2006 AERC National Endurance Championships

Fort Valley, Virginia - October 20-22, 2006

Ride Information

  1. All entries must be received by Sept. 1, 2006, accompanied by a $50 non-refundable nomination fee. For pre-paid entries, a full refund less $50.00 will be made unless the horse is presented for the pre-ride vet-in. (Please call if you know you cannot come to the ride. No shows will not receive a refund.) Include a copy of your current coggins (within 12 months), your signed release and a list of your qualifying rides and your place in each of those rides with your ride entry. Bring only horses that are entered in the ride.

  2. Junior riders must arrange for their own sponsors, who will receive ride mileage only. In the event a sponsor is pulled, management will endeavor to provide an alternate sponsor for the remainder of the ride.

  3. The ride will be held in the Massanutten Mountains during the height of the fall foliage, with cool weather generally expected. However, be prepared for anything from very warm to very cold weather, sunny to snow, sleet and rain.

  4. The trail is a combination of old road beds, single lane trails, gravel and forest roads, often rocky, with several climbs (some steep) to the top of the Massanutten range.

  5. 100 miles on Fri October 20, 2006. 50 miles on Sun October 22, 2006. Vet-in will be from 3-5pm the day before each ride.

  6. Ride briefings will be held approximately 7pm (after dinner) each evening before each ride to establish vet criteria, review current trail conditions and markings, and the locations and logistics of the checkpoints and holds.

  7. You must wear a safety helmet while riding.

  8. Your horse must have four shoes at the start of the ride. Easyboots (or equivalent) are considered to be shoes, but are not recommended except as an emergency measure if a shoe is lost on the trail.

  9. There is a "closing time" for each vet station. The "closing time" is defined as the latest time that a horse can pass its P&R and be allowed to continue. Station "closing times" will be announced at the ride briefing. Please note that the station will not literally close at this time. You will not be stranded under any circumstances. Staff will remain at the station until all horses are accounted for, and assistance will be provided as necessary.

  10. All vet checks will be away from base camp. Plan your crewing accordingly.

    Ride Manager: Bob Walsh (ride manager) email: bwalsh@creelman.com

    Ride Secretary: Nancy Smart (ride secretary) email: longevityfarm@hughes.net

    Fort Valley Stables
    Fort Valley, VA

    www.fortvalleystable.com

    Base Camp:

    The ride will be based at Fort Valley Stables at the south end of Fort Valley, VA. Horse water, porta-potties and showers (closed if there is a water shortage) will be available. Most camping will be in a primitive field. However, there are about 40 campsites with corrals and electrical and water hookups available on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve one of the campsites, call Fort Valley Stables at 540-933-6634 or 888-754-5771. Or you may visit their website: www.fortvalleystable.com

    For field camping, a $15 per rig per night camping fee must be paid with your entry form. We request that you not run generators after 10:00 pm. We further ask that you be responsible for picking up your trash and putting it in designated containers. Please do not put garbage in the manure spreader. DOGS MUST REMAIN ON A LEASH AND/OR CONFINED IN YOUR CAMP SITE AREA! PER LANDOWNER’S REQUEST NO DOGS AT ALL (EVEN IN YOUR TRUCK) ARE ALLOWED AT THE HICKORY LANE VET CHECK.

    Field camping will be available from Wednesday, October 18 until 10am Monday, October 23. If you plan to arrive before October 18, please contact Ft. Valley Stables at the numbers above to arrange for a site in the campground.

    NOTE: The field will NOT be open for camping until Wednesday, October 18.

    Directions:

    From I-81: At Exit 279 turn east on Hwy 675 for 1 mile to Hwy 11, turn left on Hwy 11 for 1/2 mile to the Jeep car dealer, turn right on Hwy 675 over the mountain for 5 1/2 miles to the Kings Crossing Junction, turn right on Hwy 678 for 1 1/2 miles to the Stable entrance. Note: shortly after passing the Kings Crossing Junction, the road will fork. Take the right fork, staying on 678.

    From I-66 Take Exit 6 toward Front Royal, turn right onto Hwy 55. At Waterlick turn south onto Hwy 678 (to Fort Valley) for 22 miles to the stable entrance on the right. Note: shortly after passing the Kings Crossing Junction (Rte 675), the road will fork. Take the right fork, staying on 678.