Ponies and Pedals
|
Are you a mountain biker who'd like to learn more about how to safely approach and interact with horses on the trail? Are you an equestrian who'd love an opportunity to acclimate your horse to mountain bikes (they're not predators!)? Or are you a hiker / trail runner who would like some time to interact with horses to become more comfortable with them? This event is for you! Join us on Saturday, June 1, National Trails day, in conjunction with Rocky Mountain Back Country Horsemen, for a day of fostering positive interactions, learning trail safety, and building skills in a supportive environment. Discover camaraderie among other outdoor enthusiasts as we gather for a morning of FREE education and skill-building!
|
Schedule - Saturday, June 1, 2024
9:30 am - 10:00 am - Educational Meet and Greet
Hikers, anglers and bikers can join volunteer equestrians at Eagle Wing Trailhead for discussions on trail safety and etiquette, while horseback riders interact with volunteer bikers at Ecology Park to help green horses acclimate to mountain bikes in a safe, controlled environment.
10:00 am - 11:30 am - Trails Skills Practice Loop
Take a quick trip through pre-planned loops where horses and cyclists cross paths, earning door prize entries for completing the 1.5 or 4 mile loops, respectively. Check out the routes in advance for bikes (https://trails.colorado.gov/routes/121410) and horses (https://trails.colorado.gov/routes/121411). Runners also welcome to participate!
11:30 am - 1:30 pm - Refreshments / Networking / Door Prizes
Refreshments and networking at Ecology Park Trailhead, where participants can share their experiences, enjoy delicious bites, and possibly win a $100 gift card to Big R.
12:30 pm - ~3:00 pm - Guided Equestrian Trail Ride
Explore this unique easement on a 3-4 hour horseback ride to Temple Canyon. Grape Creek is a mesmerizing trail that traces the water's meandering path, crossing it over 30 times in one direction. Nestled in the scenic expanse of the BLM's Royal Gorge region, this equestrian easement is a true gem that requires near constant care and support due to the naturally occurring flora and fauna here. BE AWARE that this trail is rated as 'moderate/intermediate' due to the unique challenge of multiple water crossings for horses. While this offers an exciting adventure, it does require some experience in navigating such terrain. Other possible obstacles include shrub overgrowth that impedes the trail and wildlife such as snakes, bighorn sheep, deer, or coyotes. We encourage beginner riders to join (as well as green horses that are SAFE in a group), but recommend being prepared in advance for these potential challenges on the ride. Must be a member of RMBCH or donate $5 and sign ride waiver to join.
***ABSOLUTELY 𝗡𝗢 𝗗𝗢𝗚𝗦 due to insurance regulations!***
Parking Information:
EQUESTRIANS please use Ecology Park Trailhead, https://trails.colorado.gov/trailheads/ecology-park-361 (38.418597, -105.260429; CP9Q+HR Cañon City, Colorado)
HIKERS & CYCLISTS & ANGLERS please use Eagle Wing Trailhead, https://trails.colorado.gov/trailheads/eagle-wing-1934 (38.431690, -105.253595; CPJW+MH Cañon City, Colorado)
There is adequate parking with two entrances for horse trailers, but recommend trailer-pooling if able due to food trucks.
No bathrooms, water, or overnight camping at trailhead.
Hikers, anglers and bikers can join volunteer equestrians at Eagle Wing Trailhead for discussions on trail safety and etiquette, while horseback riders interact with volunteer bikers at Ecology Park to help green horses acclimate to mountain bikes in a safe, controlled environment.
10:00 am - 11:30 am - Trails Skills Practice Loop
Take a quick trip through pre-planned loops where horses and cyclists cross paths, earning door prize entries for completing the 1.5 or 4 mile loops, respectively. Check out the routes in advance for bikes (https://trails.colorado.gov/routes/121410) and horses (https://trails.colorado.gov/routes/121411). Runners also welcome to participate!
11:30 am - 1:30 pm - Refreshments / Networking / Door Prizes
Refreshments and networking at Ecology Park Trailhead, where participants can share their experiences, enjoy delicious bites, and possibly win a $100 gift card to Big R.
12:30 pm - ~3:00 pm - Guided Equestrian Trail Ride
Explore this unique easement on a 3-4 hour horseback ride to Temple Canyon. Grape Creek is a mesmerizing trail that traces the water's meandering path, crossing it over 30 times in one direction. Nestled in the scenic expanse of the BLM's Royal Gorge region, this equestrian easement is a true gem that requires near constant care and support due to the naturally occurring flora and fauna here. BE AWARE that this trail is rated as 'moderate/intermediate' due to the unique challenge of multiple water crossings for horses. While this offers an exciting adventure, it does require some experience in navigating such terrain. Other possible obstacles include shrub overgrowth that impedes the trail and wildlife such as snakes, bighorn sheep, deer, or coyotes. We encourage beginner riders to join (as well as green horses that are SAFE in a group), but recommend being prepared in advance for these potential challenges on the ride. Must be a member of RMBCH or donate $5 and sign ride waiver to join.
***ABSOLUTELY 𝗡𝗢 𝗗𝗢𝗚𝗦 due to insurance regulations!***
Parking Information:
EQUESTRIANS please use Ecology Park Trailhead, https://trails.colorado.gov/trailheads/ecology-park-361 (38.418597, -105.260429; CP9Q+HR Cañon City, Colorado)
HIKERS & CYCLISTS & ANGLERS please use Eagle Wing Trailhead, https://trails.colorado.gov/trailheads/eagle-wing-1934 (38.431690, -105.253595; CPJW+MH Cañon City, Colorado)
There is adequate parking with two entrances for horse trailers, but recommend trailer-pooling if able due to food trucks.
No bathrooms, water, or overnight camping at trailhead.
