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Grasslands Benefit Ride The ride, which is normally held in springtime, has been scheduled for TBD. We are hoping to avoid some of the springtime equine activities and many spring rain storms with this fall venue. The ride grows each year in attendance and $$ contribution. Attached is an explanation about the Grasslands, a “bio” about Friends of the Grasslands (a non-profit supporting group) and “the Benefit Ride”. The Grasslands is a key riding site in the North and North Central Texas area and provides 75 miles of marked trails, all of which include generally sandy soil, (so it dries out quickly), varied terrain, great vistas and interest for all levels of riders. This ride is either a chance to “give back” to a trail system that has provided so much to so many riders over the years, or a great introduction to the trail system and its amenities for “first-comers”! The Benefit Ride differs from many large rides in that it feels like a smaller ride. Because of the multiple trails marked at the Grasslands, several rides are offered so that the rider can select a ride that will suit their interest and condition of their horse. For instance, many endurance riders use the Grasslands to stay in condition for their events and to participate in competitive events are held here each year. These riders may opt for a longer, faster ride (around 7 miles per hour) – a ride which they are much happier riding than a slower-paced activity. As well, there are many folks who want to participate and support the event, but neither they nor their horses are conditioned to ride 10 miles, so we have created a shorter ride (approximately 5-6 miles at a much slower pace). The result is typically a more enjoyable ride for everyone since it fits their horse and they are riding with 20-30 folks per ride versus 100 which makes for calmer horses and a better opportunity for “getting to know” your fellow riders. Other rides may include Gaited Rides (fast and slow since there are many gaited horse folks who appreciate the Grasslands), a Poker Ride which involves trail riding and a card pickup at different points to determine a “winning hand” back at camp and an Obstacle Ride which involves trail riding with stops for challenging your horse to different obstacles (like backing up over a log or side-passing a particular obstacle). There are usually 5 different rides to choose from, but may vary from year to year depending upon which volunteers are available to “lead” rides. In any case, the rides are fun and your dollars go to a “good cause” – trail projects within the Grasslands park system. The ride offers a full day of activity: a great ride, good food (burgers, dogs, and home-made sides), an address from the Forest Service to let you know what they are focused on, a few rider prizes awarded to keep it fun, and a little live entertainment (usually a family member playing and singing original Texas music). After all that, you still have time to either sit back and enjoy the scenery and company or squeeze in another ride before sunset. I hope you will set aside this date to have a great day doing what you love to do and donating your tax deductible dollars to sustaining a favorite riding site. Please pre-register not only to save money but to help me plan for food and manpower. These events take a great deal of co-ordination and I’m a one-man-show with some great volunteers who are as passionate about riding as you are! We have added a T-shirt as a memento of the ride for pre-registrants! (distributed at the ride at check-in) Help me put on a great ride by making reservations and sending your donation in early. My intent is for you and your horse to have a safe and fun day! Make checks payable to Friends of the Grasslands, 1081 CR 2461, Alvord, TX 76225 and include name, address and phone. You can pick up your tax deductible form at check in. * A Coggins check will be required for each horse, so bring your documentation to check-in. * Proper weather wear and protection. * Bring extra water bottles for yourself. There are tanks along the trails in which to water your horses and back at camp; however, if it is hot (which it may be in September), make sure you have a water bottle to carry on the ride. * You will be required to sign away all your legal rights in order to participate, so be prepared to sign a legal waiver document. It is imperative that adults bringing children other than their own, have a legal waiver signed by the parent or legal guardian per child. If you are bringing children other than your own – call ahead to have legal form faxed to you – 940.627.4281. If you are accompanied by a non-rider who wants to join in the cookout following the ride, the “donation” is $TBD. Please make reservation accordingly. Allow time to find your parking spot, check-in, and unload your horses. We will do our best to direct you for parking, but if all the spots are taken at TADRA Point, you may have to park “off road” just outside, but still convenient, to TADRA. Allow at least an hour to accomplish all this – the more time you allow, the more calm you and your horse will be. You do not need to bring your horse to check in – only the Coggins documentation per horse/per person. TADRA Point offers trailer pull-in areas in which to camp overnight, many with tree cover and tether poles. Although TADRA is primitive, there are two outdoor latrines in this area. So for folks traveling in the night before or “making a weekend of it”, you can camp conveniently in this area and be ready to ride or partake of other festivities. There is no potable water available. This area charges a fee of $TBD per day to camp; however Saturday is being waived by the Forest Service to participants of the ride. We have a special permit for Saturday’s activities. You may also park “off-road” on any road as you approach TADRA Point and the overflow may require that. Just be sure not to park beyond signs that say “No Vehicles Beyond This Point”. Directions to TADRA Point at the LBJ National Grasslands follow the “Bio Page”. I have attempted to cover folks traveling north, south, east and west of Decatur. If you need further directions call and leave message for Pam at 940.627.4281. If it is pouring down rain and predicted to
continue all day, the alternate rain date is Sunday, September 28. All the
preparations have been made so we want to deliver a ride! Because the weather
may vary considerably from one area of north Texas to the next, if the weather
is “ify” that morning, call 940.627.4281 and a recorded message will tell you
whether the ride is on for Saturday or has been rescheduled for Sunday (same
time). |
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