Who does Endurance/Distance or Trail in GA?

[LMH]

I am comtemplating getting involved in Endurance or maybe Trail-heck something fun like that :)

I have a young horse that I am pretty sure would really do great at this and am pretty sure he is not going to make a happy show hunter.

I have been toying with this for ages and now have a horse that just may fit the bill.

So who does this in GA-or near Alpharetta?

I would also LOVE to do camping trips but am thinking it may not be so fun with me, my horse and my 2 dogs...so just looking for others that may let me join in or learn???

[Raleigh's Mom]

I do a little trail riding, but usually stick close to home... on the south side of Atlanta. I did trailer up to Dawson Forest to Dawson Forest two weekends ago to trail ride with a friend that lives that way.

I have done a couple of competitive trail rides and volunteered at one last year. I think CTR's are a great way to "get your feet wet". The region 5 NATRC folks are a great bunch of people.

More info here:

http://www.natrc.org/

http://www.natrc5.org/

[HoneyB]

I am comtemplating getting involved in Endurance or maybe Trail-heck something fun like that :)

I have a young horse that I am pretty sure would really do great at this and am pretty sure he is not going to make a happy show hunter.

I have been toying with this for ages and now have a horse that just may fit the bill.

So who does this in GA-or near Alpharetta?

I would also LOVE to do camping trips but am thinking it may not be so fun with me, my horse and my 2 dogs...so just looking for others that may let me join in or learn???

Wanna be my new best friend? :lol: (I'm in Canton.)

I'm a newby eventer but I board at a barn with a big CTR contingency. As a matter of fact, I just bummed a ride to Dawson Forest this week and my boy (OTTB) was super fab about everything - NOTHING fazed him.

I'm intrigued by CTR generally and very excited that it doesn't cost nearly as much as eventing, but I don't have a trailer... I'd love to hook up with someone who is also interested in giving it a try.

If you want, PM me your contact info and we can chat - and if you want me to, I'll pass your number along to the ladies at the barn who actually know about endurance/CTR. They're friendly and very encouraging.

[LMH]

New best friend you have a PM!:lol:

I really really want to find a newbie trail buddy! Someone that will endure my city girl hunter princess fears!! :winkgrin:

[ChocoMare]

If you want to do some training rides out by me, come on down anytime. Grab HoneyB on the way!

The Silver Comet Trail is a nice way to slowly get acclimated to different terrain, assorted spookables (including a train) yet be out with a seasoned horse that isn't fazed by it. Besides, I'm soooooo tired of riding alone. :(

[LMH]

Chocomare PM coming your way

[ChocoMare]

And I have RSPV'd! :D

[HoneyB]

LMH - PM'd you back.

Chocomare - I'd love for all 3 of us to meet up and ride. We really should set something up!

[pattnic]

Oh, I know my mother told me this is rude, but:

Oh, me too, me too, please!!! I love trail riding, but since I've moved here, my time on the trails has dropped significantly. I keep my little brat horse (an affectionate name) is between Canton and Cumming.

:winkgrin: Please? (Imagine me all innocent-faced and pleading with hands folded)

[percheron]

Since I gave the event horse to my daughter I have started a nice three year old gelding and would love to meet others that want to trail ride.
I am very interested learning more about CTR.
I would like to meet other trail riders in GA.
I have an event to run this month but the month of June. Lets get tacked up.

[LMH]

OK we can keep this running here or create a group 'private message'...though others may jump in.

So this weekend is a bit short notice with Mother's Day tomorrow...I was looking at next weekend.

There is a CTR at Bull Mountain on Saturday I wanted to go see-just to actually see live how something like this works.

If I decide not to, next Saturday would be great...and next Sunday would be perfect as well.

Honey B you are LITERALLY less than 5 miles from me...I can pick you up for next weekend or anytime.

pattnic-please join in as well...I am looking for anyone that would like to go trail riding often as possible!

Ideally I would LOVE to find a different place to go weekly.

Anyone interested in the trails at Conyers or Hard Labor Creek one weekend?

I have heard they are kinder than say Dawsonville for trail newbies.

[HoneyB]

Wow - I'm glad there are so many of us interested and, LMH, I can't believe we are so close!!

I can't make it next weekend (May 19th) but I can go any other weekend until June 23rd. A couple of things to keep in mind: (1) I have heard Conyers is AWESOME - many long "galloping" hills for booty conditioning (athough personally, I know it's my butt that needs the most work!!) but not to difficult and (2) Dawson Forest closes from May 15 through June 1.

And that's about all I can contribute for now! :winkgrin:

[ChocoMare]

I'm available next Sunday afternoon, LMH and others, if you wanna come down.

Now, I don't board at no fancy barn. It's a private organic hay and vegetable farm. Once upon a time, it was a cattle farm. Now it's a 100% self-care barn for me and 2 other couples. All pictures can be seen here: http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/234704732RwBxtP - As you will note, it looked a lot different when we first moved our mares there. 90% of the work that's been done was done by Mr. C'mare and I.

All that being said, though, it's a lovely peaceful place and it's safe. There's plenty of room to park trailers and turn them around. A small turn-out paddock is available behind the barn, as well as the use of my two stalls if needed. We also have an outdoor tack-up/groom/cold-water wash rack for cross-tying. A small fridge is also available that's usually stocked with water and gatorade for whoever.

A small portion of road walking must be done to get onto the trail. It's only about 500 yards down from the farm's driveway. While the road is not very busy but there is the usual road traffic and a few dogs behind fences. Just wanted you to be aware.

The ride can be as easy or hard as you like. Also can be as short or as long as you like. I have a couple of usual routes that I take, depending on how much work Penny needs or how much time I have. We'll either have to ride single file or one on each side of the concrete path to talk.

Hope to get you all here! :D

[Freebird!]

Ohhh - I wanna ride!!! I may have to come steal Tank for the day.....

LMH, I PM'd ya!

[LMH]

Well I am bummed. I just found out my parents have an out of town guest this weekend and I have been summoned for dinner this Sunday...so that crashes my little plan.

Memorial weekend I am showing...so would any one be interested (if Chocomare is available) in going there on Saturday June 2?

HoneyB I can take you and Freebird if you are close enough and want to ride along that is fine as well.

[HoneyB]

June 2nd sounds fabulous! (If it's ok w/ Susan...) Just let me know what time and the horse and I will be ready and waiting. :D It will be great for us all to get together and (bonus!) I've been dying to see Chocomare's place.

[ChocoMare]

June 2nd is perfect. I'll have to go get Freebird probably the evening before. She's down in Sharpsburg (next to Peachtree City) ;)

I find mornings are best before the heat comes up. Heck, I'll even have lunch in the fridge for us when we get back :D

[LMH]

Oh YAY this is going to be so much fun...

Hey HoneyB...or anyone else...would you be up for planning a couple more rides-one to conyers and one to hard labor creek.

I am debating on doing the 11 mile Fun Ride at Dawson Forrest on June 23 and really want to expose my horse to as much as possible between now and then!

Thanks so much Chocomare-I am really looking forward to this!

What time should be plan on arriving? HoneyB I think we need to plan about an hour to get there.

[HoneyB]

LMH - sure, I'll go somewhere else with you as well! I'm happy to get as much experience as possible. I would love to try the Dawson ride - but, like I mentioned before, I'll be x-c schooling that weekend.

The weekends of both the 9th and the 16th are fine for me (Saturday or Sunday). I'm pretty much free whenever - actually, I can go during the week as well if you can - I have a flexible job. Why don't you PM me with days that work for you? My main thing will be making sure DH doesn't feel abandoned if we go Sat or Sun! :winkgrin:

As far as the 2nd - I agree that riding in the morning sounds best and an hour is probably a decent amount of time to get to Dallas. (According to mapquest it's roughly 40 miles and 58 minutes - but I don't have the exact addresses and mapquest had us taking 575.) My horse walked on the trailer last week like a champ (the first time I've trailered him since he was dropped off at the farm) so he should be fine with that.

Just let me know what you and Chocomare want to do.

[LMH]

Oh OH I can go during the week as well.

Granted anything toward Conyers is better on the weekend...BUT maybe we can sneek a peak at the Dawson I ride I am planning.

It is the Orange loop-whatever that means!

Funfunfun.

NOW I just have to get my Barefoot saddle! LOLOLOL

[pattnic]

Hi all,
I would love to try and make it on the 2nd, but am not yet sure if I will be able to, because I am going to be starting a new job. I will be sure to stay in touch!

[Bensmom]

FWIW, I am not anywhere near you guys, but my endurance buddies speak glowingly about Hard Labor. I haven't been up there yet, but it is definitely on my to-do list.

LMH -- if you are thinking of a first camping trip, Hard Labor would probably be ideal.

But, be WARNED. If you start this stuff, you will be forever captured and taken to the dark side. I have 125 miles in LD on my TB event horse now and am having a BLAST.

Also, fwiw, I am quite intimidated by a CTR -- I found starting in 25 mile limited distance much less scary -- fewer rules to remember but also a fabulous group of very fun folks! :-)

Best of luck and have a blast!!

Libby

[Raleigh's Mom]

Oh OH I can go during the week as well.
It is the Orange loop-whatever that means!


A good portion of the orange loop is gravel road. I am sure your horses have wonderful feet, but I thought I'd warn you in case you wanted to take boots along. I haven't ridden it since Labor Day, though. I did ride part of the blue trail a couple of weekends ago. We made it to the river crossing and my friend (who has has issues being dumped a few times lately) decided she wasn't up for the river crossing. I do think the blue trail is more enjoyable.

Not sure if I can make it up, but I hope you all have fun.

[LMH]

Thanks for the gravel tip! I am packing by Old Mac's for sure...how steep are the hills? Big creek crossings?

Is there anything on the orange trail that a TB show horse should be aware of...he isn't exactly the most outdoorsy of horses!:lol:

[HoneyB]

Re: gravel and horse boots. I was just speaking to the CTR guru at the barn about that and she said anything but easy boots are illegal in competition - so no Boa boots, no Old Macs. (No splint boots, no bell boots either.) I'm not sure which organization she does and I don't know if the Dawson Creek ride is "recognized", or is it "sanctioned" in the CTR world? :confused: But you should probably check the rulebook.

Also I have a map of Dawson Forest with the trails clearly marked (simply and in color - it's the one you can pick up at the park) but I can't find an equivelant online. LMH (or anyone else) if you PM me your snail mail address I'll make copies and send you one.

[LMH]

CTR has the boot restrictions but endurance does not. THe June 23rd is endurance not CTR so boots will be ok.

The boot regs for CTR are kind of a bummer!

[Freebird!]

Hey gang - I started a Georgia Trail Riding board so we could start planning trail riding get togethers, shall I post the link here, or PT everyone with it?

[LMH]

How about posting it here in case others want ot join?

[Freebird!]

Georgia Trail Riding Group (http://bitsandbarter.proboards74.com/index.cgi?board=gtrg)

[jeano]

But boy o boy could we show you trails. And dirt roads. And country roads that lead to dirt roads. We (buddy Susan and I, plus my horses and maybe someday her foxtrotter) have been tearing up the woods around here, which is north of milledgeville, south of sparta, next door to hancock county, and WAAAAAAY out in the woods. We rode about 15 miles today and crossed a fun wooden bridge over a railroad track, got spooked but good by a trio of yearling mules, and all in all had more fun than humans and equines should be allowed to have. My TNW has endurance or CTR potential, and we would like to do some training rides or enter a CTR but the trailer thang is a big obstacle. It is SO hard to convince a DH that I need a trailer when I can literally ride out my driveway and get swallowed up by miles and miles and miles of dirt roads and powerlines....

[LMH]

Oh jeano want some company one day? I have a trailer and am CERTAIN I could convince someone to join me for the drive :D

[jeano]

We ride most Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. We can pretty much stick to dirt roads but there is some crossing of pavement and such to be negotiated--horses need to be traffic-wise. And we are 50+ fatties who have to find a stump, a ditch, or a couple bubbas to give us a boost when we mount. And we have gaited nags, but that hardly matters since the walker walks faster than the racker racks, so she has learned to trot since we got the walker, and she has taught him the wicky wack--in other words, whatever you ride, the speed will be all wrong, and your horse will pick up terrible habits from our cut-throats. You would be most welcome here in Redneck Paradise!

[ChocoMare]

Just bumping this back up to get more folks and to share more info.

1) Deer Fly season is upon us. Trust me, if you don't have a crochet-ear-net-thingy for your pony, you'll wanna buy one.

2) If you've got a barefoot pony (yes, LMH I know you do): you may want to consider hoof boots. Some of the trails are quite rocky and rife with tree roots.

3) If you are even slightly sensitive to poison oak, be prepared to wear long sleeves. There are places where you could get brushed by it and I'd hate to see anyone get the itchies.

4) Helmets are mandatory.... just had to say it.

5) Here is a list of the common spookables. If you believe that your horse just can't handle them, I'd totally understand your desire to back out:

--Bikes of all kinds: most riders are courteous and let you know they're coming up behind you on the left. However, the average shmo isn't courteous. Also, lotsa of kids ride their bikes. Many have pinwheels, sparkles, streamers, etc. decorating their two-wheelers. The only bike that's ever caused one of my mares to jig is the recumbent bike. They're low to the ground and that coming up behind them would bring a little heiny tuck-n-jump.

--Wildlife: turkey, squirrels, woodchucks, chipmunks. They scamper and russle in the leaves..... sometimes scurry down the trail.

--People: Walkers/joggers are no big deal. However, the rollerblader/skater can be.

--Overpasses: If we take the longest ride, we will be going under Hwy. 61 overpass. Penny herself sometimes needs a few circles to get through but she'll do it. This could be the one thing that might make an inexperienced trail horse freak because the traffic overhead is very busy and loud. However, I'm quite confident in Penny that, with others in her presence, she'll move forward just fine.... showing them that it won't eat them. ;)

I'd rather you all be prepared for the "may be's" than be surprised. :D

[LMH]

Tomorrow is the big day!

I am so excited to meet Chocomare and HoneyB!

HoneyB and I are off to ride the Silver Comet Trail with Chocomare as our fearless leader and kind hostess!

I was looking over some trail sites and one actually ranks them as easy/moderate/strenuous.

Bull Mountain appears to have a nice easy/moderate ranking.

Has anyone ever ridden there? And would anyone like to meet there soon for a ride?

It is only 3 weeks until the 11 mile Fun Ride in Dawson so excited to clock some hours on some trails between now and then!

[ChocoMare]

Only 12 more hours! I've got Deviled Egg Salad made to go on soft croissants with lettuce and tomato. Fresh fruit salad, bottled water, Gatorade and V8 Fruision (mango/peach) chillin' in the fridge.

Should be a nice day for a ride!

[Equibrit]

Chck out this group http://www.ride-ctha.org/
Bull Mountain maps available: B/W printer friendly version (http://www.mindspring.com/%7Ekeithmc/rides/maps/festival2a.pdf)
Colorful graphic relief version (http://www.mindspring.com/%7Ekeithmc/rides/maps/bulljake3.pdf)

[LMH]

Only 12 more hours! I've got Deviled Egg Salad made to go on soft croissants with lettuce and tomato. Fresh fruit salad, bottled water, Gatorade and V8 Fruision (mango/peach) chillin' in the fridge.

Should be a nice day for a ride!

wow...I am IMPRESSED!

Can I come every weekend?

[pattnic]

Have fun you guys!!! Hopefully I will be able to tag along another day! Be sure to post on how very much fun it is!
:D

[ChocoMare]

It was fun! :yes:

LMH & HoneyB arrived right on time. Made the introductions and howdy-do's, tacked up and headed down the hay field.

LMH and her handsome Julian totally looked the part, from her cha-cha GPS wrist gadget, to her new Barefoot Cheyenne Treeless saddle (which I secretly coveted ;)) down to her schnazzy stirrups. Ms. HoneyB was quite the classic, with just a wee bit o'bling on Jackson's browband. Then there was me on big ole' Clyde-X Penny with my grubby T-shirt, tights, skull cap and gloves. :rolleyes: Oh well!

Out of the whole ride (2-ish hours, 5.5 miles) the biggest thing that Julian LOOKED at was the narrow gap in the treeline at the bottom of the hay field that gets you onto the actual trail. He had to stand there a while and think about it. I turned Penny around and let Julian see her through the tree line and little hoof, by little hoof that good boy went forward. :D

We saw it all today: bikers galore, the Sheriff's golf cart, baby strollers, a poodle, hikers and even mountain bikers off road (who very politely got off their bikes and waited for us to pass). Julian looked at all of it but never got really upset and by the time we exited the woods, he had relaxed and just enjoyed himself.

Jackson was the perfect gentleman the whole time. Absolutely nothing fazed that guy. HoneyB even had to get off twice: once when a small branch got stuck in his tail and again to reset/tie Julian's ear bonnet. We were all glad we had those on our horses because the deer flies were HORRENDOUS!

Once we got back, we had a nice lunch of the above-described Deviled Egg Salad, fruit, chips and water. We had a nice chat, enjoyed the breeze and loved on the barn kitties. LMH almost took Callie Cat home with her but she wasn't willing to pay the adoption fee. :lol: wink, wink, nudge, nudge.

All in all, it was a lovely ride and I truly hope that you both will come back again. :yes:

-Susan

[LMH]

Great summary Chocomare! All the way down to my new almost-kitty!:D

Only ONE little correction-this was my lovely Julian-I now know were it Milo my eyes would have been even BIGGER during the entire ride.

Chocomare was a wonderful hostess and her Deviled Egg Salad was the best I have ever had!

What a great experience and man does it give me LOTS to think about regarding exposing horses to these things...though I may start sooner than 9 years on the other horses!

Chocomare is also being ALL too polite-I think the first 30 minutes of the ride my backside could have compacted coal into diamonds!

It is funny the things you notice when new to all this...and I still have my question of the day...

When there is a dropoff how DOES a horse know not to fall off! I mean it is one thing when they are level headed but I kept thinking: If J freaks at a recumbant (spelling?) bike we are going OVER!:lol:

The poodle was hysterical! All in all I think it is was a very successful day! Jackson would have made Canter and the TB reigstry proud...and I never KNEW a Clyde cross could move so fast!

And how cool was it knowing we indeed did go 5.5 miles!

I also know now why Arabs are the endurance breed of choice---I think I would prefer to be a little lower to the ground!!:D:lol:

[ChocoMare]

Oops! I shall fix Julian's name above. Darn 40-something brain cells :rolleyes:

Well LMH you may have been a bundle of taught nerves on the inside but you didn't let any of it show. I'm very proud of you.... you faced a fear and just motored on.

If I can find a re-mounting spot on the other side of the railroad track bridge (the one on our right as we came out of Deer Fly Forest), as your and your horse's confidence builds, we'll dismount to go across it and ride out farther towards Hiram. Going that way I usually stay inside the tree line the whole time. There are no big hills and no big rocks, etc. It'll take us past the water treatment plant and some nice ponds/scenery.

I've done it twice but I rode Penny over the bridge. It's not usually recommended :winkgrin: and can be a bit nerve wracking.

Oh and here's the recipe for Deviled Egg Salad:

1 Dozen Jumbo Eggs - hard boiled & shelled (Start in cold water, covered. Bring to boil and then immediately turn off and let sit covered for 10 minutes. Add in cold water and ice to stop cooking. Leave them to chill.)

3/4 Cup Helmann's Mayonnaise

2 Tblsp. Yellow Mustard

2 Tsp. Paprika

1 Tsp. Texas Pete Hot Sauce (or more if you like it hotter)

Kosher Salt & Black Pepper to taste

Blend until just creamy and get into the fridge. Best if done night before ;)

Ta dah!!!!

[LMH]

Well thank you for the vote of confidence!:) And the Egg Salad recipe!:D

I also want to add Chocomare's farrier ROCKS-I was incredibly impressed with the bare tootsies!

Honestly one of the NICEST trim jobs I have seen and from a FARRIER!!!:eek:

[HoneyB]

Just wanted to chime in and say that I had a blast. I am so glad that we were able to get together. ChocoMare is a fabulous hostess and chef (the egg salad was scrumptious!) :D And LMH is a wonderful travel companion with an awesome rig.

All the horses were well behaved (extra props to Julian for being a very good boy on his first major trail ride). And I just have to mention that my favorite boy Jackson has once again showed (1) not all OTTBs are crazy and (2) short horses make trail dismounts/remounts much easier. :cool: Of course Miss Penny Lane showed us that drafties make amazing fearless leaders!

We'll have to make it a semi-regular thing and have more COTHers join in next time!

[ChocoMare]

For sure! The welcome mat is always out and the barn door is always open. :yes:

[jeano]

Wanted to bump this up, as I am again seeking someone to help me ride my two nags and have access to nearly unlimited dirt roads in Hancock County GA....I have lost my riding buddy maybe permanently, the DH doesnt really ride, and I have time on my hands. I dont know when the trailer problem will be addressed, if ever, as DH points out, actually quite reasonably, that I dont NEED one here. Sigh. Anyway, I am a long way from most of y'all but am most definitely interested in doing some LD sometime with somebody, just cant manage at present to go it alone.

[LMH]

Where is Hancock County?

[jeano]

NorthEast of Macon, SouthWest of Augusta, south of interstate 20, north of interstate 16. I live halfway between Milledgeville (the county seat of Baldwin county) and Sparta, the seat of Hancock, but my next door neighbor's driveway is maybe 50 feet from the county line. Middle of nowhere, roughly 100 miles form Atlanta, 75 miles from Athens, lots of scenery. If youre in metro Atlanta you would head east on 20, take a right either at Madison (and you'd still be the better part of an hour north of Milledgeville) or at Siloam (and be somewhat closer to Sparta.)