BACK YARD
BARN RACE
REGISTRATION FORM
Remember....
Great Fun, Great Food,
Great Ride...
Rainer Ranch Trail Ride
is the place to be
September 11-14th, 2008.
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**The following Article by Julie Davenport
was printed in
MQHA Buyer's Guide & Industry Directory '08
**As September unfolds into late summer, the second weekend beckons trail ride enthusiasts of all ages to head towards the Rainer Ranch in Huntsville, Missouri for one of the largest AQHA rides in the nation. The Rainer's have been hosting this annual trail ride for 10 years on their beautiful 1200 acre ranch that they graciously open for the weekend to riders and their families.
A
feature of this ride is the well-marked trails that meander across hay
meadows and through wooded glades. The terrain is gentle and the scenery is
lush. During the Saturday ride, guests can recharge and stretch their
trail-weary legs while enjoying a delicious lunch served by the shore of a
picturesque lake.
Robbie and Tesia Rainer believe that bringing people together from all walks of life to have a great time with their equine companions more than makes up for the months of preparations that go into the ride. This philosophy is evident to everyone that shows up to participate.
The organized portion of the
ride is always on Saturday, but guests are invited to come as early as
Thursday evening so they can ride at their leisure throughout the entire
weekend. During the Saturday event, riders are
invited to participate in a friendly game of cowboy poker. They draw the
first card before leaving camp that morning and continue drawing cards
during rest stops through out the day. The winner of the poker game
receives cash as well as a trophy belt buckle that is presented that night
at supper.
The evening supper on Saturday
is a veritable feast as tired but happy guest enjoy the hospitality of the
Rainer clan. There is a silent auction before and during supper where
folks can bid on a plethora of horse gear, ranging from horse de-wormer to
leather halters and everything in between. The money from the silent
auction goes to offset the cost of the trail ride, and ten percent of the
proceeds (as well as any left over funds) are donated to handicap riding
programs in Missouri.
On Sunday, riders can participate in the backyard barn races During this event, riders race their horses in pairs until someone comes out on top. The final winner of the race claims cash and a belt buckle.
Each year it seems like the
Rainer clan adds something new to the venue of
events
offered to ride participants. In 2006 they added an Extreme Cowboy Adventure
to each day of the event. In 2007 it grew to include around 25
cowgirls and cowboys showing their stuff by taking their
horses through and around obstacles Obstacles included an in-ground
tunnel with a white tarp over the top and a muddy pond water crossing. The
race was a crowd pleaser as well. Spectators lined u along the course to
watch the events unfold and cheer for their favorite rider. The
overall winner in the 2007 was Max Gray from New Cambria, Missouri.
Great Job Max !
Many folks look forward to this trail ride every year and plan for it accordingly. It has grown in popularity, as have AQHA rides in general. This year's ride drew over 200 participants from at least eight states. Rainer's MQHA ride was only one of approximately 110 trail rides that AQHA hosted throughout the country in 2007. The American Quarter Horse Association began their Ride Program in 1997 and annually hosts over 100 rides around the world.
If you have a horse, you're welcome to participate. A portion of all proceeds goes to the American Quarter Horse Foundation and a local charity selected by the host affiliates.
Stephanie McCommon, AQHA manager of membership services, says that the trail ride program has been very successful. "Because it is open to all breeds and disciplines, it is a great chance to gather, meet and socialize with other horse enthusiasts," McCommon explains. She also added that the Rainer Ranch ride consistently has been one of the top AQHA rides in the nation as determined; by the number of riders that participate.
If you weren't able to make it to the Rainer Ranch ride in 2007, or if you have never been on an AQHA ride, put this one on your calendar for the second weekend in September 11-14th, 2008. You won't be sorry. For more information about the AQHA Ride Program, call 1-888-474-RIDE or visit their web site at www.aqha.com.**
2007 Rainer Ride Local Sponsors
Wal-Mart
Orscheln Farm & Home
Bank of Cairo & Moberly
Sydenstricker Implement
Local Supporter
Moberly Motors Company
Moberly, Missouri
660-263-6000
