7th Annual Fall Roundup Fundraiser

PALMYRA

The Southern Kettle Moraine Horse Trail Association (SKMHTA) held its 7th Annual Fall Roundup Fundraiser on Sept. 17 at Horseriders Campground in Palmyra.

The event was the group’s most successful fundraiser to date, raising more than $4,730, topping last year’s totals by over $1,500. Proceeds from this annual event are used to maintain and improve the horse trails and campground in the Southern Kettle Moraine. The event was organized by Event Coordinato, Char Simdon, and staffed by SKMHTA members.

Events for the day included a group trail ride with horse themed trivia questions posted along the trail for riders to solve a crossword puzzle.Beautiful weather was appreciated by both weekend campers and day visitors, bringing 100+ attendees throughout the day to the family friendly event.

New this year, SKMHTA Junior members contributed a special “Kids Corner” with guessing games, activities and prizes just for kids. This table was created and staffed entirely by the group’s youngest SKMHTA members: Bailey LeRoy and Caydance McPhail. both 7, and Mason Reichenberger, 5. Racer Placers, Inc donated use of a portable corral for a game guessing the height and weight of a draft horse and a miniature horse.

The event was entirely supported by local donations. Thanks to the support, the group has been able to make many improvements over the past years including the electrification of 29 campsites and pavilion at Horseriders’ Campground, kiosk installation, purchase and maintenance of the Viele Loop portable toilet, donation to The Palmyra Corral Project, development of the Wilton Road rest stop, installation of color coded maps, and construction and maintenance of the Obstacle Course Trail at the Highway S trails in Eagle.

Additionally, the group has installed hitching posts and mounting blocks throughout the trail system and also conducts multiple trail cleanups throughout the riding season.

Upcoming projects include upgrading the hitching posts at the Highway S trailhead in Eagle, installing concrete manure pits to replace the dilapidated wooden pits at Horserider’s Campground in Palmyra, and development of a new day parking lot to provide additional access to trails west of Horserider’s Campground. The manure pit and parking lot projects in particular are in need of additional donations or sponsors. Donations are always accepted and can be made online at www.skmhta.com.

SKMHTA is a family-friendly organization offering a variety of equestrian activities in a social setting with support for horse trails and campgrounds in the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest.