Posted 2005-09-18 8:10 AM (#30546) Subject: Competitive trail rides
Member
Posts: 49 Location: Clarksville, Tennessee USA
I am trying to find some un-sanctioned competitive trail rides in region 5 (Illinois, Ky, TN, Missouri, Indiana, etc). Plan to compete next year, but would like to start with the less expensive, unsanctioned rides first before doing NATRC. Any information, and/or contacts would be greatly appreciated.
Posted 2005-09-18 3:11 PM (#30565 - in reply to #30546) Subject: RE: Competitive trail rides
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
Check the NATRC website. http://www.natrc.org/ They list all the sanctioned rides and clincs.(not what you are looking for, but a starting place) You might strike up a conversation with of the regulars about training and practice rides. Or talk to a ride manager about helping out.
It cost so much money to put on a ride, and the sanctioning cost is such a small portion of the total cost. That I'd be surprised to see many rides that are not sanctioned. It's just not cost effective. The cost of a ride is the Vet & Horsemanship judges, liability insurance, Forest Service fees, ribbons etc. Not the couple of dollars per rider that NATRC gets for sanctioning the event.
Go and volunteer to get your feet wet. Observe what the riders do and go home and practice. And the best way of all is just sign up as a Novice and go ride. Everybody will help you. After a ride or two you will be an old hand at it.
Competitive trail rides
