BRLA Spring Hunter Pace

Hunter Paces can be booked by approval only. This pace is for Level 3b/4+ 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
Officially founded in 1920, the BRLA maintains more than 100 linear miles of historic trails which connect and extend throughout Bedford, Mount Kisco, Katonah, Bedford Hills, Bedford Corners and Pound Ridge. Enjoy the beautiful flora, fauna and other natural wonders that make the trails unique. This trail system is one of the largest remaining networks of private trails. The BRLA maintains and clears the trails year-round to ensure that they are preserved for future generations.

LEVEL & REQUIREMENTS
Level 3b+. 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!

TRANSPORTATION
Bedford, NY

By Car: 45 miles north of Midtown.
By train: MetroNorth Harlem Line to Bedford Hills or Katonah and then a 5 minute cab ride to the meeting location. Schedule a local cab ahead of time, Uber/Lift are not reliable in this area.
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

• RIDE - Tack shop
• Horse Connection - Tack shop
• John Jay Homestead - Historical 
• OHHO- Coffee & pizza shop in Bedford
• The Whitlock - Casual American Restaurant next to the Katonah train station