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3-Day Pioneer, 3-day Limited Distance |
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RIDE SITE: The ride will be held on a private ranch southwest of Wheatland, Wyoming. This is the country that the famous bounty hunter, Tom Horn, traveled. The ride is scenic with high vistas and beautiful meadows surrounded by red buttes and tree covered hills. There is an abundance of wildlife as well. To get to the ride site, take Interstate 25 to Hwy 34 (exit to Laramie). Travel west for approximately 22 miles until you come to the Shamrock Saloon. Go one mile past the Shamrock and turn left (south) on Mule Creek Road. Stay right! Follow the road for eleven miles to the base camp. Base camp is a large, flat hay meadow next to a huge old barn. There will be horse and people water available. Ice will be available at the ride site. There is a large barn that will serve as the ride office. There is also plenty of room for portable corrals, electric fence corrals and picket lines. Please park vehicles and trailers on the mowed areas only. You may set up corrals in the unmowed areas. It can be hot or we can get afternoon thunderstorms, so plan for all types of weather.
TRAIL: We have made some changes this year and will be offering a 55 miler each day. The trail consists of three large loops. It is mostly 4‑wheel drive jeep trail and meadow trail. During the course of the ride, you will climb to approximately 7800 feet. The trail covers all types of terrain from relatively steep grades and canyons to rolling meadows. There are numerous shallow water crossings. There are also some very rocky places. It is wise to have new shoes on your horse if you are planning to complete all three days. The trail is of moderate difficulty with some steep climbs.
VET CHECKS: Max Smylie, DVM will be the head vet. She will be assisted by Tom Currier, DVM and Glenna Hopper, DVM. All vet checks will be back at base camp. We will vet most horses Thursday evening when the vets arrive and the remaining horses and the LD horses will be vetted Friday morning beginning at 6AM. We are going to start earlier this year so that you can beat the heat and hopefully any thunderstorms. Please make note of the starting times. If you will be arriving after dark on Thursday and plan to ride on Friday, there is a ride entry link below so that you can fill it out in advance if you would like. That will speed up the process in the morning so you can get vetted and be ready for the start. Please be sure to read the Pre-ride information sheet as well.
*We will be having an 11 mile "trail/poker ride" on Sunday. The entry fee is $30 ($5 for poker hand). It will begin at 9am. The poker ride will be sponsored by our local animal rescue (PAWS) and all proceeds will benefit the rescue. Lunch will be included and there will be door prizes as well.
All pre‑ride checks will be held in the morning before Saturday and Sunday's rides from 6:00am til all horses are vetted. The 55 mile ride will start at 6:30 am on Friday and 7:00am on Saturday and Sunday. The 30 miler will start at 7:30am on Friday and 8:00 on Saturday and Sunday.
FEES: The cost of the 55 miler will be $80.00 each day. The cost of the 30 miler will be $70.00. Non-AERC members will be required to pay an additional 15.00 fee. The ride is also sanctioned by AHA and if you would like to ride in the AHA division it will be an additional $5.00 I will not be taking pre‑entries. You may enter when you arrive, but PLEASE CLICK ON THE SIGN UP LINK BELOW AND LET ME KNOW YOU ARE COMING AND WHAT DISTANCES/DAYS YOU WILL BE RIDING so I can plan awards and dinners.
AWARDS & MEALS: We will have "happy hour" at 6pm and the awards dinner will be held on Friday & Saturday night at around 6:30pm. All riders should be in by that time. Friday's menu will consist of baked ham, a variety of salads, scalloped potatoes, bread and dessert. On Saturday, we will have the famous Shamrock barbeque with chicken and ribs and all the fixins! Extra meals can be purchased for $10. (Even if you are a "veggie" , there will be plenty of salad/potato/pasta options for you to make a meal) On Sunday, awards will be given out after the last horse is in. We will also have a "clean out your cooler/fridge" potluck for everyone who is staying til Monday. I have many nice awards for each day's ride, including awards for pioneer division for three day horse and rider teams.
I work very hard to put on a quality ride. I guarantee you a scenic, well‑marked trail, good vets, great food and nice awards. Come join us for a great weekend! If you have any questions, please call or email.
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Photos by Paschal and Deb Karl
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Pat Jarvis Images.
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