About The Venue

Come celebrate the great outdoors and enjoy the trails of North Texas on the Greenbelt of Denton County and Ray Roberts Lake State Park in Aubrey, Texas!

The Lake Ray Roberts Equestrian Trails Association Fall Trail Challenge Tournament will be held just below the dam at the Elm Fork Trail Head at beautiful Ray Roberts Lake State Park. 

Dry camping will be permitted in the field for a small fee. Generators will be allowed. Park entry fee is waived. You will need your own containment for your horses and pens are permitted. There is access to water and a bathroom (no shower) at the trailhead.

As with all horse events, current Coggins is required.

This event is hosted by the Lake Ray Roberts Equestrian Trail Association (LRRETA) which is a group of enthusiastic. dedicated equestrians whose mission is to preserve and enhance the trails of the Greenbelt and Lake Ray Roberts. LRRETA is a part of the Greenbelt Alliance of Denton County.

The Greenbelt Alliance of Denton County is a non-profit 501(c)3 community-based, a volunteer organization that fosters awareness of the recreational and educational opportunities; and encourages the preservation of the Greenbelt in its present, scenic, natural state for the benefit of all.

The Fall Trail Challenge Tournament is to raise matching funds for a new TPWD Recreational trail grant recently awarded. This grant includes nine (9) covered stalls and a rinse rack at Isle du Bois, trail restoration work and equipment rental and purchase. Funds will also be used for the newly formed Pilot Point Mounted Posse which is under the auspices of LRRETA.

The Mounted Posse was formed as to keep the "spirit of the west " alive and provide equestrian related community service to the north Texas area. The Pilot Point Posse will participate in local community events and provide search and rescue as needed.

This is a part of a two-weekend Buckle series, with the first trail challenge last spring! In order to be eligible for a buckle, you must ride 4 out of the total of 6 challenges. (There 3 challenges in the Spring and 3 in the Fall).

Event Details

Saturday, November 23rd, the tournament will start with a field obstacle challenge at 9 a.m. Ten obstacles will be set up in the field at the FM 455 Elm Fork Trailhead of the Greenbelt. Lunch will be at noon and sandwich fixings will be provided for lunch.

Following lunch, at 1:30 pm the first trail challenge will begin going south towards FM 428. There will be six(6) judged obstacles going approximately 3 miles (out and back) on mostly shaded trails.

On Sunday, November 24th the second trail challenge course will commence at 9 a.m. There will be six (6) judged obstacles along the trail going approximately 3 miles north (out and back) toward Isle du Bois. This trail is a bit rocky and more technical.

The Terrain

Trails are shaded and there is water at each of the trailheads. The trail route is linear and well-marked. The shaded trail going south is mainly sandy and black dirt and slightly rolling. The shaded trail going north is sandy with some rocky areas with more elevation and technical. The north trail includes a tunnel under FM 455. Front shoes or boots are recommended for the north trail.

Meals

Complimentary donuts will be provided for breakfast both mornings.

Lunch on Saturday and Sunday will be make your own sandwiches and the fixings will be provided.

The meal on Saturday night will be catered by a local Mexican restaurant and will include enchiladas, chips and salsa, beans and rice. Supper will be $12.

Awards

Beautiful ribbons 1st-6th place Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced! 1st-3rd place Junior (age 13-17), 1st-3rd place Youngin' (age 7-12), and 1st place Newcomer!

Large tournament ribbons will be given to those winning the tournament. 

In order to qualify for the high point for the tournament, participants must participate in four out of six events.

This event is part of a two-weekend series, Spring and Fall. 

Additional Fees

Additional fees include $15 per night for dry camping and $12 for supper on Saturday night.

Additional Opportunities

This fall we are offering some exciting opportunities to help you and your horse get ready for the Fall Trail Challenge. These opportunities include:

• Bomb Proof and Obstacle Course Clinic with Greg Sokolowski (former Head of Houston Pointed Police) at Jim-A-Dee Ranch, Sanger, TX 
  • Nov. 2-3 
  • Nov. 4 - Two 1/2 day small group sessions -https://www.facebook.com/events/361787244702935/ or
  •   https://www.lrreta.com/bomb-proof-obstacle-course-clinic

• Obstacle Course PRACTICE day (FREE) - Elm Fork Trail Head - Sat., Nov. 16 @ 9:00 am (Bring a dish to share for lunch). There is no charge for this practice day.