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treq-nm - Re: [TREQ-NM] Ride the Valles Caldera

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Subject: Trail building equestrians of New Mexico

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  • From: Sabine Shurter <sabine AT tektrail.com>
  • To: Trail building equestrians of New Mexico <treq-nm AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [TREQ-NM] Ride the Valles Caldera
  • Date: Wed, 25 Jun 2008 17:12:17 -0600

One may call it an advertisement ... or an attempt to make sure that horseback-riding at the Valles Caldera will remain of the agenda as there are several groups involved in the VC that would love to see any equestrian activities banned from the Caldera ... none of the current programs at the VC can be taken for granted. This development can be seen all over the country. It is not just a bad dream to imagine that horses may be banned from public lands altogether some time in the future. Every area lost for horse people may be a permanent loss ... and the VC could be just another bad precedent with regard to public land access for equestrians. All VC programs are interim programs which may stay or go away depending on how important or lucrative the VC management sees any of the current activities and interest will also be deciding factor. At the moment, visiting riders are not even paying for the staff and cost involved. The equestrian program is not doing too well at this point ... I know there are many reasons for that and that the equestrain community is not to be blamed for it but nevertheless ... .
Sabine

Una Smith wrote:

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

--------------------------------- clip ---------------------------------


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
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