Summer/Fall News '24

The TRMHC was started by a group of people that came together after attending clinics held by an RMH breeder in the UK over the last few years. Some of these people owned RMH at the time and others have bought RMH since. All felt they wanted to learn more about the wonderful RMH breed, so sought to educate themselves and to become the best owner and ‘personal trainer’ for

their horses.

Over the past 2 years several clinics have been organised in the UK and brought some amazing trainers over to teach at them. The attendees were privileged to be taught by Chris and Tara Stone who flew in from the US, to help those of us in the UK start our journey with the RMH breed. Their extensive knowledge of riding and training gait, raising and starting horses, showing and so much more, which they are willing to share with us in Europe and the UK is so very important for us. Tara and Chris are now honorary guest members of the TRMHC and also fulfil an important role as US advisors to our Club, for which we are extremely grateful! Another trainer brought onboard was Leonie de Jong-Prins from The Netherlands. Leonie has been a mountain horse breeder for 15+ years, raising and training gaited horses, she has particular expertise in the rider’s posture and mobility and she has already helped many of us in the UK. Fortunately, Leonie is happy to travel across borders and, in addition to the original clinics, she has organized training tours in southern parts of the UK, where she has taught one-on-one lessons at people’s homes. Leonie is also a founder member of, and advisor to, the TRMH Club.

Online Monthly Photo Challenge submission

Since forming, the TRMHC has set up a Facebook group that can be found at Transatlantic Rocky Mountain Horse Club, and which provides information on the breed, the RMHA, lists some European breeders and gives other information on importing horses, buying, registration and certification, and gait. The Club also has another Facebook Group the TRMHC Members Group, which is a subscription-only members area that includes access to the monthly online challenges and the trail mileage program, along with discussions, news and notices of events available to all participating members. Payment of the annual participating member subscription also provides voting rights and discounted pricing on paid events.

The Club needs the help and support of participating members to be able to fund its future plans, including the website, so we aim to encourage current and future TRMH Club owners and breeders to become participating members and embark on this journey with us!

TRMHC members are already out and about taking part in social meet ups with trail rides, showing their RMH at local shows, Trec training, and endurance rides to name but a few events.

Some TRMHC participating members are also RMHA participating members and are taking part in the RMHA trail mileage program and Scavenger Hunt. At a recent online Club member’s meeting, one of our US advisors informed TRMHC participating members that RMHA members worldwide can participate in the global versatility program and encouraged TRMHC members to do so. The Club aims to investigate the opportunities for this and to promote and inform our members of these opportunities as well. RMHA membership is always encouraged by the Club.

TRMHC future plans:

• Connecting breeders and owners throughout Europe and the UK

• Promoting the Club as a way for Transatlantic members, to communicate their hopes, needs, wishes and concerns to the RMHA

• Create an educational website, which also includes an online European Breeders and Stallions directory

• Organize and write educational webinars and articles

• Future live training already planned for the UK:

• Biannual training tours with Leonie de Jong (beginning Sept 2024)

• Clinic with Chris and Tara Stone, 2025

• Explore possibilities for online showing/RMHA approved showing/class sponsorship

At the moment the events the Club can arrange will likely be held in the UK since the Club founders are there; however, the Club is looking for, and would welcome, enthusiastic people from the rest of Europe who would be keen on helping the Club grow and achieve its aim of connecting all European owners and breeders. So, if you have any thoughts for live or online events, or indeed any other ideas, please feel free to contact the Club directly at trmhclub@gmail.com or join the Club group and let us know your thoughts.

TRMHC needs your help to achieve its goals!