Upper Room Farms Hunter Pace

This pace is open to English and Western 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 at the farm and check in to meet your horse
10:15AM Groom and tack your horse for the pace
10:45AM Head over to the start with your team
12:00PM Riders should all be finishing and walking horses to cool them down before untacking and putting away

*Timing is an estimate to help riders understand the flow of the day but exact times are subject to change and will be communicated

THE HORSES
These horses are made for the trail! They spend most of their time taking riders of all levels out on trail in both Western and English tack.

LEVEL
Level 2b for non jumping in western tack and 3a+ for low jumps. 
Click here for level descriptions.

SETTING
A beautiful farm with rolling mountain views and access to over 300 acres of trails to explore! An indoor/ outdoor arena for evaluations and warm ups. A small xc training course to learn the very basics of jumping in open space. Expansive trails with jumps where they host hunter paces!

INCLUDED

• A horse paired to your ability

• Your entry fee

ATTIRE
Casual riding attire, jeans and short boots are acceptable, helmets are available to borrow. Advanced riders should have all their own gear.

TRANSPORTATION
Mongaup Valley, NY

By Car: 99 miles from Midtown Manhattan
Carpooling: Check out the MRC Carpooling Group to connect with other riders

LOCAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Bethel Woods concert venue
Benji & Jakes Pizza
Table and Tap Restaurant