Overall the route will be around 1800 miles in length and will be approximately 21 weeks averaging 15-20 miles per day, riding three to four days and resting one to two days. Some riders want to ride a week and some want to ride several weeks. "Core" riders plan to ride the entire trip (or a minimum of 8 weeks) giving continuity to the ride. They will also be testing new products from sponsors, speaking to civic groups and helping Tom lead this great American adventure.
The ride will have a safety vehicle and trailer available as much as possible. There may be small portions of the ride that may cross or border roadways but for the most part, we plan to be on trails, forest roads, open country and private lands.
Safety is our primary concern. The ride may change routes or schedules due to weather or in the sole judgement of the Trailmaster. No one will be asked to ride in any condition they feel is unsafe.
Riders are not required to ride each day. If they wish to visit friends, relatives or area attractions they are welcome to do so but no credits will be issued. Our staff will make every effort to watch over horses and property in these cases.
Alcohol is not permitted on the rides or visible in camp. Animal abuse is not tolerated at any level.
Rider spaces are strictly limited and we know some sections of the ride will fill up very quickly, so we will be creating a waiting list of reserve riders to cover last minute cancellations.
*NOTE: As of May 1, 2009: There are only4 remaining Core Riders spots available. Please email info@bestofamericabyhorseback.com or call 540-829-9555 to secure your spot on this ride of a lifetime!
"Core Riders" Riders who will be riding more than 8 weeks. $500 per rider, per week.
"Adventure Rider" Riders who will be riding for less than 8 weeks. $550 per rider, per week. There are several weeks open for Adventure Riders--sign up now before they fill up!
Note: Payment is required in full at time of registration.
Sponsorship Opportunities We welcome companies to have us test or try their products and/or services on this ride.
There will also be event opportunities for receptions and banquets to honor our riders and guests. We welcome sponsors that have top quality products and are backed by trustworthy people.
We welcome suggestions from viewers on products you'd like to seen used and tested for quality.
Below is a basic list of items that will be provided for you on the ride: (This is not the entire list)
Campground & campfire (where permitted). Note that “Core Riders” have priority over additional benefits such as Stalls, Paddocks, and Trailer Hook-ups where and when available
A Camp sitter to watch over horses and the camp when riders are absent
Transportation for riders to and from base camp to base camp
Logistical support for transportation /delivery of horse feed/hay etc.
Mail pick up and delivery for all riders (when requested)
Provision of water while on the road
Provision of Bathroom facilities while on the road
Mechanic and Farrier service on call (rider is responsible for payment)
Medical and Veterinary services on call with additional First Aid provision on the ride (rider is responsible for payment)
Trail Master on every ride
Trail Master notes and daily route plans
Truck and horse trailer provision to cover illness/safety issues en route
Meals at public events in route (on occasion)
Day and Overnight horse care available for participants who wish to take time out to explore local area/events
Press releases sent to riders home town Newspapers/Radio stations on the ride progress
Invitation to participate in community events encountered on the route
Every rider gets the opportunity to ride with Tom Seay!
Your responsibilities:
Your transportation and fuel
Your accommodations for you and your horse (tent camping is not permitted--you must have an LQ, RV or Camper)
Any hook-up or stall fees at campsites (where they may be available and chosen over your portable pens)
Your own meals (except where otherwise provided)
Your own hay. Local delivery for the group may be provided as needed, but not guaranteed to your schedule.
Portable corral, electric fence or tie line for your horse while at camp (stalls will not be available for a majority of the ride)
All kicking equines are required to have a red ribbon on tail at ALL times when out of their pen, whether in camp or on the trail.
Keeping Health Certificates, Coggins papers and any required vaccinations current throughout the ride.
Passports (if you plan to cross either border)
Keeping your Membership in the BOABH Trail Club current during ride.
All expenses related to vet, farrier or any other need for your horse. (Emergency contact numbers will be available for each area the ride is passing through)
Everyone is required to complete personal information forms, sign liability release forms and film release forms.
Liability insurance on your vehicle and trailer must remain current throughout the ride.
Personal medical insurance must remain current throughout the ride.
Everyone is absolutely required to agree to and follow all rules and regulations set forth by the Trail Master. The Trail Master's decisions are absolute and final without recourse.
Limitations
Non-Rider fees Non-riders will be charged at the same rate as their accompanying rider.
Age Limits Children are only allowed on the trip as riders, must be over the age of 12 and accompanied by an adult the entire time on the ride and in camp.
Dogs Unfortunately dogs are not allowed on the trail ride itself, and for health, safety and logistical reasons we cannot permit pets to be left to roam outside, or be tied up outside (trailer/camp) when unattended. They must be inside your trailer while you are riding and unable to escape. All dogs must be kept on a leash at all times while in camp. Please be aware that a good deal of the trip may be subject to very hot and dry conditions, and electricity supply will be very limited and mostly non-existent.
Stallions Stallions will not be permitted on the ride under any circumstances.
Tent Camping Tent camping is not permitted. You must have accommodations for you and your horse. You may have a LQ trailer, RV or a camper. Stalls will not always be available. You must use an electric fence, portable corrals or tie lines.
Firearms Firearms are absolutely not permitted.
Trail Club Membership All participants must be current members of the Best of America by Horseback Trail Club when registering and during the ride.
Payment
As a Trail Club Member all you need to do to go on this unique ride of a lifetime is reserve your spot by contacting Becky at becky@bestofamericabyhorseback.com or by calling 540-829-9555 to let her know that you want to register for the ride.
If you are not currently a Trail Club Member you can join on-line by clicking here (Trail Club fees are non-refundable)
All payments are non-refundable, which includes the Trail Club Membership fees, the MCTR deposit and any ride fees paid towards balance.
Call us at 540-829-9555 to reserve your ride spot with a credit/debit card to be a Core or Adventure Rider!!!
Best of America by Horseback™ Headquarters: Leatherwood Mountains 512 Meadow Rd. Ferguson, NC 28624 Toll free: 877.736.8686 General Info & Ride Sign-Ups Virginia Office: 17275 Germanna Hwy., Culpeper, VA 22701 Phone: 540.829.9555 General Info, Sponsorship or MCTR Texas Office: 600 Ash St. Plainview, TX 79072 Phone: 806.293.3711 For Sponsorship only Fax: 540-301-0217 info@bestofamericabyhorseback.com
