My OET story starts so many years ago—let’s just say when I was “younger.” I was introduced to OET thru a friend who took me to a horse camp being built in the Tillamook Forest. This camp was in its bare bones state, and I remember thinking, “what a huge project for a horse group to take on!” About that time, I ended up out of horses.
Time went by, and I had a chance to get back into horses. I found new friends and joined the NW Chapter, thanks to Jean Gregor. Imagine my surprise when I found out that the horse camp I’d seen all those years ago was now in my chapter’s “backyard”, and the camp was still called Stagecoach. I took that as a sign that OET was for me.
The first year in OET, I attended meetings, volunteered on SOLV day, and made connections in my chapter. Having our chapter host the State Ride was a crash course in the type of riding and camping I wanted to do, but I wasn’t sure if my horse and I were ready. With assurances from our then chapter chair, Rick Smith, I went, met more OET members, and realized that I was ready for this. I was also ready to step up and contribute more.
So, I became Trail Boss. Yeah, I know it’s not a huge step, but I had to start somewhere. I saw the need to raise funds for the Step Creek Trail Project and asked our chapter to support me in holding a fundraiser. I’d never done anything like that before, but thought that with the help of our NW Chapter members, we could have a successful fundraiser. Not only did that first fundraiser help with the Step Creek Project, the second one did as well!
In 2013, I took on the job of Chapter Chair. Again, I’ve never done anything like this. With the help of my chapter, I am trying to fulfill the mission statement of OET, as well as meet the needs of the agencies we work with. It has been a great experience, and I don’t regret a single moment of the work, stress, or mini-panic attacks that have occurred. Thank goodness for good friends and laughter! In 2017 I passed on my legacy to the next Chapter Chair.
Micheale Gordon
Northwest Chapter
Want to share your OET story? Email it to vpoutreach@oregonequestriantrails.org.
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