Trail Riding
Wickenburg Desert Forest Competitive Trail Ride
By
Oct 26, 2007, 16:54

On March 14-16, 2008 there will be a N.A.T.R.C. (North American Trail Ride Conference) sanctioned competitive trail ride at The Everett Bowman Rodeo Grounds in Wickenburg, Arizona.

A competitive trail ride is not a race. Riders need to stay within their minimum and maximum time to finish the course. There will be check points along the trail to let you know if you need to speed up or slow down. Both horses and riders are judged and a scorecard for both horse and rider are given to the rider at the end of the ride. Horses are judged on conditioning, soundness, way of going and manners. Riders are judged on equitation as it applies to trail riding, safety, in hand presentation and care of their horse at camp. Horses will be tied to their trailers overnight.

Pulse and respiration (P & R) stops along the trail monitor the ability of the horse to handle the stress of the ride. On this ride, all P & R stops will be done after a mandatory distance. Horse water is provided in camp and on the trail.
This event is limited to 60 riders. The Open division will ride approximately 30 miles on Saturday and the 24 miles on Sunday at a pace of 5 miles per hour. The Competitive Pleasure (C.P.) division will ride approximately 20 miles on Saturday and 15 on Sunday at a pace of 3.5 to 4 miles per hour. Novice division is one day, Saturday, and will ride approximately 20 miles at a pace of 3.5 to 4 miles per hour. The horse must be at least 4 years old, 5 years old for the Open division. Junior riders must be at least 10 years of age.

There will be awards for all 1st Place horses and 1st Place riders, over all High Point horse and rider and ribbons through 6th Place in all classes. Hi-Point Breed awards will be given and special awards donated by sponsors.
The wildflowers should be in full bloom and the trails will be spectacular. Trails will be a combination of sandy washes, rocky canyons and the winding desert terrain. "Come Ride With Us!" and enjoy a fun and challenging weekend for both horse and rider. This is a great family event!

For entry forms contact the Secretary, Beni DeMattei at (480) 892-4120 or by email at beni2406@hotmail.com.
You may also contact the Ride Manager Rochelle Gribler (623) 925-9202 or by email at competitiverider@yahoo.com.

www.bridleandbit.com