GRTA Summer Solstice Ride

Booked by approval only. This ride is for Level 3a+ approved riders only. 

This ride is similar to a hunter pace but designed to be more relaxed and focused on fitness rather than competition. There won't be ribbons or tracked time. These rides are intended to help both riders and horses build stamina and prepare for the season ahead.

They are also an excellent opportunity for first-time pace riders to gain experience in a supportive, team-based setting.

Team Format

You will be placed on a team with 1–2 other MRC riders matched to your ability level. Each team rides independently through a clearly marked course.

All teams navigate the course on their own without a guide.

Rider Requirements

This ride is best suited for independent, experienced riders with prior cross-country riding and jumping experience.

Riders must:

• Be confident riding without a guide

• Mount independently

• Adjust and manage their own tack

• Maintain strong situational awareness among 50+ horses and riders

• Confidently handle unexpected situations

• Recognize when a horse needs rest

• Identify potential injury or lost shoes

• Properly cool down their horse after the ride

Because teams ride independently, every rider must demonstrate maturity, awareness, and sound judgment.

Jumping

Jumping is optional.
Fence heights range from approximately 2’ to 3’.

Each rider should:

• Maintain proper spacing between horses

• Approach fences one at a time

• Keep forward momentum if a horse refuses (circling back to reattempt a jump is not proper pace etiquette)

• Ride at the back of the group if their horse has a tendency to refuse

How It Works

Teams line up at the start and are released in 3–5 minute intervals to allow appropriate spacing.

The course is marked with ribbons tied to trees or staked signs along the trail.

General pace guidelines:

• Walk: downhills, water crossings, deep mud, rocky terrain

• Trot: narrow or wooded trails

• Canter: wider trails

• Gallop: open fields (when safe and appropriate)

Some jumps may have photographers present. Photos are typically posted within a few days and available for purchase.

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
Just an hour from Manhattan this beautiful trail system boasts beautifully landscaped trails with a variety of jumps at various heights, stunning ponds, streams and an abundance of nature. Traverse through residents property and the GRTA open space as you walk, trot canter and gallop. 

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!

TRANSPORTATION
Greenwich, CT

By Car: Just 31 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

• Bill's Restaurant & Bar (near train)
• Greenwich Flavor by Myrnas