07-03-2010

Box T Ranch
Flagstaff, AZ

BOX T RANCH CTC

North of Flagstaff, Arizona

July 4th Weekend

Ride date: July 3, Saturday

This is one of the most spectacular rides in Arizona. At an elevation of 8000` there are ponderosa and aspen along with beautiful grassy meadows filled with wildflowers. The ride is staged on private land located between Kendrick Mountain Wilderness Area (10,000`) and the San Francisco Peaks (12,000). There are hundreds of miles of trails to ride without seeing another person. The average high temperature is in the 70`s with lows in the 40`s. There is always a cool breeze blowing through the pines. This ride is a true get away from the city. The stars are spectacular at night. If you`re up early you may be lucky enough to see the herds of Elk an Deer. You will ride through pristine forest in quiet solitude.

The footing is a little rough in spots because of the severe winter, shoes or boots required. You can avoid most of the rocky areas by going off the trail. There are no steep or difficult climbs on the 6 mile course. There will be 6 obstacles spaced along the course. The obstacles will be naturally occurring things you would see on any forest ride. This ride is a casual competition offering obstacles designed to be a fun challenge to all levels of riders and horses from beginners to very experienced. Open, Pleasure and Buddy`s may ride together in groups. Buddy riders are not permitted to do the obstacles.

The ranch is completely off the grid. There are no water or electrical hook ups available, you must bring your own. You are welcome to come early and stay as long as you like. Horses may be kept in portable pens or tied to the trailer or a picket line between trailers. There is no fee to camp. There may be some stalls available, check with Star for availability. Your campsite must be cleaned up. All manure and hay must be picked up and packed out.

SCHEDULE

Check in: Friday between 2:00 and 5:30 or Saturday morning at 7:30 am sharp.

Judges meeting 7:30 am on the day of the ride.

Riders pre-ride meeting 8:00 am.

First riders out starting at 8:30.

Riders should take be approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours to complete the 8 mile course.

Pot Luck lunch starts when all riders return, around 1:00 to 1:30.

Raffle

Awards

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The closest feed store is 23 miles, closest grocery store is 17 miles, closest gas is 10 miles (very expensive). Verizon cell phones work but most others do not. You are welcome to use or phones if the need arises. Things to bring for your horses - water, feed, blanket, muck bucket and fork. Things to bring for you - sunscreen, rain gear (you never know), chair, water and a dish for the pot luck lunch.

In addition there is a practice obstacle course set up on 10 acres for folks to hone their skills before and after the ride. Buddy`s are welcome to practice on these obstacles.

We couldn`t get a caterer to come out to the ranch so last year we had a pot luck lunch that worked out really well. The food was excellent. Bring your favorite dish. PATRICK IS PUTTING TOGETHER ONE OF HIS HORSESHOE GAMES FOR FRIDAY AND/OR SATURDAY AT THE HOUSE.

HOW TO SIGN UP

Participants must register online. You must be a member of ACTHA. We cannot accept entries for Pleasure or Open the day of the ride. Buddy riders will be able to sign up the day of the ride but will need to pay cash, sorry we can`t accept checks or credit cards the day of the ride. If you need help contact Star via email at [email protected] or 480-510-6713. Entries are limited to 100.

DIRECTIONS TO THE RIDE

From Flagstaff (Humphreys and Route 66) go north on Humphreys appx 2 miles to Fort Valley and turn left/west, this turns into HWY 180. Go appx 17 miles to mile marker 233 and turn west/left onto FSR 193 (dirt) and go 1.1 mile to 9003H and turn north/right to the Ranch. The last 1/4 mile is a little rough, go slow and you won`t have a problem. There are no steep grades into the ranch. There will be signs to guide you in. Registration for this ride will close on July 1st. If you need more detailed directions contact Star at [email protected] or 480-510-6713.