Sunday November 22 at 10am in Vernon, NJ

Quiet Creek Hunter Pace Hunter Paces can be booked by approval only. This pace is for Level 3a+ approved riders only. We invite approved riders to join us for one of our most popular and highly anticipated offerings: Hunter Paces. Hunter Paces offer riders the opportunity to enjoy open country riding with a touch of friendly competition. These rides allow our regular riders to apply their skills in a dynamic setting while enjoying beautiful terrain, teamwork, and the tradition of the sport. Ribbons—and occasionally additional prizes—are awarded. Team Format & Ideal Pace Riders are grouped into teams of 2–3 MRC riders, carefully matched by ability. Each team rides independently through a clearly marked course. Teams aim to ride at the “ideal pace,” which is established in advance by a representative of the hosting organization who has personally ridden the course. Teams whose final time comes closest to the ideal time are awarded ribbons. Rider Requirements Hunter Paces are best suited for independent, experienced riders with prior cross-country riding and jumping experience. All riders must: Be confident riding without a guide Mount independently Adjust and manage their own tack Maintain awareness in a field of 50+ horses and riders Confidently handle unexpected situations Recognize when a horse needs rest Identify injury or lost shoes Properly cool down their horse after the ride As teams ride without a host, sound judgment, horsemanship, and situational awareness are essential. Jumping Jumping is optional. Fence heights generally range from 2’ to 3’. Riders should: Maintain appropriate spacing between horses Approach fences one at a time Continue forward if a horse refuses (circling back to reattempt is not considered proper pace etiquette) Ride at the back of the group if riding a horse prone to refusals Professional photographers are often present, and photos are typically available for purchase within a few days following the event. Divisions Most Hunter Paces offer two divisions: Pleasure Division Designed for a steady, consistent pace without excessive speed. Riders should use good judgment to determine when to walk, trot, or canter, always prioritizing safety. Paces are not intended for stopping or standing still, except at designated rest checkpoints. Hunt / Open Division Ridden at a more forward pace, similar to first-field foxhunting. Riders should still observe safety protocols, including walking downhill and exercising caution on rocky, slippery, or uneven terrain. Most MRC riders participate in the Pleasure Division. How It Works Teams line up at the start and are released in 3–5 minute intervals, with start times recorded The course is marked with ribbons tied to trees or staked signs General pace guidelines: Walk: downhills, water crossings, deep mud, rocky terrain Trot: narrow or wooded trails Canter: wider trails Gallop: open fields when appropriate Upon finishing, each team’s time is recorded. Once all teams have completed the course, times are compared to the predetermined ideal time, and ribbons are awarded accordingly. Many paces also include lunch, with riders enjoying a relaxed tailgate and social gathering 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 This area is filled with lush green fields, well groomed wooded trails, water crossings and a variety of jumps! Jumps may include stone walls, coops and natural obstacles up to 3', all have a go- around. This pace is part of the Virginia Martin Memorial Pace Series. Winner of this pace will determine the winners with the highest points won by riding in at least 3 of the Fall Windy Hollow Hunt & Quiet Creek Hunter Paces. 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 Vernon, NJ By Car: 55 miles northwest 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 Warwick Valley Winery and Distillery Heaven Hill Farm farmers market Pennings Farm Cidery