Information & Basic Rules of the Ride

Set out below is information about the ride. It includes information that applies specifically to th Thousandmiler aka The Great Geriatric Trail Ride some of whichhas been included as part of the submission to have an association incorporated. The association is Outback Trail Horse Riders Association Inc. The date for the ride is included below but it will start by the riders gathering at Barham on 22/09/2012

Included is information about how we intend to minimize the risks and handle any emergency that might arise.

Ride rules have been addressed and information related to camp sites and camp behaviour is included.

General information on how horses will be yarded overnight as well as feeding and watering.

 

Preliminary Information

•The aim of this ride is a pleasure trail ride, where riders can enjoy the company of their horse and other riders as we traverse country not usually covered by trail rides. At no time will the participants attempt to set any time or distance records or participate in any horse related competitions of any kind.

•The ride is to be conducted on a shared cost basis where each and every participant will pay their equal share of the costs incurred to conduct the ride.
•As this ride is a no profit event any cash reserves at the end of the ride will be donated to a charity nominated by the majority of the people that participated on the ride.

•The ride is not being conducted as a fund raiser for the association or for any charity.

•The ride will leave from Barham NSW on the 23/09/2012 and will finish at the same location on or about 03/11/2012.

•Riders are requested to arrive at the starting point for the ride no later than the afternoon of the 22/09/2012. This will allow time for the tow vehicles and floats to be taken to the secure parking site and for a pre ride briefing.

•Age limits on the ride will be over 18 years, there will not be an upper age limit. Exception to the minimum age limits will be riders under the age of 18 who will be allowed to participate in the ride only if accompanied by a Riding parent or guardian who will take full responsibility for the safety and behaviour of the rider under the age of 18 years.

•All riders must be fit enough to spend up to 6 hours a day in the saddle. •Rest days will be taken every 5 to 7 days •All riders will provider their own suitable horse, saddlery bedroll and personal gear.

•Riders are reminded that laundry facilities will be limited to hand washing. It is recommended that both riders and non riders limit their belongings to one large bag/suitcase and a swag/sleeping bag/ bedroll. there will be limited space and you will not need that hair dryer.

•The organizers will require Emergency contact details from all participants.

•There will be a Zero tolerance to drug usage other than prescription drugs that will not impair the participant’s ability to participate.

•There will be a Zero tolerance to BYO alcohol.

•All riders will be advised verbally at a pre-ride briefing of the potential risks associated with the ride and provided with a print out of the rules that will apply to the conduct of the ride and their responsibility to adhere to those rules.

•Participants are reminded that horse riding can be a dangerous pastime and every person taking part will do so only after signing a Liability Waiver Form Exclusion of Certain Rights to Sue.

Risk Minimization

•The organizers of the ride will take all reasonable care to minimise any risks to the participants.

•The ride will be following defined roads and tracks purposely chosen because traffic is minimal and there is plenty of space beside the roads and track for riders to use.

•To further minimise risk and to have a procedure in place in the event of an accident or illness the organizers have arranged that:- •    Maps and schedule details will be distributed to Police, Ambulance services,  Doctors, Hospitals, Shire Councils, SES and Veterinary services.
     •Radio contact between Lead Rider and Tail Rider will be maintained at all times.
     •Contact between Lead Rider to Lead support vehicles will as far as possible be maintained.
     •Radio contact details for contacting station owners along the route will be obtained and will be available in the Lead support vehicle.
    •A double horse float will accompany the ride in the event of a horse having to be transported out to seek veterinary attention.
    •A qualified First Aider will be on the ride with access to a suitable First Aid Kit.

•Riders with any medical condition that requires medication should make sure that they have sufficient to last the entire ride(about 6 weeks) as there will be little access to Chemist shops.

•Any riders with a medical condition that could react adversely to the ride must provide relevant information to the ride organizers.

•Update briefings will be given after the evening meal when required so as not to delay the morning departure.

Ride Rules

•First last and always the instructions given by the Lead Rider will be carried out as soon as is practical. Any issues arising from any instruction can be taken up with the ride committee at the next night camp. No instruction will be given that will endanger any rider, horse or any other participant on the ride.

•Failure to follow instructions or the ride rules will not be tolerated. In the worst case where breaking the rules or not following instructions endangers other riders the offending rider will get one warning and if a repeat offence occurs that rider will be asked to leave the ride at the first practical opportunity.

•No Stallions or Rigs will be permitted on the ride for safety reasons. Not the owners but others who are not familiar with stallion behaviour especially as it will be spring and mares will be coming into season.

•No dogs will be permitted on the ride.

•All ridden horses on the ride to be fitted with a bitted bridle and reins or an approved bitless riding equipment such as Hackamore, traditional or mechanical, or other similar device. No horse will be allowed to participate in a halter or headstall that is primarily designed for leading or controling a horse while dismounted. Provided complete control can be demonstrated prior to the ride commencing and the rider is using proper riding equipment then they will be permitted on the ride.

•Horses to be freshly shod. Riders are advised (requested) to pack a spare set of pre- fitted horse shoes in with their gear. Horses that are normally barefoot will be able to participate on the ride provided the rider has a supply of suitable hoof boots should the horse become sore or the ground become to harsh on bare feet.

•Riders must wear an approved type of horse riding helmet unless they have sighned the specific waiver referring to helmets. It is recommended that some sort of protection from the sun for the back of the neck be used if a helmet is worn. A wide brimmed felt hat is recommended over a ‘Baseball’ type cap for the same reason.

•Riders must wear smooth soled riding boots. No joggers or chunky soled work boots. Save them for around camp. The wearing of spurs is optional.

•Long trousers and sleeved shirts (no singlets or exposed shoulders. Short sleeved shirts are fine) must also be worn. Riders should also make sure that their horse is used to being ridden when the rider is wearing a riding length waterproof coat. There is always a possibility of rain or cold weather.

•Any riders lacking in confidence will be paired up with a more experienced rider who has volunteered to be a support to these riders.

•Riders are to make sure that they are saddled and ready to leave at the appointed time.

•Riders under 18 must be with and supervised by their nominated parent or guardian and ready to leave at the appointed time.

•Smokers must not drop buts and must carry a container to put the extinguished but into. Smoking is strictly prohibited in the mess tent and the sleeping tents.

•Mobile phones must be turned off and not turned on until horses are safely in the yards, fed and watered and the riders have returned to camp. There is no mobile reception through much of the area to be traveled so leaving the phone in the swag is the best idea.

•The Lead and Tail rider will confirm a head count prior to departure and again on arrival at the night camp.

•Riders must always remain behind the lead rider.

•This ride is a long distance ride and as such will be conducted predominately at a walking pace. Your horse has to be able to cover the distance on the last day of the ride in the same way and condition that he or she covered the first day.

•If your horse is a good walker and you want to pass a slower rider be considerate of others and let them know you are going to pass and do so in such a way as to not upset the other horse or rider. Remember you must not pass the lead rider.

•Galloping horses will not be permitted at any time. Trotting or Cantering(loping) is permitted only if needed to catch up to the main group and must not be used when passing other riders.

•Horses that are known kickers must have a red ribbon prominently displayed in the tail. Riders must also be aware of other horses wanting to move past and move aside to allow this to happen safely.

•While riding keep the rider in front of you and the rider behind you in sight at all times. A safe distance between horses is when the rider of the horse behind can see the hocks of the horse in front. A safer distance is to see the heels of the horse in front.

•You must not leave the ride without the knowledge and permission of a ride official

•Horses will not be permitted within the camping area.

General information Campsites

•Camps will always be a minimum of 50 meters from water courses.

•Camp sites have been arranged in advance and the mess tent, sleeping tents and horse yards (if required) will be erected by Camp Rousies, who will also dismantle the camp and transport it to the next camp site. Sleeping tents will be accommodate 2 people per tent and camp beds will be provided.

•In some cases limited accommodation may be available in ‘Shearers Quarters’ on stations.

•All food will be provided and prepared by qualified camp cooks with breakfast and evening meals served in a Mess tent. The Mess tent will be equipped with tables and chairs.

•Toilet facilities will be available at lunch stops as well as night camps.

•Shower facilities will be available at various locations such as the ‘Shearers Quarters’, Sporting Grounds, Pony Clubs etc. If none of these are available portable showers will be available.

•Excessive late night noise will not be tolerated

•Individual campfires will not be permitted under any circumstance.

•All rubbish is to be placed in the bins that are provided.

•Soft drinks and Alcohol will be available at night camps. Alcohol availability will be subject to legal requirements and will be limited to 3 standard size drinks per person per night. No Exceptions. Alcohol will not be provided to any persons under the age of 18. No Exceptions. No BYO Alcohol

Route

Please refer to the Map and the details published on the web site. Printed maps and scheduled campsite locations will be provided at the pre-ride briefing. Click Here to go to Map Page.

Horses and Saddlery

•Campsites will often be on a station property with access to sheep or cattle yard to overnight the horses. Where these facilities are not available yards will be constructed using steel or plastic insulated posts and electrified tapes. Yards to be approximately 6 meters x 6 meters. As there are limited sources of surface water for the horses water will be provided at camps from a tank on a vehicle. The tank will contain potable water which will provide water for both human and horse consumption.

•Because of the lack of suitable natural feed horses will be provided a balanced ration of hard feed 3 to 4 time each day. Feed and water tubs will be provided.

•All riders will be responsible for the collection at stated times from a central point of the horse rations for their own horse(s) and the feeding, watering, grooming, saddling and unsaddling and yarding of their own horses.

•All horses will be given their feeds at the same time to avoid any trouble that may occur with horses being fed ad hoc.

•Riders to inspect their saddlery and have any necessary repairs done. Make sure that all gear is in sound working condition and has been recently oiled.

•Saddlery must be suitable for long hours in the saddle while trail riding and fit the horse properly. Sore backed horses will not be fun as the rider will have to travel with the vehicles and someone will have to lead a horse. It is advisable to have at least two saddle blankets, one in use and the other as a change over when the first one becomes soiled.

•Lunch time feeds for the horse will be given in a nose bag. A suitable nosebag will be provided to riders well before the ride to give time for horses to become accustomed to getting their feed in this manner.

To download a printable PDF copy of this information please Click Here You will require Adobe Reader installed on your computer to open this printable document. You can down load this program for free from Adobe Reader Select your operating System Language and the Version. and click Download. (Please Note. Adobe wants to install some toolbars and search engine links as well as Adobe Reader. Read all of the screens carefully and uncheck the check boxes for these items as you go through the Download and Installation process.)