I spoke to someone that rides there often and she said that all the spring rain has done a job on the trails. They are more rocky and have deep ruts in places.In the past many people used pads or easy boots (saw 3 lost easy boots on the trail last ride).They may add more road miles but the forest service always picks that time of year to lay down new gravel.If you're horse is tender footed you may consider pads. Don't want to discourage anyone, it's a good ride and a lot of great folks show up.