Santa Ynez, California – October 2, 2012 – The Santa Ynez Valley Arabian Horse Association (SYVAHA) is now accepting registrations for the 2012 Sage Hill Open Breed Competitive Trail Ride. The ride will take place November 2-4, 2012, at Live Oak Campground off Highway 154 near Lake Cachuma.
“This is a timed, judged competition on a natural trail,” said Kathy Stegman, Sage Hill ride manager. “It’s a great opportunity for people to experience an outdoor adventure on horseback and to spend time with other people who share their passion for riding. It’s an exhilarating, rewarding and challenging sport, and we encourage riders of all ages, from 10 years on up, to come and join in the fun.”
The Sage Hill ride is sanctioned by the North American Trail Conference. It features open, competitive pleasure and novice divisions. Open riders cover 50 to 60 miles in the two-day period, and competitive pleasure and novice riders cover 35 to 40 miles. A one-day novice ride covers approximately 23 miles. There is also a 12-mile introductory ride for people who want to learn more about the sport of competitive trail riding and horse camping, but don’t want to go the full 20+ miles the first time out.
Experienced judges score riders on the way they handle and care for their horses and how well they negotiate natural trail obstacles. Veterinary judges score horses on condition and the ability to complete this rigorous ride. Riders receive copies of their scorecards so they can understand their strengths and weaknesses and improve their skills.
SYVAHA is working with youth groups to promote competitive trail riding for young people. Huasna Valley 4-H Club, for example, plans to participate this year. SYVAHA gives a 20 percent discount on entry fees for all groups of 10 or more.
SYVAHA is seeking sponsorships and donations to help cover the costs of the event as well as sponsors for 4-H riders. Please contact the following people for sponsorships and donations:
• Ride sponsorships: Kathy Stegman, 805-710-4471 (kkstegman@cs.com).
• Silent auction items: Sylvia Beverly, 805-688-2000
•4-H rider sponsorships: Kathy Stegman, 805-710-4471 (kkstegman@cs.com).
The organization is also seeking volunteers to work at pulse and respiration (P&R) checkpoints, to assist judges in recording points for horse health and horsemanship or to just bring a book and be a gate keeper. If you would like to volunteer, contact Kathy Stegman at 805-710-4471 or kkstegman@cs.com.
For ride entry forms online, visit http://www.syvaha.com/, click on competitive trail rides and print the forms. Call or email Kathy Stegman at 805-710-4471 (kkstegman@cs.com) or Anne Plucy at 805 688-2912 (trail.ryder2@verizon.net) for more information or to request forms by mail.
