Group photo of Junior and first-time competitors at the “Welcome to the NATRC Family” event. The building in the background is decorated with various award ribbons, all belonging to Sara Baldwin, who was the NATRC president for the eastern United States at the time of her passing in July. Photo by Nancy Johnson Fuller
Special to the News
Horse riders from several southern states gathered at Hatchet Valley Farms, located outside of Rockford, November 7-8 to compete in a ride sponsored by the North American Trail Ride Congress (NATRC).
The event was called “Welcome to the NATRC Family.” The two one-day events had classes for Juniors, Adults and Experienced Riders.
Each day’s event began with a briefing by the ride judge, Patty Lucas, to outline safety on the trails and skills the judge would ask riders to demonstrate through the ride. The trail briefing then presented the map that each rider would follow through the course of the day, identifying stream crossings, terrain challenges and cautions about wildlife (one rattlesnake did show up on Saturday!).
Following the ride each day, awards were presented to the top competitors in each of the three classes. These riders received prize ribbons and numerous donated items, including horse grooming items, horse tack and locally made bird houses and owl nest boxes.
In addition to the judge and ride managers, many others came from surrounding counties to volunteer in different aspects of the ride. There was a Saturday evening potluck for competitors, family and volunteers with creole, home baked bread and other side dishes.
The “Welcome to the NATRC Family” event was planned by Sara Baldwin, who at the time of her passing in July was the NATRC president for the eastern United States.
