During the pre-ride briefing it was emphatically
stated that you needed to make time where the trail
was good because you would be walking the last 3 miles
and would need an extra cushion of time.
Although there are many trails in the area most of the
ride was competed in DCNR (Forestry Service) territory where
they control which trails are open to horses at any given time.
DCNR told management that was the course they had to follow.
Of the 8 riders who took time penalties 4 complained that they
had been held back on the trail by Diane & Kevin who refused to
move over to allow them to pass.
The management team had moved the ride off a lot of the road systems
used in prior years because of complaints by riders including
Diane & Kevin for more trail and less road mileage.
The rider who fell attributed the accident to a green horse that
spooked at a boulder along the trail.
Management felt the course although tough and advertised as such, was
safe and infact competed 2 of their own horses.
In conclusion Dry Valley management believes the original post was
a personal attack by Diane in retaliation for complaints about unsafe
safe trails at her ride last year.
My Personal note: Please people lets think before we complain out loud.
Being a ride manager is a major time commitment and the stress level
can make the job overwhelming. I do not want to see us lose any more
rides. Management should be given postive criticism and if they choose
not to make changes you just talk with your pocketbook.
Sandy, and the crew. Impy, Tink, Taz, and Mage.