Join the Grafton Trail Riders for the annual Over the Mountain Ride!
Imagine this: it’s a beautiful fall day, the leaves are gorgeous, and you are sitting on your horse at the top of a mountain with scenic views of Vermont, Massachusetts and New York. This could be you if you participate in the Grafton Trial Rider’s 61st Over The Mountain Ride.
This 25 mile ride follows mountain and wooded trails from the Massachusetts border back to Grafton, New York. The first half of the ride is regarded by some as the most beautiful part of the ride because of the amazing views, but it is also the more challenging half. The less strenuous second half travels along dirt roads, wooded trails and old carriage roads, ending at the Club House in Grafton, where we can untack, unwind, and await a fantastic catered BBQ. Later there is a campfire, music, dancing, raffles and lots of story sharing. 
The ride begins around 8:00AM with trucking the horses to Petersburgh Pass. There is a forward moving ride leader, whom you may not pass, and a slower drag rider who will make sure that no one is left behind. The ride can be completed in 6 hours at a steady walk, including a half hour lunch break. A buffet lunch of sandwiches, cookies, fruit, and drinks (and apples for your horses!) is provided by club volunteers at about the half way mark.
Some riders arrange to trailer in at the lunch stop to just do the less strenuous second half (about 2 1/2 hours). A rescue trailer is available at various locations should your horse not be able to continue the ride. Transportation is provided after the ride to bring you back to pick up your rig. Shoes are recommended for all horses due to the rocky terrain.
You don’t have to be a club member to sign up for this time honored event. And if your family would like to attend the BBQ but not the ride, there are options for “dinner only” reservations.
Reservations close at 100 participants, so register early. For more information, you can contact those listed below. See you on the trail!
Jim Lotano 518 399-7900
Marianne Richards 518 320-6108
Linda Hedman 518 674-8499
GraftonTrailriders@yahoo.com
To view a photo gallery from the 2011 ride, click on the link below.
Special thanks to Mike Boettcher of Desdelan Photography!
http://desdelan.zenfolio.com/p972466372 Password is - horseback
SEE MORE PICTURES OF THIS BEAUTIFUL RIDE ON THE ALBUMS PAGE!