2010 Friends & Ambassador Award
The Nebraska Horse Trails Committee proudly honors those individuals who go above and beyond in supporting and advocating Nebraska horse trails. At the 2010 Nebraska Horse Expo, the Friends and Ambassador Award was presented to following three individuals whose contribution to the trail riders of Nebraska will have a lasting effect!
Pattianne Belitz of Omaha is been an active member of the Nebraska Horse Trails Committee and has served as its secretary for the last six years. An avid trail rider with involvement in other trail groups, Pattianne is an ambassador for good trail use, showing by example and by word why the preservation of trails is important to all trail riders.
Pattianne first started working with the NHTC while the group was clearing the Oak Creek Trail from Valparaiso to Brainard. She recruited help from other organizations as well as provided her own elbow grease. She served soup to the workers and still today, supplies the best brownies!
In addition to her work on the Oak Creek Trail, Pattianne has attended most of the NHTC workdays and clearing at Rock Creek Station, another favorite of Nebraska horse trail riders. She attended numerous meeting in support of horse trails at Rock Glen WMA, as well as encouraging others to attend. Representing the NHTC, she has met with other groups on the trail proposals at Cunningham Lake in Omaha. Pattianne has always volunteered for the successful NHTC fun days, a major fundraising event for our group.
For the past several years, Pattianne has serviced as chairman representing the NHTC at Nebraska Horse Expo. She has worked with volunteers in setting up the booth and has spent most of her time at Expo in the booth, visiting with Expo guests about the importance of horse trails in our state and encouraging riders to be more active by showing support or help with their local trails. Pattianne not only talks the talk, she walks the walk.
The Nebraska Horse Trails Committee is honored to have Pattianne Belitz as an active member of our organization and would like to honor her for volunteering her time to improving horse trails in our state as well as educating our peers the importance of being a good trail partner.
Brenda & John Wortman’s Turkey Creek Ranch
One of the best-kept secrets in Nebraska has been revealed: Turkey Creek Ranch. And since its discovery, it keeps getting better and better!
Turkey Creek Ranch is nestled in the bluffs above the Missouri River near Newcastle, Nebraska. Owners Brenda and John Wortman have opened their property to horse trail riders, offering day rides, camping, and even a rental cabin. As its popularity has increased, the Wortmans have watched and listened to the needs of their guests and grown with them. From cutting more trails to riding the trails with their guests, it is important to Brenda and John that riders experience a great time at Turkey Creek Ranch.
Over the last several years, additional campsites have been added, as well as electrical hookups. Corrals have been purchased for campers who prefer to stable their horses. John has continued to expand the trail system on their property so horse riders can enjoy views in all directions, including across the river to South Dakota.
Brenda and John go beyond simply being proprietors. They go out of their way to make guests feel welcome. It is not unusual for Brenda to come riding down on one of her Tennessee Walking horses to visit with guests and offer to show them the trails.
In addition, Brenda and John have supported the NHTC Trail Time program by donated lodging in their cabin to lucky Trail Time winners. They also provide use of their property to several local saddle clubs for annual rides.
Turkey Creek Ranch is a great example of how owners can work together with horse trail riders by sharing their land and expanding the trail system for the horse trail riders. Nebraska is lucky to have Turkey Creek Ranch as a friend of horse trails.
Past Honorees
2009 Anita Hertner
2009 Dwight Hanson
2009 Mary Hanson
2008 Vicki Fraser
2008 Vickie Sich
2008 Jamie Sich
2007 Fred Witte
2007 Kathy Newberg
2006 Tom Morrison
2006 Wayne Brandt
2006 Dan Schultz
2006 Tammy Vasa