|
| American Paint
Horse Association
invites riders to saddle up for exciting adventures
FORT WORTH, Texas-Recreational riders eager
to explore some of the most diverse countryside
in America should consider taking part in one
of four exciting adventures planned by the American
Paint Horse Association (APHA) this year. The
Association is now accepting reservations for
rides in Arkansas, Iowa, New Mexico and Nebraska.
 |
Pat Meade, who has served as APHA
trail boss for all of the association's
rides since 1991, takes a group across the
Yellow River in Iowa. This year, the association
will visit the high country of New Mexico,
the Pine Ridge countryside of Nebraska,
Iowa's "Little Switzerland," and
the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas for some
outstanding trail ride adventures. (APHA
photo by Jerry Circelli)
Hirez JPEG (1.06 mb)
Hirez TIFF (4.82 mb) |
APHA welcomes all interested people, regardless
of the breed of horse they ride, to register
for any of the outings.
"This is a great opportunity to see America
the way it should be seen - from the back of
a horse and with a fine group of people from
APHA," said Cody Weirich, the Association's
ride coordinator. "We'll take riders up
mountains, across rivers and everywhere in-between,
as we continue to carry on our mission of treating
our guests to the best time they've ever had
on horseback."
Following are APHA's trail rides slated for
2003:
|
|
|
Lonesome D Horse Camp Trail Ride
March 14-15
At the Lonesome D Horse Camp in New Blaine, Ark., riders will
enjoy the natural beauty of the Ozarks, which includes the
highlands region of northwest Arkansas. With the Lonesome
D Horse Camp land adjoining the Ozark--St. Francis National
Forest, more than 100 miles of trails are available. APHA
will take riders over the most scenic part of the countryside,
including mountains, valleys and creeks, with many scenic
bluffs that allow breathtaking views of the area.
Accommodations include cabins and campsites located at the
base of a majestic mountain range.
The Natural Gait Trail Ride
May 22-24
In Iowa, at The Natural Gait ranch, near Marquette, participants
will make several river crossings and ride trails that wind
through heavily timbered areas populated by deer and turkey.
From the lower elevations, riders and their horses will climb
to some dramatic high bluffs and find out for themselves why
this section of the state has been nicknamed "Little
Switzerland."
The area has a fascinating history. In nearby Harper's Ferry,
the Eastern Woodland Indians built "effigy" mounds
from around 500 B.C. until about the time they came in contact
with Europeans. These mounds, which are carved representations
in the earth, were constructed in the shape of mammals, birds
and reptiles. The mounds are preserved and protected by the
National Park Service at Effigy Mounds National Monument.
A natural environment for horse lovers looking for a relaxing
ride, The Natural Gait's 400 acres is adjacent to the Yellow
River State Forest.
Fort Robinson Trail Ride
September 1-6
APHA's ride in Nebraska will be held at Fort Robinson State
Park, three miles west of Crawford. On that outing, riders
will visit an area that is rich in the history of the American
West. A military outpost from 1874 to 1948, Fort Robinson
is located in the heart of the rugged Pine Ridge region of
northern Nebraska. Crazy Horse, Red Cloud and Walter Reed
are just a few of the memorable figures who helped carve the
fort's place in history.
Fort Robinson covers more than 22,000 acres of majestic countryside,
offering unforgettable views and outstanding trails that pass
through tall-grass prairies, breathtaking rock formations
and Ponderosa pine forests.
The outing offers riders the opportunity to witness nature's
rugged beauty in a part of the country that seems untouched
by time.
Philmont Boy Scout Ranch Ride
October 12-16
In New Mexico, the APHA trail ride will be held at the Philmont
Boy Scout Ranch, near Cimarron, in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
The ranch spans more than 137,000 acres of some of the most
beautiful land in the nation, and APHA riders will see it
from the highest elevations, sometimes up to 8,000 feet above
sea level.
Magnificent mountains, mesas, pine forests, lakes and streams
can be found in every direction from the ranch trailhead.
Each day is a new adventure for riders in this wide-open territory,
which was donated to the Boy Scouts of America by philanthropist
Waite Phillips in the 1930s and 1940s.
Many of the trails traveled by visitors in this rugged terrain
in the northeast part of the state have remained relatively
untouched since legendary frontiersmen like Kit Carson carved
them out in the mid-1800s. In fact, Carson's wilderness residence
is located just a few miles from the ranch and is open for
tours.
More information
To find out more about the 2003 APHA Trail Rides, including
registration information, contact Cody Weirich by e-mail at
cweirich@apha.com,
or call (817) 222-6439. You may also visit the APHA Trail
Ride Web site at http://apha.com/events/trailrides.html.
|
