Mule Lady's Mountain Meander
Details about the Ride and Ways to Prepare
Check Out our Wonderful SPONSORS!
Lori
Equine Loco
...and adding more each day!
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If you or someone you know wants to donate or become a sponsor - please email us at MuleLadysMountainMeander@gmail.com
Ride Schedule (final times TBD)
Friday
Camp is Open
Check In / Registration
Vet-In with your horse
New Riders' Meeting
5pm - Catered Dinner
Ride Briefing
Quick Questions / Math Party
10:00pm - Quiet Hours
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Saturday
Camp is Open
Check In / Registration
Open Riders Out
CP / Novice Out
Present with your horse
Led Riders Out
Arrival in Camp LeD
Arrival in Camp CP/ Novice
Arrival In Camp Open
Vet-Out with your horse after arrival
5pm approx. - Catered Dinner
Ride Briefing
Movie night
10:00pm - Quiet Hours
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Sunday
Camp is Open
Check In / Registration
Open Riders Out
CP/Novice Out
Present with your horse
LeD Riders Out
Arrival in Camp LeD
Arrival in Camp Open
Arrival in Camp CP/Novice
Vet-Out with your horse after arrival
Awards signaled by Bell Ringing on the porch
(If you leave before awards, please check out with managment)
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Trail Conditions, Terrain, & Requirements
Hitting the trails in the Virginia Highlands is such adventure with all those mountains and elevation changes! As you tackle those ups and downs, make sure your horse tack is to the challenge. If new to mountain riding, it’s a good to be prepared to tweak things a bit for comfort and your horse’s performance. If your tack fits fine, then just enjoy the ride and soak in those amazing views!
​While taking in the stunning views and wildlife, you'll be tackling the rocky trails of the mountains. Since the terrain can be pretty rough, it's important to give your horse some hoof protection and for that reason hoof protection on all four feet is strongly encouraged for this ride. You'll encounter everything from old creek beds to newly graveled roads along the way. If you're on the fence about getting boots for your horse, it’s a smart idea to try them out during your practice rides to make sure everything fits well for a sound weekend ahead. We will only have a farrier on-call at this time. Their contact information can be seen here.
We did our best to help the heat and humidity of this event by moving our date earlier in the year, but it didn't disappear entirely. The weather in this area can change as fast as a snap of your fingers, so be prepared for needing electrolytes to even a possible light blanket. Rain showers come just as fast as they went and the rainbows after are spectacular. Don't just prepare your horses - bring some things for yourself too! There will be a camp store available to you throughout the weekend. I am asking the camp owner to stock it full of goodies for us, so don't forget to stop by if you forgot some essentials or just want to browse.
The water we are using on trail will be mostly natural water opportunities, so use them when you see them. We will be making any adjustments by adding water troughs in places that have become too dry around the weekend of the ride when needed. We also hope to label any and all water opportunities on maps and things so that you are able to take advantage of them.
We will encounter a few obstacles at this ride. Paved road crossings, opening and closing of gates, and cows are the largest things that come to mind. I've had a stray pygmy goat greet us while passing a country house or two, but overall just harmless farm animals that would rather graze than bother your ride is what you'll see. Deer are plentiful in the woods as always.
Rider protection cannot be ignored and I encourage all of you to pack layers for a comfortable weekend. I also would like to remind all riders that HELMETS are required for ALL RIDERS at this facility. If you do not have a helmet, you will not be permitted to start and no refund will be provided. This is for the safety of all riders to ensure the next ride is possible. We thank you for understanding and complying with this rule.
Maps will be provided once finalized online prior to the ride for you to access and print out your own copies. Large poster format maps will be provided in camp. Ride with GPS will be utilized for map guidance while riding on trail. Instructions to use Ride with GPS will be shown below. At this time, link only is to main ride with gps page and in no way has details for our specific event.