Trail building equestrians of New Mexico

[Sabine Shurter <sabine AT tektrail.com>]

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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