Hoof Print - "You can do more than you think you can!" - Fall 2018 - Natrc
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Hoof Print Fall
2018
Photo by Lori McIntosh of
Photo by Bill Gore of Gore/Baylor Photography
Gore/Baylor Photography
“You can
do more
than you Photo by Lori McIntosh of Gore/Baylor Photography
think
you can!”
Hoof Print is the official publication of the North
American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC™)
and is published quarterly. Each issue contains
updated information from NATRC committees
and board meetings and informative articles on
trail riding and horse care. NATRC and Hoof
Print are devoted to educating and informing Fall 2018
the competitive trail rider. NATRC™ and the left
facing, hill climbing horse and rider are trade-
marks of the North American Trail Ride Confer-
ence, Inc.
2 President’s Message 18 Equitation Tip - Position
Up and Down Hills
Hoof Print is available electronically from 4 Champions Among Us -
www.natrc.org and in printed form by subscrip-
tion. Subscription rates for the printed edition Tevis Tales 19 Rule Change Proposals
are $15 per year for members; $25 per year for
non-members. Contact the National Office for
more information.
5 Champions Among Us - 22 Safety Concerns
The Adventure
Articles may be reprinted from Hoof Print with
permission from the editor. The following credit Continues 23 Statements
line must be used with each reprint: FOR and AGAINST
Reprinted from Hoof Print, official publica- 13 Why We Care About Rule Change Proposals
tion of the North American Trail Ride Confer- Progressive Heart
ence, (issue/year).
Rate Recovery 26 National BOD
NATRC and the Hoof Print staff are not respon-
sible for errors in spelling of horse and rider
Meeting Minutes
names. Artwork and photos used in Hoof Print 15 A Bone to Pick
32 Ride Results
are copyrighted material and may not be copied With Trail Riders
or used without express written permission from
the publisher.
16 Please Volunteer 36 Membership Form
Editorial policy: Contributions are welcome.
However, NATRC and Hoof Print do not neces-
sarily endorse or support the opinions ex-
17 Honorary and Appreciation
pressed in printed articles, advertisements, or Nominations
letters. The editor reserves the right to edit
material as necessary. Keep all letters to 250
words or less and include name, mailing ad-
dress and telephone number. No letters to the "The mission/vision/philosophy of NATRC has stood us in
editor will be printed if not signed. For more
information contact the editor (information be- good stead for well over 50 years now. Sticking with these
low). guidelines has allowed us to become the best at what we
Hoof Print Editor
Laurie Knuutila 907.590.4080
do — educating and informing horsemen and
wildrosepht@yahoo.com horsewomen about how to care for and manage their
Please refer all address changes to horses over long distance trail competitions. This is what
the NATRC office at the address below:
natrc@natrc.org or
we do and ."
NATRC PO Box 969 —Kim Cowart
Beatrice, NE 68310
On The Cover: Display Ads Submission Deadlines
Jonni Jewell Full page $275
Half page $150 Winter (Dec/Jan/Feb) Nov. 15
(top left, photo by Bill Gore), One-third page $100 Spring (Mar/Apr/May) Feb. 15
Sarah Rinne Quarter page $80 Summer (Jun/Jul/Aug) May 15
(top right, photo by Lori McIntosh), One-sixth page $50 Fall (Sep/Oct/Nov) Aug. 15
and Erin Glassman Ride/Clinic ad Half Price
Please make your check payable to NATRC;
(center, photo by Lori McIntosh), Email color 300dpi JPEG ad to mail ad information with payment to:
conquered Cougar Rock on the matefey@gmail.com.
Tevis trail while Karen Kafka Specify Hoof Print and topic in the subject line. Hoof Print, NATRC
Contact NATRC for discounts on consecutive PO Box 969
(bottom) hauled her horse about Beatrice, NE 68310
issue ads or ad specifications.
7000 miles to participate in the 303.688.1677
Knik River Ramble ride in Classified Ads
Alaska on the same 1X/Yr. 4X/Yr.
Up to 20 words $16 $60
weekend as the Tevis. Border ad/up to
Cougar Rock photos by Gore/Baylor Event Photogra-
30 words $25 $90
phy, used with permission. Photo ad/border/
Bottom photo by Kay Gunckel, 30 words $30 $105
used with permission.
Over word limit $.10/wrd $.10/wrd
Hoof Print / Fall 2018 1
Y ou can do it! Yes, you and your
horse can do more than you think
you can.
I prefer to be on my horse at
rides, but sometimes he or she wasn’t
ready, so I volunteered to do P&R’s –
like I
I felt
wanted to
For many new competitors, the it’s easy to learn how. I was judge’s pay our
thought of riding 20 miles in a day is secretary at a few rides; it doesn’t sport back
scary and seems insurmountable. require much training, and there is a for all the
Heaven forbid that one could ride 30 learning opportunity there for sure. I work oth-
miles at a faster pace and come out helped mark trail and learned how to ers had
alive at the end! But with minimum time it from another ride manager. I done, so I
conditioning, you discovered that you eased into bigger jobs by agreeing to ran for the regional board and eventu-
and your horse could manage 10 be the person in charge of food and ally became chair. And finally, after
miles. Then with moderate condition- beverages at a convention; it was one several years of hearing from our
ing, you found you could do 15, 17 or small step. national board reps about those meet-
20 miles in a day. So maybe you Then I took bigger steps by tak- ings and learning more about how the
worked a little harder in between, ing on more responsibilities for con- national organization was run, I real-
added some trotting, made your ventions and moved onto co-chairing ized that was something I really
weekend ride a bit longer or steeper them for many years. It was good wanted to try. And you probably know
or faster. You found you are ready for experience for managing events and the rest.
more than you thought. If you haven’t people. When I and a few other riders So I’m not trying to tell you the
done that yet, take a bigger step and found ourselves at a brand-new out- story of my NATRC life, but rather try-
give it a go. of-state ride that had no ride secretary ing to demonstrate that with one step
The same thing can apply to tak- or trail master, we split the jobs, and I at a time, you can take on greater
ing on a bigger job as a volunteer. I learned even more about running a responsibilities and try bigger things.
can tell you from personal experience ride. You can start your riding or volunteer-
that becoming President of our What came next? Our region ing goals one small step at a time.
National Board of Directors was never found itself in need of a newsletter
– ever – on my to-do list. It never editor, and I offered to give it a go. At Respectfully,
occurred to me that it was a job I the time, the editor was supposed to Angie Meroshnekoff
might be suited for until someone attend board meetings so - Wow - I President
asked me outright if I could do the job. learned that board members were real North American
I realized I was ready for that next big people, dealing with important issues Trail Ride Conference
step. So what built me up to this? in our sport and making it work.
Please report any changes in
your membership information
to the national office. Such
changes might include your
name, a move to a different
region, the sale of a horse, or
the addition of juniors in a fam-
ily membership - particularly if
a junior has a different last
name. It’s your responsibility to
keep your information up to
date.
Contact Sarah Rinne at
natrc@natrc.org or
303-688-1677
2 Hoof Print / Fall 2018
NATRC National Board Members
Region 1 Region 3 Region 5
Angie Meroshnekoff (2018) Kay Gunckel, DVM (2018) Bill Moore (2019)
awhitedog@aol.com drkaydvm@outlook.com beatarmy70@hotmail.com
Jamie Dieterich (2019) Bill Wingle (2020) Esther Diaguila (2020)
jamiek@gotsky.com wwingle@uncert.com borncountry@skippinghorse.com
Linda Thomason, Alt (2020) Sharon Roper, Alt (2019) Sallie Kudra, Alt (2018)
linda.thomason0610@gmail.com sjroper9345@gmail.com kudra@clemson.edu
Region 2 Region 4 Region 6
Mary Jo Malone (2019) Alice Perryman (2020) Shari Parys (2020)
maryjomalone@msn.com aliceperryman2@gmail.com katbalu96@aol.com
Bob Insko (2018) Gayle Muench (2018) Mary Hanson (2019)
rminsko@gmail.com gaylemuench@yahoo.com hrsdrv@yahoo.com
Audrey Pavia, Alt (2020) Elaine Swiss, Alt (2019) Marla Stucky, Alt (2018)
audrey@audreypavia.com swissranch@earthlink.net m.j.stucky79@gmail.com
NATRC National Board Officers North American
President: Treasurer: Trail Ride Conference
Angie Meroshnekoff Gayle Muench
awhitedog@aol.com gaylemuench@yahoo.com Mission Statement
Vice President: Executive Director:
Shari Parys Sarah Rinne The North American Trail Ride
katbalu96@aol.com natrc@natrc.org Conference (NATRC) promotes
horsemanship and horse care
Meet Our New Judges, Judge Applicants, as they apply to the sport of dis-
Apprentices and Provisionals tance riding by offering a variety
of challenging and educational
Members: Your comments to the Judges Committee on the following
applicants, apprentices or provisional judges are welcome. experiences designed to
strengthen horse and rider part-
Veterinary Judges nerships.
Applicant Apprentice
Catherine Hall, DVM (R5) Vivian Gay McWilliams Quam, DVM (R5)
Ryan Hagan, DVM (R6) Keri Riddick, DVM (R5)
Pat Regier, DVM (R6) Code of Ethics
Verona Chaffin, DVM (R6)
We, the NATRC National
Provisional
Susan Dent, DVM (R1)
Board of Directors, Executive
Director, judges, committee
Horsemanship Judges members, and employees are
Apprentice Provisional ambassadors of our sport wheth-
Lori Allen (R5) Lin Ward (R3) er at an organized event or infor-
Brenda Messick (R6) mal gathering. There is an
implied code of ethics to adhere
Veterinary and Horsemanship Judges:
to. This code of ethics dictates
▪ Has your address or phone number changed? Please notify the NATRC of-
fice of any changes. Indicate home and office numbers. that we behave professionally,
▪ Apprenticing must be done with an approved judge who has agreed to judge courteously and responsibly.
and supervise an apprentice. This includes:
Ride Chairs: ● Representing the sport in
▪ Secure your judges early. Remember, you must contact and secure your
a professional manner
judges well in advance of your ride date!
▪ For a current Judges List, please visit the website or contact the National Of- ● Being respectful when giv-
fice. ing an opinion
▪ If you have difficulty securing an NATRC judge, please contact the appropri- ● Substantiating information
ate Judges Committee chair: before giving an opinion
Veterinary Horsemanship ● Being kind and courteous
Pam Hess, DVM Kim Cowart to others
440/477-3474 (cell) 678/773-6038
phess@lec.edu kcneverrestranch@gmail.com
Hoof Print / Fall 2018 3
Tales From Tevis Finishers
Ted’s Tevis Sarah Rinne at Tevis Tevis Tales from the Tortoise
By Jonni Jewell Interview by Sheila Christiansen By Erin Glassman
A fter our last ride in November of
2017, I decided Ted and I needed
a break from the road. In April, after 5
I n August, I had the privilege of volun-
teering at the “Tevis Cup” endurance
ride. Touted as one of the toughest
“G o on. I’m not going anywhere
until she drinks,” I told Charlie as
he and the pack we had been riding
months off, I decided to go to the Pine endurance rides in the world, it is held with were gearing up to head to Fran-
Grove Giddy Up, our only NATRC ride annually on the weekend closest to the cisco’s.
in Arkansas, and one of my favorites. full moon in late July or early August on We had been moving out pretty
Sarah Rinne and I rode together, and the Western States Trail in northern fast in the California Loop. My dear
the talk turned towards Tevis as she California in the Sierra Nevada moun- friend, Charlie, was here from Australia
was prepping Tate. At some point she tains. It has been going on every year to get his Tevis buckle. He and I
said, “I wish you could ride Tevis with since 1955. It’s a big deal! tucked behind a seemingly knowledge-
me.” This was my fifth year volunteer- able group so we could make time on
I had tried a couple times to get ing. It has always been a thrill, but this this treacherous segment of the trail.
Ted ready but had cancelled the year was special because a friend from Rio and I had kept up all along,
entries because of Ted’s slight sound- Nebraska, my old stomping grounds, but I did not like that she had not been
ness issues in his front feet from all the was going to ride it for her first time! drinking much out on the trail. The air
hard miles in training. However, I had And it was the horse’s first time, as was still quite humid even after the sun
started using Easyboots over his well. Neither one had ever done a 100 had gone down, locking the heat in our
shoes on the rocky or hard packed miler before. On top of that, this horse, bodies. She had drunk well prior to
rides, and the cushioning was helping Silver Valley Tate, is a MORGAN, not Forest Hill and ate very intently at the
his feet immensely. At the end of the the typical Arabian that is most often mandatory hold, but she worried me as
tough, rocky Arkansas ride, he looked seen at Tevis. So they might have we approached the water tanks at Cal
great. been seen as ‘underdogs’. But…. 2.
At that point, I put Tevis kind of in After they went right ahead and Other people moved in and out of
the back of my mind, considering it, but successfully completed their ride, and the aid area at Cal 2 as Rio and I stood
not telling a soul (did not want to jinx earned the coveted buckle, I asked at the trough. She still (Continued on page 9)
it). We went to a 50-mile endurance Sarah if I could interview her for an arti-
ride a couple weeks later, and he fin- cle for NATRC. The following is that
ished sound and looked terrific. I interview:
decided to do some heat training but Me: We've all heard of the famous "Cougar
not pound his body and legs with lots Rock" and have seen the pictures. Now that
of training miles. A month after the 50, you have 'seen the elephant', what can you
we headed to Colo- (Continued on page 6) tell us about it? What's it really like? Is it
as big and bad as it looks and sounds?
Sarah: Cougar Rock! I was actually
surprised how quickly (Continued on page 6)
Photo by Fran Muench, used with permission Photo by Kim Cowart, used with permission Photo by Monika Remboldt, used with permission
4 Hoof Print / Fall 2018
The Adventure Continues
By Karen Kafka
California) and catch up. I asked her suggestions, I made an itinerary of
if she would like to go to Alaska with about 400 miles a day. My son helped
me and we could catch up on the me input all the stops. The beauty of
I n 2014, Lory Walls and I travelled
around the country with the goal of
riding in every region. In seven weeks
last 27 years. After a few days of talk-
ing it over with her husband she said
yes, so the trip was on!
the trucker’s GPS is that you start by
inputting how long and tall your rig is. It
automatically avoids side streets or
we attended six rides and had an epic The members of our expedition neighborhoods. (I also measured the
adventure. Since then I have been able would be Smokey Sedona (my MFT), height of my trailer in feet and meters
to go on other outings with the horses Sis (my husband’s mule and back up so I wouldn’t get stuck in Canada.)
(and mules), pony pooling and cara- ride if Smokey came up lame), Kaisier This GPS was also great in converting
vanning. Every one was a great learn- (my very protective German Shep- kilometers per hour to the standard
ing experience. herd), Janice Stone (animal lover but MPH. It was fun telling my husband I
I was bragging at a ride how non-horse person), and me. was doing 110 (but really only 68
Smokey and I had ridden in all the Many things were needed before mph).
regions when the Region 2 fact we hit the road. Luckily my equine den- I knew phone service would be
checker (Bob Insko) asked if I had rid- tist, Lisa Barnes, had a place in Alaska sketchy. Janice upped her Verizon
den in 1A (Alaska). I muttered, “I and one down here in Arizona. She coverage so we thought we would be
haven’t.” He said, “So you can’t say had made the trip about 40 times and set. Lesson learned, even with Verizon
that you have ridden in ALL the gave me a list of good stops. Her first you will not always have cell phone
regions.” At that point, the challenge and best suggestion was to buy a copy service.
was on. Life got in the way for the Fair- of the Mile Post 2018. It has a ton of Now on to the harder stuff. Horse
banks ride in 2017, so I set the goal of great information as well as a trip-plan- feed. Everyone has different ideas,
doing the Knik River Ramble in 2018. ning map. Getting International Equine every equine eats differently, and
I have learned that preparation to Health Certificates wasn’t a new expe- every region has different feed. This is
the point of flexibility is the best way to rience for my vet. I also got an Interna- what worked for me. I made up pack-
ensure a good adventure. However, tional Health Certificate for Kaiser, but ets to be fed nightly. Each included rice
there were some preparation obsta- Canada really only wanted to see that bran, soybean meal, electrolytes, flax
cles. My truck had to have a major he had a rabies vaccination. And of seed, beet pulp and Ulcer Guard. The
overhaul. After finding out that my very course passports for Janice and me. packets were nice. I had them in gallon
large trailer was thousands of pounds Another indispensable item was a zip lock bags so just added water and
over my truck’s rear axle capacity, I trucker’s Garmin GPS (I had the let them absorb before feeding. After
bought a new trailer and made sure it DEZEL model). Using Lisa’s numerous driving all day, it was (Continued on page 11)
had two spares. I bought four new tires
for the truck and put the four nearly
new old tires in the trailer hayrack.
One of the bigger difficult obsta-
cles was finding someone to go with
me; someone who wanted to be gone
for 5 weeks. Could it be that once they
had travelled with me, they didn’t want
to do it again? I tried to talk my hus-
band and adult children into coming
with me in shifts. I was willing to fly
them in to a drive point and to fly them
home. Still no takers. I knew I took
enough showers on the trips. Could it
be that being stuck in a truck with my
wonderful personality for days was not
appealing?
I was getting ready to do it alone
when my best friend from grade school
called to wish me a Happy Birthday in
May (we are 10 days apart). She said
she was having a hard time with this
birthday (60), but she was determined
to come to Phoenix (from Monterey,
Hoof Print / Fall 2018 5
(Continued from page 4…) Ted’s Tevis
rado for another endurance ride that Sarah and I rode alone most of the centered and balanced over all better
sounded like a great test of horses day. We rarely got stuck in packs or than many riders, and that may be part
over trails that were technical, rocky groups of other riders. of our success when we do endurance
and had climbs. Our original plan was Mentally, I ride vet check to vet rides. Riding crooked for miles and
to do 2 days of 50-mile rides, but my check. When we got to the first 1-hour miles will often make a horse go lame.
truck had other ideas, and we got to hold, I said “We are 1/3rd of the way Both of the horses were getting
the ride a day later than planned. So there!” The boys were eating and tired, as expected, but their pulses
we did just 1 day, but he handled it drinking well, and our pulse recoveries came down quickly at Francisco’s,
great, looked great, and I decided to often were quicker than other horses in which left us 15 miles to go. Our feet
send in my Tevis entry. It was just 6 the vet checks. Much of that, I believe, got wet as we crossed the river,
weeks away. was our NATRC training in head-down marked with floating glow sticks. It was
We do not have hills to train on in cues and to be relaxed and stand qui- flowing smoothly with the moon reflect-
this part of Texas, so we have to train etly. ing off its surface. One of those memo-
differently. I continued my riding during The heat of the day and the brutal ries that stays with you.
the heat of the day, doing a bit more canyons did not seem to be as hot to We were a tad behind my ideal
canter work, but rarely doing over 20 Sarah and me as to some of the other time, so we moved along towards our
miles. Ted had a great condition base riders. But the air was very heavy. final on-trail vet check. Again, the boys
from all the NATRC rides the previous While we could not smell it, the air had passed quickly, and we were on the
year, and he has the build to take on a smoke from some of the wildfires hun- home stretch. I kept calculating how far
ride like Tevis (good bone and sub- dreds of miles away. Nevertheless the we had to go and how long we had to
stance). But, at 18 years old and hav- horses kept chugging along, passing get there. I knew it would be within the
ing had previous foot issues, I knew vet checks, and finally we got to our 2nd last 15 minutes. Ted and Tate trotted
that would be his weak link. one hour hold. across No Hands Bridge and recog-
We arrived in Auburn a week Our crew took care of the horses nized where they were, as we had pre-
before the ride so Ted could settle in and prepped them for the 32 miles of ridden this part of the trail.
from so much travel. His best bud, darkness we had ahead by getting the A few miles from the end, we
Tate, arrived a few days later, and they glow sticks mounted on breast collars came across another rider who was
were happy to see each other. Our and making sure we had our head alone and moving a bit slow. We told
crew was mostly NATRC riders, judges lamps on if needed. I had never used her to get in behind us, and we’d get
and volunteers. We did final prep and my headlamp during the ride, but when her in on time. Onward we trotted.
talked logistics for the crew, and before we got underway, it was pitch black, so Finally, we could see the glow of
we knew it, we were headed up to ride I flipped mine on for a bit to get us on the finish line through the trees! I gave
camp. the correct trail. I ended up riding with out a call like a peacock, so our crew
We woke up around 3 AM Satur- it on for most of the night. It worked would know we were arriving. We
day morning to get ready for the ride well with Ted who was leading the came across the finish line together
start at 5:15. As we headed to the way, and as we were alone most of the with cheers from friends and strangers.
start, a volunteer sent us to the waiting time, we did not disrupt any other Then off to the grandstand arena for
area, but no other horses were there. horses or riders with our headlamps. our lap around and photo under the
Having a feeling that we were not The last 30 miles is when riders banner. But, it’s not over until we pass
where we should be, we went back to start to dig deep mentally. After only a that very final vet check. And yes,
the road and found ourselves last, few hours of sleep the night before, we horses have been pulled at the end for
behind over 140 horses. have now been awake 24 hours. We lameness or not being fit to continue.
The wait was not long, and we are usually getting sore, but we know We held our breath as we vetted
were on the move, breathing dust, we must stay focused to ride balanced through, and both got nods from the
passing some slower riders and mov- and help the horse as much as possi- vets. NOW we could celebrate!!
ing up in the pack. For the most part, ble. I think NATRC riders tend to ride
(Continued from page 4…) Sarah Rinne responsive to my cues, I would have lutely!
taken the bypass. Me: If someone told you they dream of
it was suddenly just in front of me, and You have to be able to direct your doing Tevis, what would you say, and how
I thought wow, the moment of reckon- horse within that momentum, particu- would you advise them to prepare?
ing is here! I watched Jonni Jewell, my larly at the last minute where you have Sarah: I’m all about supporting people
ride partner, go ahead of me...and to make a right hand turn for that last in their dreams of riding Tevis and
when her horse, Ted, scrambled and leap. It was definitely steeper than it chasing goals with their horses! With
went down to his knees while Jonni looks in any photo or video (and I that being said, not every horse is a
worked to stay centered, I admit I had reviewed and watched many prior to!). Tevis horse. This doesn’t mean you
second thoughts about attempting it. The footing is rocky, jagged, and slick need to have the perfect $50,000 horse
I wanted to go for it though, and I granite. Once I made the decision to go with flawless conformation or a proven
trusted Tate to get me up and over for it Tate had no trouble, but I had to record. It just means you need to know
safely. If I had been on a fractious really carry myself far forward on his your horse’s strengths and limitations,
horse or one that wasn’t particularly neck and commit my everything to the and determine if the strengths outweigh
push up! Would I do it again? Abso- the limitations, and if (Continued on page 7)
6 Hoof Print / Fall 2018
(Continued from page 6) Sarah Rinne
the limitations can be reduced or elimi- and Masterson Method body work. If success in the distance riding venue
nated through targeted training. you’re asking a horse to train and per- with a heavier muscled horse, it just
Unfortunately, it didn’t work out for form at this level, your level of care has might take more time and conditioning.
me to do the Tevis educational ride in to match. I realize some horses can get Long slow distance is key! Once
advance of the real ride, but I would by without all of that, but I see the your horse has a solid foundation of
highly recommend it so riders can see dream of completing Tevis as an condition, it is relatively easy to main-
what kind of terrain they are training investment and I wanted to do every- tain, as horses do not lose fitness as
for. The canyons are exceptionally thing in my power to set him up for suc- quickly as we humans do. For Tevis
tough and by far the most daunting part cess. specifically, heat training is essential.
of the ride, in my opinion. This is where I would also say, prepare yourself Most of us are inclined to ride our
most metabolic issues surface, due to as the rider. You don’t have to be an horses early in the morning or late eve-
the extreme heat and physical strain of Olympian or marathon runner, but fit- ning in the heat of the summer...you
approximately thirteen miles of steep ness is a huge asset. Tevis is grueling, need to do the opposite for Tevis.
descent and ascent through three can- both physically and mentally. It is dirty, It is equally important for both you
yons. exhausting, and exhilarating! Being and your horse to be trained and pre-
I would advise they develop a reasonably fit will make a big difference pared to ride hard in hot weather.
training program specifically for their in your success. If you’re overly Training your horse in comfortable tem-
horse...not one that was designed for fatigued and in pain, you may struggle peratures will likely set you both up for
someone else’s horse, or for a top ten to help your horse over those long hard trouble. The canyons are steep and
horse. Each horse is different, and you miles. hot. While training for Tevis, Tate and I
need to pay close attention to each Me: I met Tate for the first time at most often tacked up around 1:00 in
one’s specific needs. Know and under- Tevis. He's a big boy—16.1 hands and the afternoon and did 10-20 miles at a
stand their “norms” in terms of meta- well-muscled! What were the challenges to steady 5 to 6 mph pace. We also did a
bolic parameters and movement or keeping him in good shape as you did this lot of hill work, trotting and cantering up
soundness. Figure out the horse’s feed strenuous hot ride? How did you set him up steeper hills to develop his hindquar-
and supplement needs and be pre- for success while on trail? ters, aerobic fitness and lung capacity.
pared to adjust it with the intensity of Sarah: It is fair to say Tate is rather an Me: Coming from Nebraska, where there
training. Excellent maintenance and anomaly in terms of his metabolic abil- are no mountains on which to train, what
hoof care is essential. Tate’s shoes ity in relation to his size. He’s a natu- did you do to prepare your horse and
were reset every five weeks, and he rally metabolically efficient horse, which YOURSELF for this kind of terrain?
had monthly chiropractic, acupuncture, makes it much easier. You can have Sarah: I’m lucky to have rolling hills
which offer some challenge for my run-
ning and Tate’s conditioning. I started
prepping myself physically two years
ago by building up my running dis-
tances and lifting weights. I also did
targeted plyometric (“jump training”)
and core training. Strength and stamina
both benefited me at Tevis. I also
changed my eating and supplementing
(Continued on page 8)
Hoof Print / Fall 2018 7
(Continued from page 7) Sarah Rinne
habits so I was fueling my body for per- trail. My equitation training through your ride partner, Jonni?
formance. NATRC resulted in us having abso- Sarah: When Dwight and Mary asked
It was no different with Tate. Flat- lutely zero problematic surface factors me if I’d like to ride Tate at Pony
land horses can be successful at Tevis such as sore back, girth rubs/galls, or XPress in 2015, I reluctantly said yes,
with the right training. Now that I’ve rid- edema. Safety...number 1! I knew how mainly because I was at a point of not
den the Tevis canyons I will say you to manage my horse in a very chaotic, wanting to ride horses I didn’t know,
can’t truly prepare for them 100%, crowded. and fast start. NATRC is my especially in competition. But when I
unless you’re fortunate enough to live foundation! rode him, we just clicked...and I just
there and be able to train on the actual Me: When you were out there on that long thought to myself that with more devel-
trail. But there are many things, such hard trail, tell us about a moment that opment Tate had Tevis potential.
as interval and hill training, to get a flat- lifted your spirits. And tell us about a Fast forward to 2017...Hanson’s
land horse prepared to manage the moment you feel was your lowest point. put their faith and confidence in me to
canyons. Sarah: My lowest point was definitely train and condition this sweet boy for
Me: What part of Tevis was the most sur- in the canyons. Tate was really labor- Tevis. They invested in both of us, and
prising to you, or different than what you ing between the heat and smoke-filled I’ll be forever grateful for that!
had expected? air. I was thinking about pulling, until Jonni has been instrumental in my
Sarah: Definitely the canyons...they the vet at Deadwood assured me he planning and strategy...we spent hours
are not at all what I envisioned. While I was looking good, sounding good, and of NATRC rides traveling down the trail
was told they are very difficult and are absolutely fit to continue. He assured together while she shared Tevis tips
ridden in the worst heat of the day, you me that what my horse was experienc- with me along the way. At the time, nei-
still can’t get the full effect until you’re ing was normal. ther of us imagined we’d share the
on switchback number 35 knowing Highest point? So many to men- Tevis trail together...and what an honor
there are 37 yet to go! Now that I’ve tion! Sharing all one hundred miles with and privilege it was to ride my first
ridden it I have better knowledge and my great friend and mentor, Jonni Jew- Tevis with her!
know how I would boost my training in ell, cresting Cougar Rock, experiencing And my crew....wow! I had an
the future. Again, I highly recommend the beautiful High Country with its incredible crew consisting of my very
the educational ride to anyone planning incredible wild flowers (and I saw a dear friends who also happen to be
to do Tevis, if it’s an option. bear!), fording the American River exceptional horse people! They took
Me: What role do you feel your years com- under the Tevis moon, racing up that such great care of us and were a huge
peting in NATRC played in your success at last hill to the timed finish with lots of factor in our success.
this ride? cheering people even at 5:02 in the Me: If you were to do it all over again, will
Sarah: My years of experience with morning,...and of course the victory lap you? Is there anything you would change?
NATRC carried me through this ride. around McCann Stadium, followed by a Sarah: I plan to do it again someday! I
Because of my education with NATRC successful completion vet out! There is wouldn’t change a thing, because each
I know how to manage and care for my so much more, but those are the high- Tevis experience will be different no
horse pre-ride, on trail, and post ride. I lights! matter how you plan. Tevis WILL throw
know what it takes to get my horse to Me: What would you like to say about the you curves.
pulse down quickly and the importance people who helped you realize this dream, Me: Last comments, any message you
of keeping him eating and drinking on thinking of Tate's owners, your crew, and would like to put out there for the NATRC
folks? Or anything else you want to say?
Sarah: NATRC is the key to success,
whether you are shooting for Tevis,
competitive trail competition, or simply
recreational trail riding. It is a known
fact that Tevis riders with a NATRC
foundation have a higher completion
rate. NATRC teaches you exceptional
horse care, metabolic strategy and
management, and how to be a better
rider for your horse over long miles and
varied terrain. I should also note every
one of my amazing crew are a part of
my NATRC family...and they were
incredible! I would be remiss if I didn’t
mention the outpouring of encourage-
ment and support I received from my
NATRC family all over the country on
this journey!
And so, an NATRC-trained “long
shot” becomes an endurance legend --
at least in my book!
8 Hoof Print / Fall 2018(Continued from page 4) Tevis Tortoise
wasn’t drinking, but she was at least have assented if she could talk. We We learned to maintain a pace in
eating some wet alfalfa off of the top of kept moving on, and she started put- North American Trail Ride Conference
the water. “That’s good, she’ll get ting more spring in her step and will- and have applied these pacing lessons
some water with that hay,” counseled ingly trotted forward when I asked her. to our endurance career so far. Rio
the woman volunteer. I couldn’t see I looked at my watch. We could still and I both got our start in NATRC; she
her face, but she was kind. make cut-off time if we could keep was my second horse to compete on.
As I let her munch for a while, I pace, but it would be close. “Let’s not In our long slow distance, we got to
considered the possibilities. “Probably close this story down yet,” I willed my know one another. She and I took a
not easy to trailer out here, is it?” I ambition to Rio. “There’s still hope.” while to truly bond through our miles
asked another volunteer. “It’s definitely After an eternity of riding in the and obstacle work, but she taught me
not easy, plus you have to walk dark, we rode into a twinkling town of in her steadfast patience what her
straight up the hill to get to a trailer,” he fairy lights and festivity. Francisco’s is signs were and how I could tell if I was
replied. truly an oasis, and when we got there, getting too close to her boundaries.
Francisco’s would have vets, I we were roughly 15-20 minutes ahead She taught me to relax and to over-
reasoned, and I had heard that we of cutoff time. She pulsed down quickly come fear. Through her kindness, I
could be hauled out of there fairly eas- and was eating voraciously. We went gained back lost confidence, and I can
ily. I decided it didn’t seem like a good through the vet check immediately. I let never repay her. I will do my best to
idea to try to be hauled out of Cal 2. her eat a couple more minutes while I get close.
She wasn’t acting too tired or like she went to the bathroom and Saints Eliza- Charlie and I rode the remaining 8
would be in trouble; she was just not beth, Laura and Karen, volunteers and miles to McCann together, crossing the
drinking like I thought she should. I dear friends all wrapped into three finish line at the same time and sealing
vowed that I would do whatever I beings, gave me Gatorade, water- a fraternity we will share throughout
needed to do to keep her healthy. melon and some ginger pills for my our lives. I had to fight hard not to cry
She’s not just a horse, she’s my family slightly queasy stomach. It was here as we neared the finish line, when we
and a soul companion. that Rio squashed any doubt that we crossed it, and when we did our victory
I thought about electrolytes. Our could make it; she seemed as strong lap.
last dose was at Forest Hill. I knew she as ever and I felt deep down that she Once more, Rio had proven she
hadn’t been drinking, and no water would be fine. She told me so in her had what it takes to finish one of the
plus electrolytes could also get her into demeanor. most difficult endurance rides in the
trouble. I elected to give none. I made We got back on the trail shortly world; I have been gifted with an amaz-
the call to move on. after that, and we kept our forward ing horse!
“We’re going to walk to Francis- pace, edging up and falling back from
co’s if anyone is worried or needs to other riders as we found our way
know,” I told the volunteers as we through the moonlight. At Lower
checked out. I mounted up and started Quarry, I found Charlie again, resting
away. We walked for quite a way. The his horse a bit. It’s always amazing to
distance between Cal 2 and Francis- me that when you do what pace your
co’s is only 7 miles, but in the dark by horse needs on their own, they tend to
yourself it seems like 70. We found a catch up anyway, much like the tor-
water trough about 3.5 miles in. Relief toise and the hare. There is no need to
swept over me as she drank heartily. try to race in terrain like this, especially
She drank again along the way when it’s a far cry from what you train
and I asked her, “We just needed to do in. The key to finishing here is main-
Rio, didn’t we girl?” I think she would taining forward motion.
Erin wrote in an email about her Tevis ride:
“I think so many more of us could
definitely do it! I hope that by writing the
process and talking about those of us who
have it might inspire some others to reach
for the stars!! It's such an incredible
journey, and I truly think it changes you.”
Hoof Print / Fall 2018 9Erin and Rio
during their
Tevis ride.
Photo by Monika Remboldt,
used with permission
Jonni and Ted
during their
Tevis ride.
Photo by Fran Muench,
used with permission
Quick Tips -
What Judges Are Looking For…
Uphills
○ Angle upper body forward from hips ○ Maintain soft rein contact
○ Transfer some weight through ○ Allow horse to use head for
Sarah and Tate and Jonni and
thighs to stirrups balance Ted at the Tevis finish line.
○ Be light in saddle, not out of ○ OK to hang onto mane Photo by Dominique Cognee/kumbavisual.com,
used with permission
saddle; Don’t stand up
10 Hoof Print / Fall 2018(Continued from page 5) Adventure Continues
nice not having to measure and ‘fix’ Our next stop was an RV park the forest. I checked on them about
anything. My vet had also supplied me that let us park and take out Smokey every 2 hours and knew the mule
with a fantastically stocked vet kit, and Sis. A good stop, water, electricity, would raise a ruckus if something
which I fortunately had to use only and sewer dump for $45. We even had came in to camp. Luckily, it was an
once. pizza delivered for dinner! uneventful night. (We did not stay there
I packed two bales of alfalfa and Next was at Stone Mountain Safa- on the way back.)
one Bermuda grass. I also brought ris in Toad River, British Colombia. It The next day we left Canada and
along six bags of alfalfa pellets. Tractor was a fantastic bed and breakfast in a entered Alaska, no paperwork glitches
Supply has compressed hay and can beautiful setting. The equines were there either. We spent the night in Tok,
be found near most highway Walmart treated to a lush grazing turn out with a Alaska, and it was there I started notic-
stores. fresh flowing stream for their water ing that everyone had antlers in their
On July 9 we set out on our jour- source. I hadn’t been using sheets or yards - caribou, moose, elk, etc. Janice
ney. Our first overnight was Panguitch, blankets since the weather had been and I had a chance to go to a market
UT - Triple C Stables. A huge facility almost perfect, and the “animules” took and do our laundry. Curious to us was
near the interstate. Next night was in advantage of a moist hollow to become that there was a long wait for one of
Tremonton, UT - Box Elder Fair- absolutely filthy. the six showers at the laundromat. We
grounds. Everything was going The next day took us to the Liard came to find out that almost every rural
smoothly, even the stops at Walmart Hot Springs. For a $5 entry fee into the laundromat had showers.
for food and things forgotten. park you got to enjoy an incredible Saturday, July 21 we arrived at
Janice would call ahead to our soak in very hot mineral water. Our the Saddle Up Arena near Palmer, AK.
night’s stopping place to give them a skin stayed wonderful for days! The It was a very beautiful place and well
head’s up, and we knew we had a horses enjoyed the stop to drink and maintained. Smokey and Sis thor-
place. Our third night tested our plan. chill out in the horse trailer. We also oughly enjoyed their grass half acre
The proposed stop in Great Falls, MT started spotting wildlife alongside the turn out with a lean to. We enjoyed the
no longer did overnights. They did rec- road after the hot springs - black bear, peace and quiet. Hay is very expensive
ommend a place along the way. It was brown bear, bison, deer, elk, moose, in Alaska. The local feed store was out
a very nice overnight, stalls opening on and stone sheep along with numerous of alfalfa and when I saw the $54 price
to an outside run. This was our most large ravens. I asked if it was for a half ton. The gal
expensive night - $35 per horse and Our next stop was the Continental behind the counter said, “No that is for
$25 for the trailer. Divide Gas Station/store and RV spot. a heavy 80# bale.” I had to pick up my
Our next day saw us crossing into It wasn’t perfect, but for $20 we jaw since I pay $14 dollars for a beauti-
Canada. We did have to stop and take dumped our septic, filled the 70 gallons ful 110# bale of alfalfa at home!
our paperwork inside, but everything of horse water, filled the RV water I had already changed my feeding
went smoothly. storage, and pulled around to a tree- schedule to soaked pellets and their
Our stop for the night was unique. shaded round pen and spent the night. protein pack at night because every-
There is a tack shop 1½ hours north of We were able to drive past White- where we spent the night they had
Calgary. It is the largest in Canada, but horse and head for Destruction Bay. grass to eat. They would then get hay
it is in the middle of nowhere. We had This is where it got interesting. The gas in the trailer for breakfast and the day.
been told they had free stalls for the station/restaurant had an RV lot next So while I was in Palmer I fed soaked
night. Covered pipe pens, water, turn door, but the manager said we could pellets day and night since they were
out arena. All for FREE! We did spend not take the horses out. I was on grass pasture.
over $200 in the store, but we shopped extremely tired of driving and wanted We had a wonderful week getting
for 3 hours! The place is huge, and it to stop, but he said there was an RV ready for the ride. I would condition a
had everything including $9 bales of park 1 ½ hours away that was horse day and the next day let them pasture,
timothy/alfalfa and shavings for the friendly. Janice called them, they said and Janice and I would be tourists. I
trailer. Although they didn’t sell bear they had stalls, so we went forward. made sure I got into the Knik River
spray, I did find a string of three nice Two hours later we arrived at a once or twice; being from the desert, I
bear bells I was sure I would need. cute little place and pulled in to a nice wasn’t too sure what Smokey would do
Irvine’s Tack and Western Wear, RV spot. No stalls were to be found, with so much water. He handled it like
Crossfields, Alberta, Canada, best stop but we could high line them between the trooper he has been.
ever! We stayed there for 3 nights to trees. At this point the manager came Janice and I had a great time
let the “animules” rest. out to us and asked the young man sightseeing and souvenir shopping in
Sunday saw us hitting the road who was helping us, ”Have you told Palmer, Anchorage, and Wasilla. We
again and headed to Grande Prairie, them?” Told us what?! “A grizzly bear also got to visit at the local reindeer
Alberta. We were now traveling has been visiting the camp.” farm. We fed the reindeer herd and
through fields and fields of yellow Outfitters had not had any prob- petted the moose, yak, bison, rabbits,
canola. We stayed at Evergreen lems with their pack string, but since and elk. Did you know Rudolph had to
Equestrian Center, mostly a racetrack the bear had been there 3 days ago, be a girl? But that is a whole nother
facility. I chose an outside round pen she wanted to let us know. I couldn’t story.
away from the crowds instead of being drive any further safely, so I high lined Friday morning Smokey got his
in the huge inside barn. Smokey nearest to people and long bath. We had a good check in, sound
tied Sis to a tree between Smokey and and a MAW of 4. I (Continued on page 12)
Hoof Print / Fall 2018 11(Continued from page 11) Adventure Continues
felt I deserved a medal for getting him We spent one more night at the Teaching me to travel with my
there sound. I was pleasantly surprised Saddle Up Arena. The equines horse has been one of the best things
at the high level of horsemanship. Not enjoyed their turnout once more, and NATRC has given me. Knowing that I
sure what I had expected, but with hav- we enjoyed a peaceful night. Monday have a safety net has let me explore
ing only one ride per year, the Alas- morning we back tracked home. When the United States with confidence and I
kans did great. we got to Tok, Sis went Native! have enjoyed the ride!
Saturday morning started off with- Back in to Canada. The interna-
out a hitch. I was excited to try out my tional health certificate is good for 60
new bear bells and a little surprised days, so paperwork was a breeze
that very few riders had bells. When I again. We drove past the Grizzly Bear
finally asked, I was told the locals RV Park and made it to Destruction
called them dinner bells. So much for Bay. There was a barren RV park next
that great idea. to the one that wouldn’t let us take the
The well-marked trails were beau- horses out. Janice went up to the office
tiful. No dust, lush vegetation every- door and there was a note, drop $30 in
where, and streams. I was able to the box and you can spend the night. It
eventually pair up with Cath who was wasn’t very full, so we pulled in way in
trying out a Tennessee Walker mare the back, took the equines out and
for purchase. The mare was very good enjoyed the water and electricity.
about Smokey in the front and the Another $20 night at the Continental
pace he kept. Cath was very gracious divide.
to answer all my questions about the After we crossed back in to the
vegetation and local animals. states, we took a side trip to Yellow-
Smokey did very well on all his stone. Saw bison and grizzly bear, a
P&R’s - no points lost and even his few thousand tourists, and Old Faithful.
difficult metabolics like hydration were My truck only gave me a little grief
the best of any of his rides. Pretty good on the last day of our travels. Found
for an 18-year-old. It was supposed to out later that pounds of bugs were
rain on Sunday, but the weather turned clogging an air filter causing the engine
out perfect. We did get to do a little breathing problems and overheating.
river walk with salmon spawning on our But in Flagstaff it began to rain, the
right bank and a peek at a glacier most rain we had had on the trip. It Karen gets a hug at the finish line from
before stepping into the woods. What a cooled the engine, and we made it timer Margie Insko (also from R2) while
glorious ride! Well done, ride manager, home. No tickets and no tire damage – Smokey enjoys the view.
Pete, and trailmaster, Jen! a very successful trip.
—Bill Dorrance
12 Hoof Print / Fall 2018Why We Care About
Progressive Heart
Rate Recovery
Jamie Dieterich, Ph.D.
C ompetitive trail riding is an
aerobic activity, meaning the
muscles produce energy for
recovery pulse during (P&R stops)
and after (Cardiac Recovery Index)
the ride. The most obvious is to
pulse readings. Pay attention to the
numbers the veterinary judge calls
out for mucous membranes and
locomotion in the presence of improve the horse’s fitness. A heart capillary refill.
oxygen. This oxygen is delivered rate (HR) monitor is a valuable tool Emotional factors sometimes
by the blood pumped around the to keep track of a horse’s HR. The can’t be avoided (golf carts
body by the heart. As the intensity resting HR won’t change, but with zooming around, the buddy horse
of the exercise increases, the heart conditioning, the working HR will leaving), but training and exposure
beats faster to deliver more oxygen gradually decrease as the horse’s to a wide array of situations can
to the cells. Once the horse stops cardiovascular system becomes help reduce a horse’s adverse
the exercise, the heart rate of a fit more efficient. With aerobic work, reactions.
horse quickly diminishes. the HR should be between 120- Conditioning in the heat and
The pulse is the most reliable 150. high humidity help the horse adapt
and also the easiest parameter to After a solid base of long slow to better be able to cope in a
measure the condition or fitness of distance (LSD), increase the pace competition. The rider can help the
the horse. NATRC rides allow a OR the distance – not both at once horse at the ride by using tack that
10-minute rest period at pulse and - of conditioning rides. Strength covers as little of the body surface
respiration (P&R) stops before training in the form of hill work, as possible, braiding the mane,
measuring the recovery pulse. A sand work, fartleks (short sprints), pouring water on the large blood
recovery pulse of 12 or fewer beats and interval training (more intense vessels of the neck, offering the
in 15 seconds indicates optimum speed work, say up to 180-200 chance to drink at every
conditioning. On the other hand, a bpm for 2-3 minutes) can help opportunity, and using electrolytes
persistently elevated heart rate can lower the working HR for a given before the horse gets dehydrated.
indicate several things: fatigue, set of conditions. The muscles and A heart rate monitor is an
dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, bones will also become stronger excellent tool to monitor a horse’s
excess heat of metabolism, or pain. which in turn will help prevent heart rate during and after training
The exercise has exceeded the injuries that lead to pain and in turn rides to help keep track of the
horse’s conditioning for the to higher heart rates. progress of improved fitness that
environmental factors and/or Keeping the horse well relates to better adaptation to the
terrain. hydrated before the ride, travelling stress of the activity. The more you
There are several things riders to the ride, and competing in the know about how your horse is
can do to improve their horse’s ride will contribute to improved doing, the more you can do to help.
Reminder About Year-End Awards and Breed Awards
1. To be eligible for year-end awards, NATRC membership dues must be paid by the second Sunday in
November, the end of the Ride Year.
2. Many breed organizations sponsor year-end high point breed awards. Memberships in NATRC and the breed
association are required, so be sure to keep your breed association membership current.
3. It is the responsibility of the owner of the horse to accurately report/verify the horse’s breed to NATRC.
4. Questions about the horse and/or rider records should be directed to NATRC, natrc@natrc.org.
Hoof Print / Fall 2018 13NATRC
Student Loan
Program
S tudent loans are available up to
$5,000 per person per year, at
the discretion of the NATRC Nation-
al Board of Directors, after proper
application has been submitted.
Preference will be given to a
full-time student who has been a
member of NATRC or whose family
has been an active member for at
least three years. Consideration will
also be given to a student or a stu-
dent’s family who has been an ac-
tive member of NATRC for less than
three years but more than six
months.
A loan will be made based up-
on financial need, scholastic
achievement, and character of the
applicant as determined by the Stu-
dent Loan/Scholarship Committee.
A loan is to be repaid in month-
"Safe, Fun, Challenging - ly installments with an annual inter-
est rate of 3% charged on that loan,
beginning not later than six months
following graduation or when the
recipient ceases to be a full-time
student.
For an application, contact the
NATRC Executive Director at
natrc@natrc.org, or download
NATRC Student Loan Application.
Please complete the form in
Word or as an interactive PDF and
submit via email to the NATRC Ex-
ecutive Director at natrc@natrc.org.
14 Hoof Print / Fall 2018with their horse. I To be able to calm a horse that is
would say four out losing its manure on a trail is a badge
of five of the trail of honour that is worth more than any
people say some- blue ribbon. When on the other side of
thing like, “Oh not every new turn in the trail lies in waiting
much. I just trail a horse-eating emu, it is the experi-
ride,” or “I just like enced trail rider that will see them to
to putter around on safety. When behind every bush hides
the trail,” or “We the shadow of the grim reaper ready to
are not serious. We unleash mayhem and death, it is the
just like to ride out trail rider that will slay death.
in the bush (for- Nobody should ever apologize for
est).” being “just” a trail rider. Stand proud.
They tell me Be the best you can be at what you do
they trail ride as if and you will never have to feel second-
they have to apolo- class to any other horse person.
gize for it. It’s as if Remember you are the
there is some sort WARRIOR CLASS.
of shame to being
a trail rider and
they are the sec-
ond-class citizens
of the horse world. Ross Jacobs began his horse interest
Well, I’m go- at an early age working at a riding school
ing to tell you that in Sydney, Australia. By the age of 15, he
trail riders are not was starting horses and teaching show
second-class horse jumping. At 18, he attended a university
people. and earned a PhD in physiology. His horse
They are the WAR- life took a hiatus while he pursued a career
RIOR CLASS of in medical research. After 15 years, he
By Ross Jacobs, Australian Horseman the horse world. returned to horses and began starting and
Photo by Jonni Jewell, used with permission I have come re-educating horses, as well as teaching
across plenty of horsemanship.
people who have Jacobs has traveled many thousands
I ’ve got a bone to pick, and it might had long and highly successful compe-
surprise you to know it is with b-l-o-o- tition careers that wish they had a
d-y trail riders. I get quite a few trail horse they could safely ride on a trail.
of miles up and down the eastern half of
Australia on solo treks. There is nothing he
enjoys more than to be camping in the bush
riders coming to my clinics and so I They practice their exercises in the for months at a time with his horses. A dif-
have enough experience and ammuni- safe confines of a riding facility where ferent form of bond forms between human
tion to make a legitimate complaint. the most startling and unpredictable and horse when spending every day being
Actually, I have two complaints. The thing that can happen is that the horse co-dependent on each other.
first is easy and I can deal with it in one gets its tiptoes wet on the water jump, These days, Jacobs primarily teaches
short paragraph, but the second de- or it has to cope with a judge placing a horsemanship and travels throughout Aus-
serves a rant. rosette on its bridle. Heaven forbid tralia and North America teaching clinics.
Okay. First up, about half of those those precious gold-plated ponies with He has penned several horsemanship
that mainly do trail riding describe their diamante browbands would have books and numerous articles. Learn more
themselves as “pleasure riders.” Stop any sort of challenge that would cause about Ross Jacobs at
it. We are all pleasure riders! I hope we their makeup to run. http://www.goodhorsemanship.com.au/.
all ride for pleasure – even profession- To train a good trail horse is proof
al horse people. Being a good horse of a person’s skill as a horseman or
person is hard and dangerous work, so woman. Creek crossings, steep de-
if you don’t love it, the other rewards scents on slippery ground, swampy
(financial, accolades, ribbons) are not ground, branches brushing the sides,
sufficient enough to make it worth- carcasses of decaying dead animals,
while. So trail riders should stop trying inconsiderate car drivers, and bike rid-
to appropriate the term “pleasure rid- ers are the things of nightmares for
er.” many horses trained in other disci-
Now the second and more impor- plines. But, for a good trail horse and
tant reason I am cranky at trail riders is their rider with a spine made of tung-
their attitude. sten they are nothing more than anoth-
Whenever I meet a new student at er point of interest on their sightseeing
a clinic, I ask them what do they do tour.
Hoof Print / Fall 2018 15By Angie Meroshnekoff
S o you say you love our sport?
Then show it. Please
Volunteer!
secretary with paperwork, stuffing
ride packets, wash – fold – and
collate rider bibs.
bulk email but rarely get a
response. If you can do any of
these jobs and have a bit of time,
The short version is that we Have time on ride weekend – don’t wait for someone to call you
need more volunteers. It takes even one day? Do P&R’s, it’s – please call them.
almost as many people to run a easy to learn how. Be a gate The other side of the coin is
ride as there are riders, although minder (bring a good book and getting more ride managers. I
some multi-talented ride relax for a change), be a camp often hear riders wonder why
managers can make it work with gopher helping the manager, there aren’t more rides to attend.
fewer. It takes a village as the secretary or judges with small Why doesn’t “somebody” put on a
saying goes. The biggest struggle details. ride in this beautiful park or on
for ride managers is usually If you have the whole that great ranch? Why? Because
where to find people to help, so weekend available, offer to cook, it takes someone like you who
they are on the phone and email be a judge’s secretary – you can knows the location and has ridden
begging for help from a generally get on-the-job training for this one there to realize that a ride could
small pool of non-riders. and will learn a whole lot. If you happen there. Then you can ask
So, if you want to “pay it are a current member and can other ride managers in your
back” to those who put on rides, read a rule book, offer to be the region for help and mentoring to
call them up and offer to help. rules interpreter; it is not a get that job done. You don’t have
You don’t need a fancy skill. technical job, and you will be to go it alone for this part.
If you have don’t have time chauffeured and fed the whole Don’t just assume “someone”
on the ride weekend, offer to help weekend. else is going to do the job. Step
mark trail before the ride or take Ride managers usually don’t up and offer to do it yourself, large
down markers after the ride. Offer know who might be willing and job or small. It takes all of us.
to assist the very busy ride available, so they’ll send out a
Please remember to submit
the ride information/entry form
to the Sanction Chair for
approval before you publish
or post on RMS or no later
than 8 weeks before your
ride.
16 Hoof Print / Fall 2018You can also read
