Wide open spaces

Many local hunts and horse clubs sponsor organized trail rides during the spring and summer months.  These trail rides are open to all riders and horses.  Mules are welcome, too.  Both English and Western disciplines are welcome. 

These trail rides are a great way to see the local country and have a chance to ride out on some of the most beautiful territory in the Piedmont.  It is also an excellent way to meet new friends. One can keep a horse fit and the benefits of new places reap wonders on the horses' (and riders') psyche.

The Rappahannock Hunt will kick off its trail ride season with a Mother's Day Trail Ride today.  It will begin at 11 a.m. and leave from Walnut Knoll Farm in Rixeyville.  The ride will be about two hours long.  Depending on the group, the rides usually split into walk and walk/trot.  Jumps are always optional, and the group will wait for riders.  The terrain at this fixture is very gently rolling; there may be one or two streams to cross.  It is a good ride to start the season.

On June 2, the hunt will sponsor a trail ride at O'Bannon's Farm in Woodville, beginning at 10 a.m..  This is a fun ride that takes you up to the top of Red Oak Mountain in Rappahannock County.  From the top of Red Oak there is a fantastic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the verdant valleys of Rappahannock.  This ride has a lot of uphill and downhill and is good for conditioning.

On June 16, Rappahannock and Bull Run Hunts will jointly host a trail ride from Maple Lawn in Culpeper, beginning at 5 pm.  This fixture is located four miles down Rt. 15.

Fee for adults is $20, juniors are $10.  Drinks are provided.  There is always an informal picnic following so bring a dish to share.  More rides are scheduled during the summer. For directions and dates visit www.rappahannockhunt.com or call the Hunt Monitor at 540-987-8957 or Janet O'Keefe at 547-2993. Don't forget a negative coggins test must accompany each horse and remember to bring a hard hat.

Get a glimpse of the Old Dominion Hunts' territory by attending some or all of their sponsored trail rides.  On Saturday, ODH will host a ride at beautiful Marriott Ranch.  More information is available by calling (540) 364-3995.

Other organized riding activities include the Clifton Horse Society judged Pleasure Ride on May 20.  This is an annual event held at Bull Run Regional Park.  For more information call Mary Flowers at 703-250-6188.

Most of these organized trail rides take place on private property with the kind and generous permission of the landowners. Our area is blessed with landowners who are deeply committed to preserving our open spaces.   In order to maintain our access to not only private, but also public land as well, everybody has to get involved.  Either join a local hunt, a local horse society, or become involved in the Virginia Horse Council.  They publish a Virginia Public Trails guide that can be purchased online at www.virginiahorsecouncil.org. 

Paula Lorentzen is a former professional horsewoman turned Realtor. If you have a story of interest please contact her at paula.lorentzen @longandfoster.com.