News & Events COMPETITIVE TRAIL NEWS IN THE SOUTHWEST


POLE CANYON TRAILS DELIVER THE OLD WEST


Competitive trail riders hark back to the days of old


when they embark upon the well-marked paths of Pole Canyon Ranch in Quitaque, Texas on April 7-8. The North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC) re- turns, working with ranch owners Phil and Lynnette Barefield. “We love to share the beauty of this part of the


country with trail riders from all over the United States,” said Barefield. “The ranch is especially attractive to dis- tance organizations like NATRC because we have miles and miles of beautiful trails on 6000 acres to offer their competitors.” NATRC competitions are


not races, but they do have a minimum and maximum time window to complete 15-30 miles per day, depending on the division entered. There are also three to five judged natural ob- servations on the trail each day, such as water crossings, gates or riding up and down the steep canyon hills. “NATRC is a great way to


explore private ranches like Pole Canyon, but also learn while en- joying time with your horse on the trail,” said Ride Manager Jean Green from Lawton, OK. “Come join us and see what you might be missing.” More information on this


Becky Rogers on Vino Que Sera


ride and other 2018 NATRC rides throughout the Southwest can be found on natrc.org. w


David Spell on Ali Gator


PACKING FOR THE TRAIL Twylight Allison It is spring in the Southwest and


time to head out on the trails. And it is also time to think of the tack needed for a successful ride. Unfortunately, many riders go on the trail without anything but their horse, bridle and saddle. Here are a few tips that will make a trail ride safer and more en- joyable. First, select the appropriate saddle bag. There are many options available


including horn, cantle, or pommel bags, insulated, leather or nylon, pink, purple, black or camo. The options are plentiful across all price ranges. Next, stock your saddle bag. Several items come in travel size such as


wet wipes, tissue, first aid kit, and pain relievers that will fit well without tak- ing up much room.


Items for safety: * Hoof pick – Keep somewhere on your saddle or in your saddle bag


always. * Leather string - Just in case something breaks, small pieces will prove


invaluable. * Pocket knife * Trail Map - Even if you know your way around, a trail map is a very


good idea. You can store your map in a zipped plastic bag to protect it from moisture. * Water - One way to have cool water is to freeze a bottle, and as you


ride it will melt enough to drink. * Halter and lead rope – You never know when the need will arise to


tie your horse. * Cell phone – Most of the time you may not have phone reception, but texting usually goes through in case of an emergency.


Extra Items: * Snacks * Chap Stick * Duct tape * Pepper spray * Handkerchief * Sunscreen * Bug spray


All these items may seem


overwhelming, but after your bag is packed, just replace items as needed. You may be someone's hero on the trail! w


26 SouthWest Horse Trader April 2018


Optical Harmonics


Optical Harmonics


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