shore to shore ride

[lilysladyluck]

Questions....

Can you join in or leave earlier than what the schedule states? We are thinking of going this year, but can only do a few days not the full 10-14 day ride.

and if you can just jump in or out, then I will have follow up questions.

[jmk]

You have to be a member and reservations for what days you want to ride.Yes...you can ride one,two or all days of the ride..I do this as there are certain camps/trails I like.Go to
mtra.org
for more info.
Appy Trails
Jan

[Boo]

You need to go to this site and ask the Questions.
I'm sure some one will answer you.

www.mtra.org/

[ATMKathy]

I have been planning my first shore-to-shore ride for this year. It sure looks like a lot of work if you don't have a rig jumper and my hubby will not be able to go with me. I am hoping there will be some helpful people there that won't mind advising me on site or having a first timer tag along behind them. I would like to try an entire 8 day ride and see how it goes. I do know one can pull out early or join in the middle.
The website gives a lot of info, but my best advice has been from conversation with those that have already done it in.

[horsecrazymom]

We have an RV with kitchen and shower and comfy beds and I am REALLY wanting to do this. I do not think it will happen next year, but I am really aiming for next year.

[starlite9804]

I am thinking of doing the first 5 days of the first June ride and then trying to whole ride again in September. I know the first time we did the ride we had so many questions....parked wrong the first night....but at least we picketed the horses right!

[lilysladyluck]

We are thinking on it. I realize you need to be a member, and have pored over the site, but I thought those personal experiences, tips, hints, etc. from those I know on MEL would be more valuable as insight.

I am going to have to get three horses in condition this spring if we do this, so I want to get all my ducks in a row to even begin thinking about it.

[jmk]

This is a great ride and a great trail with nice people who are very helpful.If you love to trail ride and camp you will love it ;)I used to do parts of the Blossom ride...no bugs and a smaller group.I didn't have anyone to move my rig and did just fine by myself ;DI would be very glad to answer any questions any one has.
Appy Trails
Jan

[lilysladyluck]

Never had shoes on my mare, do I really need them?

How many miles a day do we ride, and approximate/average time it takes.

If we don't have a camper, is it feasible to do a tent or will we be back so late it would be better to do a mattress in the truck?

Is it better to picket horses or set up a portable corral?

And how conditioned shoudl the horse be before arriving? Do I need to get hers as in shape as my barrel horse or just somewhat conditioned?

Are there areas to do laundry or do you bring enough clothes to get through the ride?

[jmk]

Lils...I will try to answer all your questions...
Most of the trail is sand...but some gravel road riding and along side paved roads so depends on how tough your horse's feet are.Sand can wear a hoof pretty good.
Miles a day is average of 20 to 25 miles.Don't know how fast you ride so hard to tell how long it will take you.And you should have time to do a tent but remember you have to take it down in the morning and pack up to move every day.
No portable corrals allowed so must picket.Most camps have a lot of picket posts.
Conditioning?Horses sould be in reasonable shape to do the miles..not super conditioned for distance riding or extreme barrel racing but in good condition.
You will be near towns and if there are layover days on the ride you plan you will have time to go to a laundry mat to wash clothes,take showers.. whatever.Ask the people on the ride they will point you in the right direction...and most know where the showers are ;)And the good places to eat...Ma Deeters in Luzerne is a must as well as Ranch Rudolph near Shecks Camp.The trail boss is very helpful.
Any more questions just ask..be glad to help.
Appy Trails
Jan

[lilysladyluck]

Thanks Jan!! That helps. I was trying to figure out how to get three horses in racing condition, but if I can just work her boy a few times a week and get him fit enough, that helps tons.

I was thinking about the glue on shoes for Brandi. She is sound as a dollar and conditioned on gravel roads, so that doesn't worry me much, but I can always bring my tools with me and go with the glue-ons if she is wearing to fast.

do they have a list of area vets on the ride route for emergencies?

[starlite9804]

If you don't want to put shoes on your horse I would recommend at least to have easy boots for them. I have seen more than one person have to drop out by Kalkaska because of their feet getting sore.
I also second the reminder that you have to take your tent down in the mornings. If your trailer is enclosed I think I would clean the trailer out and set up some cots back there.
You will amaze yourself when after a week you start out at Kalkaska and you say "We only have to ride 20 miles today"....then you think, Did I really say "ONLY"?
Oh, and Barb the bus driver is really good at getting ice for your cooler if you need it.

[rackonrnr]

I've been a member of MTRA for over 20 yrs and try riding on every one of the rides they have even if it is only for a long weekend. The first 10 yrs that I was a member I always completed the crossing in sept and received a trophy and certificate each time. Its a challenge and takes great effort to actually ride every day appx. 25 miles a day in the pouring rain, cold, sometimes snow(in oct), sometimes blazing hot but worth the accomplishment. Of course as the years went on I was wanting to focus more on having fun so put off riding for the trophy and skip a day of riding here and there but do occasionally ride camp to camp every day and get one. Last year I got two trophies one in June and one in Sept.
I have to move my own rig so that means getting up (my hardest part, 6am is early for me) and taking care of my horse and my stuff and getting the rig ready to move to the next camp. Tenting is a pain but can be done. I guarantee you will only do it on one ride. Its easier to make a bed in the back of your pickup or horse trailer. I started off in the stall of my horse trailer, graduated to the back of the pickup and now own a truck camper with shower bathroom and all. AND NOW I am shopping for a motorhome. Luxuries are nice. There are places to take showers and do laundry along the way. You may want to ride hard the day you are near a place with facilities to get in early so you have time to go to town and get it done. Most people ride into camp between 2pm and 4pm. Some earlier some later depending on what time you ride out, how fast you ride and how much dinking around you do on the trail.
I cannot stress enough, please, put shoes all around on your horse! They need them. Easy boots collect dirt, mud and water and can cause sores and barefoot is just asking for trouble. Your horse will encounter enough problems trying to stay sound going across so why add to the chances. Make sure your saddle fits properly and bring extra pads and cinches because once they get a saddle sore it will get way worse if you keep riding.
If you have never been on a ride you are in for some fun. Yes there can be bad things that happen but with some thoughtful preparation and common sense you will have a great time. The trails are beautiful, the people friendly and there is no better way to bond with your horse. Any questions? I hope to see you on the trails this year.

[jmk]

Rnr can give you a wealth of information.Tracy has been there done that on the shore to shore trail and knows her stuff ;)I would NOT ride my horse barefoot on this trail but that is just me.Sand can work just like sand paper and I have seen it happen when I crossed doing the endurance ride.Horses from out of state had to pull from the ride because of this...we were doing 50 miles a day
Extra saddle pads are a good thing too...so you can have a clean dry one while the other one is getting dry. I bring 2 of everything..halters,girths etc as well as a well stocked first aid kit for me and my horse.I get things ready the nite before so it isn't such a rush in the morning.
Trail boss should have emergency numbers for vets along the way.Vets have been needed on this ride for various reasons.Sometimes there are vets and farriers taking part in the ride.
I too have slept in the back of my truck,horse trailer then a camper and I have a small motor home now..Ahhhhh..the luxuries of a shower at day's end and an inside bathroom equals no other when on the trail...Yes..I'm getting old and I figure I deserve it ;D
There are things you learn as you go to make it easier.It is a great experience and you will have fun.Oh!!Comfy riding gear for you makes a big difference....being the endurance rider I am I wear riding tights..I get weird looks from some of the riders but no rubbed raw spots at the end of the day ;)These can be worn under jeans for the less adventurous ;DPanty hose under jeans work too.
Dang this is really making me want to plan for the Blossom ride....Hmmmmm have to think on it
Appy Trails
Jan

[lilysladyluck]

Ok, definitly shoes then. Will just have to have someone show me how to rip the hinds off when we are done with the ride. One of these two is a kicker (only in the pasture) but I sure as heck don't need a horse hurt. That is why I outlawed hind shoes on the horses in my pasture. Unless hubby gets the stalls done by then...LOL

Airmattress in the back of th etruck under the topper is a definite then. My tent is actually a canvas cabin, so it might take too long to put up and take down.