Do you enjoy trail riding at a walking pace in the company of other like-minded horse riders?
If yes, you would certainly enjoy being a part of the Lake Macquarie Pack and Trail Horse Riders!
The club was formed in 1998 and has since become one of the largest and most active trail riding clubs in Australia. The reasons behind the club's success are many, however one of the main stand-outs is the club's well known reputation for it's organisation and safety structures. The club is regarded by many as being the benchmark for trail riding clubs in Australia.
Rides, which include weekend camps, are organised every 3-4 weeks and are held right across the Hunter Valley as well as further afield including the Snowy Mountains.
Rides start at 9.30am (unless otherwise specified) and include a morning tea break. Lunch is a decision made by the ride convenor which could either be a packed lunch (carried in a saddlebag) or a BBQ lunch after the ride (included in the ride fee).
It is not absolutely necessary that horses are shod, although it is a good idea for some rides which include sections of forestry road wihch tend to be rocky.
Stallions are permitted on club rides, however if problems occur, no matter what the gender of the horse, the Trail Boss will separate the horse from other participants.
THE BASIC RULES:
Helmets: All riders under 18 years must wear a helmet.
Shoes: Riders must wear smooth soled riding boots (ie, joggers, gumboots and chunky-soled workboots are not permitted).
Halters/Bitless Bridles: Visiting riders must use a bridle with a bit while on club rides (ie, VISITORS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO RIDE IN HALTERS OR BITLESS BRIDLES ON CLUB RIDES). Do not turn up to a ride expecting that you will be permitted to do so!
Walking Pace: The club regards trail riding as predominantly walking - if riders prefer to travel at a faster pace, it is recommended they join another group.
Passing Other Riders: Riders must be considerate of others on the trail and pass fellow riders at a slow and safe pace.
Junior Riders: Riders 16 years and under must remain with their parent or guardian at all times during the ride.
Kicking Horses: Horses which are known kickers must have a red ribbon prominently displayed in the tail. Riders must also move to the side of the trail to ensure others can pass safely.
Swapping Horses: Riders are not permitted to swap horses with other riders during the ride unless deemed appropriate by the Trail Boss.
Smoking: Riders must carry a small container to deposit cigarette butts.
Previous Members: Previous members must rejoin the club before participating in club events (ie, they are not entitled to ride as a visitor).
MEMBERSHIP:
Visitors are permitted to attend no more than two one-day rides with the club after which time they must make the decision to apply for membership. If you are interested in joining the club you can apply for membership after participating in one trail ride. Fees are:
$60.00 Adult
$50.00 2nd Family adult in club (living at same address)
$40.00 Juniors (16 years and under)
MULTI DAY CHARITY RIDES:
The Lake Macquarie Pack and Trail Horse Riders has held many multi day charity rides (with support vehicles) in the Upper Hunter including the 5-day Ranges Ride, and the 9-day rides across the Barrington Tops. The club has raised over $80,000 for various charities including the Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
RANGES RIDE: The recent Ranges Ride, held from 2-9 May 2010, was yet another highly successful club event. With almost 100 people taking part in the event, riders travelled from as far as QLD and Bathurst to participate in the ride. This year's ride, which started in Murrurundi and finished at Scone, travelled over many private properties and horse studs in perfect autumn weather, providing a unique experience for everyone involved. Once again, money raised from this event will be donated to the Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
Above and below: At the completion of this year's Ranges Ride, participants took part in the Scone Horse Festival Parade.
