Trail building equestrians of New Mexico

[Una Smith <una.smith AT att.net>]

TREQ-NMers,

The text below is an advertisement of sorts that is "going around":  I
have received several copies already this week, from different people.

        Una Smith
        Los Alamos

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Again, this summer the Valles Caldera National Preserve is also open to 
horse riders with their own mounts.  Available dates and Internet links 
for the preserve are below. Large groups, and equestrian organizations 
can contact the VCNP to arrange for special events.

Be prepared for rain, and deer flies, and plan your ride to be back 
before a possible downpour as the rainy season is closing in on us.
It is always good to be prepared. Bring a slicker or rain coat for 
yourself, and fly spray for your horse. It is cooler (and sometimes 
downright cold) in the mountains compared to Albuquerque or Santa Fe.  
Here is a check list on the website of recommended gear. 

http://www.vallescaldera.gov/comevisit/horse/horse_needtoknow.aspx 

You will find a water trough for your horses at the staging area. Human 
amenities include a pot-a-potty, and the hut is stocked with bottled 
water, Gatorade and VCNP logo gear for sale. Credit cards and cash are 
accepted. There is ample parking and you do not have to worry about your 
rig while you are on the trail enjoying yourself. Pets are not allowed 
at the VCNP (see also 
http://www.vallescaldera.gov/comevisit/horse/horse_rules.aspx).

*The VCNP web site:* vallescaldera.gov

*Links to  information about riding the VCNP:*
http://www.vallescaldera.gov/comevisit/horse/index.aspx
http://www.vallescaldera.gov/comevisit/horse/horse_Education.aspx
http://www.vallescaldera.gov/comevisit/horse/horse_faq.aspx
http://www.vallescaldera.gov/comevisit/horse/horse_rules.aspx

*Link to make reservations:*
http://www.vallescaldera.gov/comevisit/horse/horse_viewall.aspx

Apply On-Line

To reserve your ride on the Preserve, select your ride from the 
available dates page:
http://www.vallescaldera.gov/comevisit/horse/horse_viewall.aspx

The site will accept credit card payments only. 

Apply by Phone

You may also contact us by phone Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (MST) 
and on Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (MST) by calling toll-free: 
1-866-382-5537.

To Ride Without Reservations

The Trust will allow spontaneous use based on available space. Riders 
without reservations must arrive at the Banco Bonito staging area before 
10 am. There are no guarantees on available space. No exceptions will be 
made.

Riding Fees

Riding fees are $20 per horse. Parking is secure, behind locked gates! 
The trails are terrific. The terrain and landscape is varied, and you 
can design your ride to be as easy or as difficult as you desire. On the 
Equestrian Event days  listed below, the VCNP reserves the trails just 
for horses and their riders.  Imagine  the luxury of riding your horse 
in this glorious landscape -- without motorized vehicles, hikers or 
bicycles. Out of  consideration for the well being of  the equestrian 
gusts of the VCNP, please remember that  stallions are not allowed on 
the preserve, and  riders 16 and under are required to wear helmets.

Links to VCNP maps:
http://www.vallescaldera.gov/about/maps/maps_static.aspx

*Available Dates:*
Friday, July 04, 2008 
Saturday, July 05, 2008                    
Sunday, July 06, 2008  
Friday, July 18, 2008 
Saturday, July 19, 2008  
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Friday, August 01, 2008  
Friday, August 15, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008   
Sunday, August 17, 2008 
Friday, August 29, 2008   
Saturday, August 30, 2008     
Sunday, August 31, 2008 
Friday, September 26, 2008  
Saturday, September 27, 2008  
Sunday, September 28, 2008