Deerfield Valley Trail Ride

Q: Will my application be accepted without a Coggins Test copy?
A: No, your application will be returned.

Q: What if I have two horses and I'm not sure which one I'm bringing to the ride?
A: Send Coggins Test copies for both horses with your application.

Q: Can I get a refund?
A: Before the application deadline, we’ll give refunds with no questions asked. After the deadline, there will be no refunds unless you notify Pat as soon as you know there is a problem. Generally we’ll give a raincheck if its a medical or family emergency but we reserve the right not to give refunds after the deadline.

Q: Does my horse need to have shoes?
A: Yes. We don’t have long rocky areas but there will be short rocky sections and scattered rocks. Also unshod horses may be uncomfortable on the gravel forest service roads.

Q: Can I have shoes put on at the ride?
A: Do not plan to have a complete shoeing job done at the ride unless you contact the ride farrier ahead and arrange with him.

Q: Will there be horse water available?
A: Yes, water will be at the building and in stock tanks for dipping out at locations in the field.

Q: When may I arrive?
A: You may arrive anytime Friday (not at the crack of dawn please unless you make arrangements with me ahead).

Q: How much conditioning does my horse need?
A: This is difficult since every horse and riding style is different but your horse will need some work before you come. Older and very young horses need more. If you don’t feel your horse is very fit (maybe he hasn’t been ridden on hilly terrain or whatever) plan to stop more often for breathers and be prepared to ride the short ride or just ride out half the time you want to ride and then return.

Q: Are there showers available?
A: There are two showers in the Fire House. The Fire House is located about 0.5 mi from the Community Building There are flush toilets and chemical toilets at the campground.

Q: Will my cell phone work in Deerfield?
A: NO! The last dependable service will be as you pass through Churchville. The emergency number for the Community Building is 540-939-6500. This phone is for emergency (credit card) calls only.

Q: Where can I get fuel going home Sunday?
A: Both gas and diesel will be available from the Mountain View Convenience Store at the intersection of 250 and 629 on Sunday.

Q: Can I bring fire wood and have a camp fire?
A: Please no open fires at either location. Container fires are OK.

Q: If I have a large rig, will I be able to park and turn around?
A: There is ample parking and maneuvering room for large rigs at both locations (we can accommodate trailers up to 40')

Q: Will there be trees for tie lines and shade?
A: At the Community Building (spring ride) there are lots of scattered trees for shade and tie lines. Please be extra careful that your horse doesn't chew on a tree. At the Firehouse (fall ride) the tree line is more limited but there are usually enough trees for those wishing to use tie lines. We request that folks using pens limit the size to a reasonable size and park perpendicular to the tree line so as not to block the avaiable trees.

Q: Will vegetarian meals be available?
A: Yes, but please make a note on your application.

This page last updated: 8/17/2008