Where trees are not available we *always have rocks*.
<vbg> Small Rocks are painted white and large rocks
have a white patch painted on them. We use them in open
areas such as fields and at water crossings.
When necessary, we may use electric fence posts with
markers attached. We try to only do this in areas where
the cows will disturb the markers if they are put out ahead
as these are easy to put out at the last minute.
All gates are numbered (there are about 35 on our ride).
While the numbering system is primarily for the volunteers,
it is helpful for the riders as well.
For hazardous holes or footing we have started using the
little flags on the wire stick that are used by utility
companies. These are easy to carry in our saddlebags and
very visible. Bright colored survey tape may be used to
flag something such as barb wire fencing.
These are just a few ideas that maybe the folks on the list
who are involved in ride management can use. While not
everyone has the liberty to permanently mark a trail, I
highly recommend marking any sections that you can this
way. It saves a tremendous amount of labor during ride
preparation.
On another note:
Our mid point P&R is in a very tight spot by a river.
Horses can cool in river before check in then go back in
the river. We have our snack stop about 1/2 mile before
the P&R in order to decrease the chaos in the P&R area.
Once the P&R is done riders must move across the road
into a shoot where the trot out is done. It is done
assembly line style and it works pretty well for us. We
don't usually have to much of a backup unless the vet is
taking a lot of time with each horse.
For the past 2 years we have tried starting 4 horses every
5 minutes. This has worked out well for spreading
everyone out coming into the P&R.
For everyone who likes the challenge of the OD but wants
better marked trails, drive a few miles south and come to
Graves Mountain. Trails are open year round with
primitive horse camping available near the Lodge. There
are over 100 miles of trails (not all are marked). You can
ride to Big Meadows or Skyland or cover the many other
miles of trails in between. This is a great place to
condition!
Sally Aungier
Ride Manager, Graves Mt. 25
.. and please don't ask when we're bringing back the "50".
I don't have enough folks who want to help maintain trail
for that.......