Trail Rides

Webmaster: David Herbert

Trail Rides

Welcome to Old Dominion Gaited Horse trail riding information page! The objective of this program is to offer fun, noncompetitive trail rides for our members and friends. Based on the responses to a recent survey, we have selected several different trail riding locales and activities. The dates for these locales were picked to maximize the experience for each season and avoid conflicts with other major rides or gaited horse shows. Dates are subject to change depending upon weather and ground conditions.

Prior to each ride, details will be emailed and posted on the ODGHA Yahoo group. Some rides will be easy enough for any novice, while others may be challenging enough to entertain a more experienced rider.

Here’s a few basic trail etiquette rules that all should follow while on a ride:

· Stay on the designated trails.

· Stay with the pace of the other riders.

· Do not increase speed, pass or suddenly stop without asking or informing others.

· Keep a safe distance from other horses, at least one horse length, more going downhill.

· Place a red ribbon on horses prone to kicking or biting

· Be courteous to other riders, horses and others we encounter on the trail.

· Leave no trace behind you to preserve the beauty of the natural environment.

ODGHA policies require that all riders sign a release of liability prior to club-sponsored rides. This form requests that you wear an ASTM/SEI approved riding helmet. In addition, remember to carry water for yourself and your horse, and any medications (such as bee allergy or diabetic aids) that you may possibly need outdoors.

We hope to see all of you out there on the trails! Thank you!

You can contact the Trail Boss at Elizabeth@lacy-family.com.

Calendar of Trail-Riding Activities for 2012
Date	Location	Description
January 1^st	Orlean Community Trail System	New Year’s Day Ride
February	no ride planned	Due to expectation of winter weather
March 24^th	Virginia Arboreteum / Blandy Farm Boyce, VA	Easy, early spring ride through groomed park bridle trails.
April 28^th	G.R. Thompson’s Wildlife Management Area, Markham, VA	Beautiful wild Trillium flower ride in wildlife preserve on Thompson’s mountain.
May 28^th	Orlean Community Trail System Orlean, VA	Spectacular Mountain Laurel ride through private lands with rolling hills, meadow & streams.
June tbd	Phelps Wildlife Management Area Sumerduck, VA	Ride followed by a bar-b-que at Sue Fanelli’s
July tbd	Andy Guest State Park Bentonville, VA	Pack your lunch for a beautiful ride along the Shenandoah River.
Aug tbd	Sky Meadows State Park Delaplane, VA	An easy, scenic ride at just below the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains.
Sep tbd	Graves Mountain Syria, VA	This ride will include some moderately challenging mountain trails, with scenic vistas.
Oct tbd	Whiteoak Canyon Falls, Shenandoah National Park	Enjoy the fall colors in the Shenandoah mountains and stop for lunch at an 86 ft waterfall.
Nov tbd	Manassas Battlefield	Tour the historic battlefield on horseback.
Dec tbd	open	Potentially a local ride & Christmas party.