Sixth Annual Trail Ride

Howdy Trail Riders:

It’s time to dust off your hats and boots! The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ Appaloosa Horse Show Committee invites you to participate in its sixth annual ranch ride in Cat Springs, Texas.

The ride is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007, at 7IL Trails Ranch in Cat Springs, Texas.  Our ride will cross through the 1,150 acres of ranchland at 7IL Trails ranch.   RV/Trailer hookups are available; several bed and breakfasts also are near by.  The evening festivities will center around campfires on Friday night, barbecue dinner on Saturday night, followed by a silent auction and music by Tom Ben Lindley.

You don’t have to own a horse or even be a cowboy or cowgirl to enjoy this ride.  Rentals can be secured if you commit as soon as possible, as few are still available.  For those who prefer not to ride, there will be a hay wagon available.  You also are welcome to bring your own wagon or carriage.

Details for the weekend’s activities and the registration forms are attached.  The ride will be here before you know it, and we need some time to prepare, so we need your registration and signed release of liability no later than Oct. 19, 2007 (earlier if you plan to rent a horse). If you are providing your own horse, a negative Coggins is required and must be presented as you enter the ranch.  Come on partner and join us for a wonderful experience – good fun, good food and good fellowship!

See you on the trail,

Kay M. Atchison                       TL Zentz Thompson
Chairman            Captain

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™
Appaloosa Horse Show Committee

Sixth Annual Ranch Ride

Nov. 2 – 4, 2007

7IL Trails ranch 5389 Mill Creek Rd., Cat Springs, Texas 78933
www.7ILTrails.com

The committee will hold its Sixth Annual Trail Ride on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007, at 7IL Trails Ranch in Cat Springs, Texas.  We are keeping it simple, so there will only be one package for attendees this year (plus the rental, if you need one).

The cost is $50 for each attendee over 12 (under 12 is $20).  You will get fireside fellowship on Friday evening (bring your own libations), breakfast, lunch and barbecue dinner on Saturday, with a great experience in a wonderful atmosphere.  Live music provided by Tom Ben Linley.

Horses are available for rental at $135 each for the day and will be provided by Dallas Smalley.  Limited rentals are available, so do not delay in reserving your horse today.

Please complete the enclosed registration form listing all attendees in your party, have a copy of both indemnity forms signed by each member of your party.  Return both with your check as instructed on the form.  If you need additional registration or indemnity forms, feel free to make copies or contact TL Zentz Thompson at 832-692-2440.  The deadline for registration and payment is Oct. 19, 2007.  Commitment to rentals must be made ASAP via phone.

General Information

Arrivals may begin at 3 p.m. Friday, and departure must be no later than noon on Sunday.  Appaloosa Committee members will stay for clean up.

8:30-9:30 a.m. Saturday – registration and breakfast

10 a.m. – trail ride begins

12:30 – 2 p.m. – lunch and rest

2 p.m. – second half of trail ride begins

6:30 p.m. – dinner served

8 p.m. – awards, auction and music fill the evening

You must provide all feed and hay for your own animals.  Water for the animals will be provided at the campsite and during the ride.  You must have a halter and lead rope to tie your animals during the ride and at camp.

Soft drinks and water will be provided during the ride, lunch and dinner.  We will have coffee and light breakfast on Saturday morning.  Otherwise, please provide your own drinks and food or snacks.

Just a Few Trail Ride Rules

Absolutely no firearms will be allowed on the premises or on the ride at any time.
No glass containers on the campgrounds.
Trash receptacles will be provided in the camp and on the ride.  Let’s leave the campground and trail cleaner than we find it.
Do not ride horses around and among the camped vehicles. There will be plenty of space to ride away from the campers.
Trail boss and scouts will have final authority on the ride.
Horses must be in good condition.  Every animal must have proof of a negative Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA or Coggins) test within the past 12 months.  All participants must bring their VS10-11 EIA test form to ride.  Coggins test papers for each horse will be checked at the campsite entrance.  Any horse without papers will not be allowed on the grounds, NO EXCEPTIONS.  It is recommended that your horses be vaccinated for West Nile virus.
No stallions allowed, no exceptions.
Kicking horses must have red ribbons tied to their tails and may be positioned in the ride to avoid problems.
Do not tie horses or mules to fence posts, trees or other fixtures that are not your property except in designated areas.  Be sure to secure horses with halters and lead ropes, not reins.
NO DOGS allowed on the ride or in the camp.
Problems should be brought to the attention of the Trail Boss or a designated scout.
Safety and courtesy toward other riders and volunteers must be observed at all times.
Please be courteous to our hosts by cleaning up after yourself and your horse before leaving.