Trail
The trail will be well marked with streamers in a highly-visible color. A map will be available for viewing at check-in, breakfast, and the pre-ride briefing. You will not need a map to follow the trail. Short and long options will be clearly noted. Details on the various lengths will be provided in your Ride Program and at the briefing. The shortest option will be no shorter than 5 miles and the longest option will be no longer than 20 miles. Each day will feature different trails.
Terrain
This part of Vermont is hilly and scenic. You will be on dirt roads, wooded trails and meadows. There is very little pavement but you will cross pavement a few times. You will cross water. The footing is generally good, but there are areas of hard gravel, mud, and rocks. We recommend hoof protection for all four feet. A vet and farrier will be on-call for the Ride. Cell service is spotty in these hills, but texting is possible from most locations. There is Wifi onsite at our facility.
Lunch Stop
If the weather allows, we will serve you lunch in a scenic location along the way. That location will be marked on the map and driving directions will be provided in the Ride Program for anyone who wishes to drive there instead of riding (companions, family or those who choose to ride a very short loop). We will bring your halters/lead ropes to the site for your convenience. Bathroom facilities and a mounting block will be provided. There will be plenty of grass and water for the horses. When possible, we provide horse-holders or tie up spots, but this is site-dependent. You may need to hold your horse while eating. Lunch is usually sandwiches, soup, fruit, chips and dessert.
Photographer
We contract with professional ride photographers to capture special moments on the trail. They will announce themselves so you can smile and sit up straight :-). After each ride day, they will set up in the Youth Center and you can view the day’s photos and make purchases. Their information is also online and will be published in your Ride Program.