VENUE

UPDATE:  4-29-16.  WE HAVE REACHED OUR RIDER LIMIT FOR REGISTRATION.  PLEASE CONTACT ANN DONALDSON AT 910-470-3291 TO GET DETAILS AND BE WAIT LISTED.  THANK YOU.  Dear Friends, please join us for a beautiful ride in a rare and serene trail setting!  All riding levels are welcome and encouraged to participate.  The Carolina Spring Trail Challenge will meander through Inlet Point Plantation of Cherry Grove/North Myrtle Beach, S.C.  Inlet Point Plantation comprises a 4000 acre woodland of historical significance.  This maritime forest offers easy access and is located on the North Carolina-South Carolina state line just a few miles off Highway 17.  

The Carolina Spring Trail Challenge will be a recreational learning experience for you and your horses with 6 obstacles through a marked trail course followed by lunch, raffle and an award ceremony.  To support this charity event, Inlet Point Plantation will open to us for April 30th, 2016 only.   The driveway into Inlet Point Plantation is a long, narrow, one lane, sandy road so volunteers will direct you in and out.  There is a bathroom and water for horses at the on-site barn. Trailer parking is ample.  Concessions will be open for this ride.  This trail system is well maintained and suitable for all riders.  

Overnight equine accomodations are available at Peachtree Equestrian Center just minutes away. Peachtree Equestrian Center.  Please call Mikey at: (910) 287-4790 to make a reservation at Peachtree and for more information on overnight boarding.  Of course, there are also a plethora of hotels and activities for any non-horsey people in your group. 

This ride does not include Waites Island Beach.  For more information on Inlet Point Plantation, please see: www.inletpointplantation.com.

The Carolina Spring Trail Challenge is a benefit ride supporting Horse and Family Institute of Jacksonville, NC.  Horse and Family Institute recently purchased a beautiful, new farm home with a covered riding arena. They are a non-profit organization that relies on volunteers, grants and donations.  A percentage of every ride entry will go to The Horse and Family Institute as well as raffle money and event donations.  Please support this worthy organization that promotes equine employment and our community! For information:  www.horseandfamilyinst.org.

Sleep Inn at Harbour View, Little River, SC is offering a block of discounted hotel rooms at $89.00/night including breakfast and other perks. 843.249.4848.  Call by April 1st, 2016 for this discount.

We are thrilled to have Jan DeVos of Good Call Photography on-site for this event!  Jan has exceptional equine photography experience.  Please contact Good Call Photography with your special photo interests and to schedule an appointment:  www.goodcallphotography.smugmug.com. 

We are honored to have Harriet Ling, LMBT of Harriet Ling Massage and Bodywork joining us to provide equine and rider massages.  Please contact Harriett for information on her intuitive work and to schedule an appointment:  http://harrietling.com/equine-massage/MyDancingHorse.com.

We are fortunate to have Pineview Veterinary Hospital of Bolton, N.C. supporting this ride and and Ronald Levandowski will be our on-site farrier.

James Cooler will be demonstrating horsemanship skills in the afternoon.  You will not want to miss this trainer who is also teaching lessons Sunday at Peachtree Equestrian Center just a few minutes from Inlet Point Plantation!  www.coolerhorsemanship.com. 

This event offers a free Daypass Membership, be sure to toggle the Daypass option when you register!

TERRAIN

The topography of Inlet Point Plantation is mainly flat with some roll.  The trails are mostly high and sandy with fresh water and salt water depressions.  The trail system is well defined, not overworn presenting good footing for a coastal area.  Horse shoes and boots are not mandatory.   There has been a deluge of rain this year so expect some muddy spots on the trails.  The trail system is both double and single track. Inlet Point Plantation holds rich ecological diversity. The vegetation on this property includes centurian live oaks, mature wisteria, maples, pecans, magnolias, long leaf pines, cypress', tulip poplars, dogwoods, salt myrtles and palmetto palms. This is a wildlife and birdwatchers’ paradise where you may spot white ibis, ospreys, red pilated woodpeckers, warblers, deer, bears and alligators.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

We are here to help you better your horsemanship before, during and after this event. See www.coolerhorsemanship.com for information and a discount specific to those attending this event!  Cooler Horsemanship lessons are available at Peachtree Equestrian Center Sunday, May 1st, 2016.  Please contact Kate and James to schedule lessons.  You will want to come experience their work ranging from starting horses to developing the finesse that you know when you feel and see it.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Please consider volunteering for this event and important fundraiser.  Please call Ann Donaldson at 910-470-3291 for information.  There are volunteer needs before, during and after this event.