Millbrook Hunter Pace Hunter Paces can be booked by approval only. This pace is for Level 3a+ approved riders We invite approved riders to join us on our most popular offerings, Hunter Paces! Paces are an exciting way for our regular riders to use their skills in open space, with a bit of friendly competition and prizes! You will join 1-2 other MRC riders on a team matched to your ability. All teams will ride through a marked course at the “ideal pace” for a chance to win ribbons and sometimes other prizes! The ideal pace is set by a member of the hosting organization that has ridden the course themselves in advance at a pace that is appropriate for each division. Hunter Paces are best suited for independent riders who have experience cross country riding and jumping. Riders must also be confident riding without a guide, this is important as you will be riding with 1-2 other MRC riders on a team and each rider is required to be independent and confident to handle any situations that may arise. Riders must also be able to adjust their tack, mount independently and have a high level of awareness for the 50+ other horses and riders that will be present. As teams are independent of a host on these rides, it is important that each rider also know when a horse is tired and needs a break, has sustained any injury or lost shoes and how to properly cool down after the ride. Jumping is optional, heights range from 2 - 3 feet. Divisions: Typically there are 2 divisions, Pleasure and Hunt or Open. Most of our riders will be placed in the pleasure division which is meant to be ridden at a constant going but not very forward pace. Riders should use their common sense to know when to walk, trot and canter, always with safety as their priority. Paces are not meant for stopping and standstill, unless you are at a “resting checkpoint”. The Hunt or Open Divisions are meant to be ridden at a more forward and fast pace, similar to first field foxhunting. Riders should still keep in mind the same safety protocols for walking down hill, rocky and slippery terrain. How it works: Each team lines up at the start and are released in 3-5 minute intervals with their start time being recorded. From there the team follows a trail marked by ribbons tied to trees or staked signs in the ground. The general rule for riding at the ideal pace is to walk downhills, water crossings, deep mud and very rocky terrain, trot narrow and wooded trails, canter wider trails and gallop open fields. There are jumps along the way, each rider should line up with proper distance between horses and take the jumps 1 at a time. If your horse refuses a jump, you should keep moving forward as circling back to jump again is not good etiquette. If your horse does tend to refuse, you should ride at the back of your group to allow other riders to jump first. Some of the jumps have a photographer that will post photos of riders within the days following for purchase. When teams reach the finish line their time is recorded again. Once all teams have completed the course, organizers tally up times and compare them to an internal “ideal time” they have set and teams that come closest are awarded ribbons. Many paces also provide a lunch and riders tailgate and enjoy a bit of socializing before heading home. SCHEDULE 10:00AM Arrive, gather all your gear and look for other MRC riders to join as a group 10:15AM Horses start to arrive, riders gather around horse trailers 10:20AM Riders listen as their horses are called to catch them coming off the trailer 10:45AM All riders mounted and ready to begin the course 12:30PM Riders should all be finishing and walking horses to cool them down before following instructions to help load them back into the trailers 1:30PM Loading should be complete and riders can join for tailgate or any post ride activities! *Timing is an estimate to help riders understand the flow of the day but exact times are subject to change and will be communicated WHAT’S INCLUDED Your horse, groomed and tacked A team to ride with Your entry fee and registration handled by MRC HORSES The horses are trailered from our training facility in Pawling, NY. There are a variety of breeds with different personalities, trained for open space riding, foxhunting, hunter paces and used in our Bootcamps. They range from spirited thoroughbreds to quieter draft breeds. If you are a higher level rider and would like to ride a more challenging horse, be sure to identify this in your MRC Rider Profile. SETTING Nestled in 1,000 acres of beautiful rolling hills in Dutchess County, NY, Wethersfield is the living expression of everything that its founder, Chauncey Devereux Stillman (1907–1989), cherished and believed in. With a passion for nature, beauty, and proper stewardship of the land, Mr. Stillman was an accomplished equestrian, an avid conservationist, and a lover of the arts, faith, and the intellectual life. LEVEL & REQUIREMENTS Level 3a+. Click here for level descriptions. Additional Requirements: 1- Instructor approval 2- Attend 2 Bootcamp classes in the 6 weeks prior to paces 3- You must receive an MRC invitation to book email with direction for which paces/ levels you are approved to join ATTIRE Required: Up to date and certified helmet, safety vest, tall riding boots or paddock boots with half chaps (please be sure to clean your gear). Recommended: Gloves, crop. Team Uniform: MRC Team Hunter Pace shirt & tidy breeches, we will try our best to further coordinate team uniforms ahead of each pace! Click here to order your MRC Team Sun Shirt! TRANSPORTATION Amenia, NY By Car: 95 miles north of Midtown. Carpooling: Check out the MRC Carpooling Group to connect with other riders, we will also connect riders who have booked in the week leading up to the ride. LOCAL SUGGESTIONS Millbrook Vineyards & Winery- bring a picnic blanket to sit outside!
Level 3 approved riders: Horse hire + entry fee, Trailer fee + entry fee for boarders only, Horse hire waitlist