Vermont Trail Trotters - Hunter Pace Information

Hunter Pace Information

Brochure | Entry Form | Medical Form

Start Times will be posted September 30, 2010

DESCRIPTION
Competitors ride in teams of 2-4 riders over a marked course of about 10-11 miles. The course includes woodland trails, open fields, a stream, and dirt roads, with 25-30 natural jumps. Height of most jumps is 2' to 2'6", all have go-arounds. Jumping is entirely optional. The course is to be ridden as if it were a trail ride, choosing the gaits and speed appropriate to the terrain and wishes of the team members. Excessive speed is strongly discouraged.

TEAMS and DIVISIONS
Riders enter as teams of 2-4 riders, as follows:
Division A - for those wishing to ride competitively.
Division B - for those wishing to ride less competitively.
Division C - for those wishing to ride leisurely.

Note: No one may ride alone. For singles in need of a team, we may be able to help place you.
Note: Riders under age 14 should be accompanied by a rider age 16 or over.

TIME SCHEDULE and START TIMES
10:00 am Division A teams start
Division B teams start as the last "A" team leaves
Division C teams start as the last "B" team leaves

Teams start at 3 or 4-minute intervals according to assigned start times.
To verify start times, teams should check the Start Times page or call a few days ahead. Requests for start times will be honored if possible.

SCORING, WINNERS, AWARDS
The Elapsed Time on the course is recorded for each team. Time is taken from the start of the first team member to the finish of the last team member.

In Division A, all members of a team must complete the course to receive a score. The winner is the team whose elapsed time is closest to a pre-set, undisclosed Optimum Time.
In Division B, the winner is the team whose elapsed time is closest to the Average Elapsed Time of all teams in that Division, as calculated at the end of the Pace.
Trophies for first place riders and 10 ribbons in Divisions A and B.
Division C will not be scored.
The Margaret Pennebaker Sportsmanship Award will be given to the rider who displays the ideal good sport attitude!

WAITING LIST, CANCELLATIONS
The Pace will be limited to 30 teams. Any further entries will be put on a waiting list and notified immediately if there is a cancellation.

Note: If a team must cancel, please notify Kelley Rich at (802) 442-9102 right away so that a team on the waiting list can be accepted.

Checkpoint: There may be a mandatory 3-minute hold in middle of the course. Horses may be held longer if deemed necessary.

Overtaking Teams have the right-of-way, within the limits of safety, courtesy and good sportsmanship.

ASTM Approved Headgear must be worn by all riders when mounted.

Horses That Kick must wear red ribbons in their tails.

Dogs: For liability reasons, we ask that you leave your canine companions home or contained within your vehicle or trailer.

State Law Requires a current Negative Coggins Test on all horses.

Courtesy: Riders are requested to respect the property over which the course is laid. Please, no littering or other abuses.

Pinnies should be treated with care and must be returned at the completion of the ride.

Water will be available on the grounds.

Food and Drink is available for purchase throughout the day. Stay for lunch and enjoy the awards ceremony.

Medical Information: This year we are providing a Medical Information form to be filled out by the rider and carried with them during the ride. These are now mandatory in any Pony Club, FEI and USEA events. They are not mandatory here, but think they are a wonderful idea. They are yours to keep for future use. Please take advantage of this possibly life-saving paper.

Entry Form: Each rider must fill out and sign their own entry form, not just one for the whole team. For riders under age 18, a parent or legal guardian (not trainers or others) must also sign. Only paid entries will be accepted. If you would like entry forms mailed to you please call Kelley. They will also be made available at Whitman's Feed Store, North Bennington, VT and Country Tack, Lanesborough, MA.

Entry Fee: $45 per rider. Make checks payable to: Vermont Trail Trotters
Late Entry Fee: $50 per rider. Please call to make sure there's still room.

ENTRY FORM AND FEE MUST BE RECEIVED BY FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17th:

Vermont Trail Trotters
Family Hunter Pace
PO Box 1562, Bennington, VT 05201

Note: No start time or team changes after the deadline unless really necessary.

For More Information: browse this site or call Kelley Rich at (802) 442-9102.