got to know the group, we got more involved in the Chapter’s activities. We volunteered for the annual poker ride, attended the Annual Roundup (membership meeting) with a group from our Chapter, and helped out at a work party.

As the years passed, we’ve become more and more involved. Last year, I went on my first over-night work party and camp out at Whitefish Horse Camp. During the work party, our team cleared 17 logs from the trail. I was so proud of our accomplishment, I text-ed my mom with the news.

She replied, “Thank you! Dad said he’s hiked that trail. We’ll think of your group the next time we go hiking.”

That’s when it hit me. Up until that moment I never really understood who clears the trails. It’s not the government—it’s folks like you and me. Folks who spend one hour here and two hours there to help maintain the trails, camps, and trail heads we love to visit with our equines.

When I was asked to consider the VP Marketing position, it didn’t take me long to say, “Yes.” I’m excited to share what OET has taught me—that you can make a difference. It doesn’t matter if you put in 100 volunteer hours a year or just pay your dues. Your support—big or small—helps us keep recreational areas open for equestrians.

So, if you’re thinking of joining just for the book, go for it! You never know where it may lead.

Cheers,

Jenny Hill
Past VP Marketing

Want to share your OET story? Email it to vpoutreach@oregonequestriantrails.org.