The Ontario Competitive Trail Riding Association (OCTRA) is reaching out to riders of Standardbreds to participate in a training ride on May 3.
There are two rides taking place -- one seven miles, the other 14 miles -- at the Dufferin County Forest Main Tract.
The event also includes sessions covering the following topics: camping with your horse; trail etiquette; horse health, before during and after the ride; vetting the horse in for the ride; taking your horse's heart rate; pacing your horse’s speed; and an introduction to the different OCTRA disciplines -- set speed, ride & tie, limited distance, competitive trail riding, and endurance.
The event organizers are encouraging riders with Standardbreds to take part and are willing to pay the entry fee for four participants riding a harness horse.
The Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society (OSAS) already has representation with Sarah Cutherbertson, who adopted the successful trotter West Grey Bay several years ago. OSAS strongly supports this initiative that aligns with its mandate to showcase the versatility of the Standardbred breed to a wide, relevant audience and encourages anyone interested in participating to visit the
OCTRA’s website at octra.on.ca for more information or to enter the event.
(With files from OSAS; photo of West Grey Bay and Cutherbertson)