Sallijan,
I made the ride certificates using a cool graphic that one of our local
endurance riders had commissioned a few years ago from a local artist. It
has three riders on a hill against a rising moon. Very dramatic. The first
year we did the ride we had someone fill in the certificates with hand
calligraphy, but she had major writer's cramp by the end of the evening and
this year we used plain lettering. We ran the certificates on bright yellow
20 pound paper.
The start time is determined by the time of moonrise, which actually was
about 9:45 this year. If you have a late moonrise, say after midnight, you
would be riding in total darkness, which unfortunately is what happened to
me because I started at 9 p.m. sharp. By the time I hit the ridge, my horse
was fighting to go at endurance speeds in pitch darkness. Those who waited
had a lovely moonlit trail.
Pam