Interested in coming on an MTRA ride?
Here are some tips and info to help you out...
First make sure you have a copy of the
directions. MTRA rides all over the place so check the
website or Hoofbeats for directions to the ride. Also check
the Website or Hoofbeats for any extra instructions. For example,
most of the time you will need to pack a lunch and bring it with you in
saddle bags, but occassionaly we stop for lunch at a store so you can
buy lunch there if you prefer. Most of the rides begin at
9:30, so plan to leave home with enough time to travel, get your horse
unloaded, brushed, and tacked up for the 9:30 departure.
Make sure you pack for your horse in mind too. There is water
available at some of the rides, but it's not a bad idea to have some on
hand in your trailer. Please don't forget to bring a manure fork.
We need to keep parking areas tidy. The ride sponsor will let you
know if there is a spot for manure, if they want you to spread it, or if
you need to take it back home with you. A hay bag full of hay is a
standard item to pack. You'll want to keep your horse busy while
tied to the trailer.
When you arrive at the ride site you will need to "Sign Up". You'll probably have to ask around to find the sign up sheet, but don't
worry, most of us MTRA folks are pretty nice. All of us, member or
non-member, will be looking for the sign up sheet when we arrive.
All riders sign in on the sign up sheet. It allows us to keep
track of riders who are riding for year end awards and also to know how
many riders are on the ride that day so we don't loose anyone. If
you sign up and then choose to leave the ride please let one of the
outriders or the ride leader know. The sign up sheet asks for a $5
ride fee from MTRA members and Non-Members. One more note, all riders under
18 must be accompanied by an adult. The adult will have to sign
the Sign Up sheet for the child.
Trail terrain varies from ride to ride. Conditions may be rocky,
muddy, hilly, etc. We encourage riders to have their horses
shod or wearing boots. Quite often we ride on the roadside, so
your horse should be accustomed to cars. If you have an issue with
one of these conditions you may want to call ahead and talk to the ride
leader. Rides are a minimum of three hours long with some
being as long as five hours. (That's three to five hours of riding
time. Lunch break not included.) If your horse is unaccustomed to
long rides or rocky footing it may be a difficult day for him.
Most rides will have riders of all ages and ability levels
participating. For that reason we travel mainly at the walk.
An occassional trot to catch up is permitted. Use your horse sense
and be aware of the riders in front of an behind you. If someone
is riding a young horse be careful about trotting off or trotting up
behind them.. Cantering or loping
is allowed only if the ride sponsor is okay with it. Some ride
sponsors will have a safe spot picked out so that those that want to can
have a brief bit of fun. Safety first at all times. No
racing or high amounts of speed. A controlled canter or lope is
what we are looking for. (Besides, if your lunch is still in your
saddle bags, who knows what it will look like!) Please don't pass
at the canter unless the rider in front of you is okay with it.
You could cause a beginner rider to have a run away.
On the trail, keep a safe distance between your horse and the horse in
front of it. If your horse kicks please put a red ribbon in it's
tail. If you are behind a horse on the trail that has a red
ribbon, take extra caution not to get too close. On narrow trails
always ask another rider if it is okay to pass before doing so.
If you need help on the trail, don't be afraid to speak up. We
generally shout "Hold Up" if there is some sort of issue. Common
examples are a tack adjustment or a rider or group of riders getting too
far behind the group. We always have several outriders who wear
orange vests so you can pick them out easily. They are available
to help you. We also carry a first aid kit for horses and riders
on all rides as well as a basic farrier kit.
As previously mentioned, lunch is usually out on the trail. Hope
you remembered to put your lunch in your saddle bags! You will
also need to have a halter and lead rope with you. The ride leader
will pick a lunch spot with plenty of trees so you can tie up your horse
and have lunch with your new MTRA friends. Lunch break is
generally one hour so you and your horse can have a rest.
The ride leader will announce a 15 minute warning when lunch break is
nearing it's end.
Many of the rides allow folks to camp over for the night. Again,
check the info on the webpage or Hoofbeats for more info. Some
sites have water available, others do not. Some sites have
bathroom facilities, others do not.
If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact any club officer,
board member, or the ride leader.
Hope to see you out on the trails!
