RIDGE RIDERS

Our February ride at Galisteo Basin was cancelled due to Mother Nature’s non-cooperation; she's no better in March. We will schedule our next ride for a later date, probably in April when hopefully, it will be drier.

Rides are limited to 12 participants, including the leader. Until we get a new ride manager, to register for a ride, or if you have suggestions for upcoming trailrides, please contact Trish at 505-670-3446 or trish_hug@hotmail.com. 


Ride Rules

  • Ride information (directions, length, terrain description, any special skill requirements ie: crossing water) will be posted on the website once the ride is made available. All riders are responsible for checking the ride information ahead of time.
  • Rides are limited to 12 riders.
  • Riders age 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Riders must contact Joanne with their name and phone number to reserve a place: 520-975-9551 or joanneburkardt@yahoo.com
  • If we need to cancel a ride it will be done at least 24 hours ahead of the ride-start time and those who made reservations will be called.
  • All riders are responsible for bringing their own food/snacks/water, as well as water for their horse (some locations will have water available).
  • Riders must sign in with the Trail Boss at the trailhead; this sign-in will serve as a release.
  • Appropriate equine headgear and saddles are required; please put a bosal, hackamore, side-pull, or bitted headstall over your halter. Barefoot horses are the responsibility of the individual rider.
  • Never feel embarrassed to wear a helmet – it’s your head you are protecting.

   

The Trail Boss will choose a route and speed (usually paced to the least experienced rider) which will make a safe, fun ride for everyone. Remember, not everyone is an experienced rider, and most horses are not bomb proof. Before you think of going on a trail ride, you and your horse should have mastered the basic skills of stop, go, and turning in both directions; ability to cross water is helpful too. Check your tack to make sure it’s in good repair. Let someone know where you are riding. Have ID on your person and on your saddle; carry your cell phone on your person – your horse can’t use it should he run off with it in your saddlebags.
 

Ride Etiquette

  • Never ride ahead of the Trail Boss – it makes him very grouchy, and you might miss a turn. Always stay in front of the Drag Rider. Both of these rules can be broken if permission is given by the Trail Boss and the Drag Rider.
  • Never ride away when a rider is off their horse and/or trying to mount up. This can cause panic in the horse left behind.
  • If you have to stop anywhere on the trail, inform the Trail Boss or the Drag Rider and the whole group will stop. The Trail Boss will then decide to either wait until the rider is ready to proceed, or to continue, leaving the disabled rider with the Drag Rider.
  • Don’t pass the person in front of you without a warning alert, ie: "Passing left".
  • Do not ride nose to tail; the horse in front will not like it and may kick to prove the point, your knee being in the prime “kick” zone.
  • Tie a red ribbon in the tail of a known kicker.
  • When climbing up or down a hill, keep a horse-length between your horse and the one in front; do not run up or down hills.
  • At water crossings, always leave room for horses to cross, but don’t ride off until all horses have had a chance to drink and cross.
  • Make sure all riders agree before trotting or cantering on the trail. When one rider wishes to slow up, everyone slows up; that way the “herd” stays together.
  • If you must run your horse (never a good idea in a group of four or more) hold back at least a quarter mile and run towards the group, stopping, and then calmly catching up when you get close to the rest of the horses. Never run up on or past a horse on the trail.
  • If the ride is on marked trails, stay on the trail; on off-trail rides, try not to ride single file as that will create a trail.
  • Leave gates as you find them
  • Show courtesy to others who share the trails.
  • If you see a dangerous situation, alert the Trail Boss.


Thou Shalt Nots:

  • No alcohol or drugs on the trail

  • No smoking

  • No firearms allowed except those authorized by the Trail Boss

  • No stallions

  • No dogs

  • No littering

 

Photos of Previous Trailrides


Please send your photos of rides to trish_hug@hotmail.com.
Simply attach JPEGs to an email. No need to crop or reduce the size.