50 Mile Endurance Rides and Ride and Tie
(Friday & Saturday) Both 50-mile rides will follow an out-and-back format featuring away vet checks and a true mountain endurance experience. Riders will leave Briggs Brothers Ranch and travel across the Meadow Creek Mountain Trail to Burnett Gap, where the away vet checks will be located.
Hold times will be announced the day of the ride. From Burnett Gap, riders will continue on to Weaver’s Bend for a gate-and-go with a mandatory 10–15 minute hold, in accordance with the Control Judge’s decision. A veterinarian will be present at the gate-and-go. Horse feed, water, rider food, and water will all be available at this stop.
Please note: – No crew access will be permitted at the gate-and-go. Riders may send one prepared bag, and ride management will transport it to the location for you. After leaving Weaver’s Bend, riders will return to Burnett Gap for another vet check before crossing back over Meadow Creek Mountain and returning to Briggs Brothers Ranch for the final check. This format will be used both days. Due to the terrain and sections of gravel, hoof protection is required for all horses.
Friday 25 and 30 Mile Endurance Ride and Ride and Tie
The Friday 25-mile ride will follow the same opening loop as the 50-mile riders. Competitors will leave Briggs Brothers Ranch, cross Meadow Creek Mountain Trail, and travel to Burnett Gap for their hold. After the hold, riders will return to camp using a different trail route back across the mountain to Briggs Brothers Ranch. Hoof protection required for your horses.
Saturday 30 Mile Endurance Ride will be fully contained from camp with no away vet checks. Riders will complete the traditional Yellow Trail, traversing Meadow Creek Mountain before looping back toward camp for a hold. After the hold, competitors will head back up the mountain toward Gum Springs, around the Fire Tower, and then return to camp for completion. The 30-mile course is a tougher mountain course with significant elevation and rewarding scenery, but it has consistently been one of riders’ favorite trails. Hoof protection required for your horses.
Ride & Tie Intro Distances
17 Mile Ride & Tie and Intro
The 17-mile Ride & Tie will follow the traditional Yellow Trail route across Meadow Creek Mountain. Riders and runners can expect a fun and challenging mountain course featuring elevation, wooded trail sections, gravel roads, and scenic ridge travel. This course offers a true taste of Appalachian trail riding while remaining doable for newer Ride & Tie teams looking to step up in distance. Hoof protection required.
13 Mile Ride & Tie and Intro
The 13-mile Ride & Tie will utilize the Gum Springs Loop, offering a shorter but enjoyable mountain course with a mix of gravel roads, wooded trails, and moderate elevation changes. This is an excellent option for newer teams, conditioning horses, or anyone wanting a fun introduction to the Meadow Creek trail system without committing to a longer distance. Hoof protection is required.
6 Mile Ride & Tie
The 6-mile Ride & Tie will be an out-and-back route traveling to the Fire Tower and returning to camp. This beginner-friendly course is designed to be accessible, fun, and welcoming for first-time Ride & Tie participants, junior riders, and anyone wanting to experience the sport in a relaxed environment. The route still offers beautiful mountain scenery and enough elevation to give riders and runners a true trail experience while remaining manageable for all levels