The entire crew at Best of America by Horseback have been working for sometime to recreate Tom's Transcontinental Horseback trail ride adventure of 1995. This ride will be from Mexico to Canada and is designed so that you too can ride with him, although for safety and logistical reasons numbers will be restricted and limited to Best of America by Horseback Trail Club Members.
We have further designed the ride so that a "core" group of riders may do the entire trip, while the "Adventure riders" may wish to ride for just a week, a month, or perhaps even longer, whichever suits your personal schedule. Core riders will assume a certain level of responsibility during the ride.
We are busy confirming plans over the coming months, but will announce the proposed route shortly. Tom will be visiting the route himself the middle of June. The final route will be announced shortly afterwards.
"I think we will get together in Mexico for a little celebration and then ride from the border north through Utah up to the Tetons and across Montana to Canada. Ought to be a nice ride"
"I want this to be designed so that anyone can go from anywhere and ride with me on all or part of this once in a lifetime adventure across America."
Overall the route will be around 1800 miles in length and we expect it to take us approximately 17 weeks averaging 15-20 miles per day, riding three to four days and resting one. Every three weeks we will have afour day rest with numerous activities and events involving the public and our riders. This is also when many riders will join us and others will be completing the sections they wished to ride. Some riders want to ride a week and some want to ride several weeks. "Core" riders plan to ride the entire trip 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.
With few exceptions, we will have our trailers shuttled ahead to our camp areas, i.e. we ride to the camps each day. We will have shuttle services to assist and personel to watch the camp while we are on the trail. Hay deliveries and support services will be available to the sites.
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.
We want anyone who desires to join us on this adventure to be able to, so we have made it simple and cost effective.
After becoming a BOABH Trail Club member, you will only need a $250 deposit per person to hold your spot on the ride. This deposit and any payments paid (up until Dec. 1, 2008) are 100% refundable before December 1, 2008 if you are unable to go on the ride. (only the deposit and ride fees paid up to December 1, 2008 are refundable, not the club membership)
We will also finance the balance of the trip fees with equal monthly payments (without interest) until March 1, 2009.
Example: A person wishing to ride for 8 weeks would join the BOABH Trail Club and then submit the $250 deposit (before July 15,2008) By registering before July 1, 2008 they receive the $300 per week rate. Their ride fees would total $2400 making their monthly payments $218.18 with the balance paid in full on or before March 1, 2009.
As one of Tom's "Core" riders the cost is just $300 per week, per person for riders riding at a minimum of 8 weeks. This rate is valid until July 15, 2008, after which it will increase.
As a Best of America "Adventure Rider", the cost is $398 per week, per person for those riders riding for less than 8 weeks. This rate is valid until July 15, 2008, after which it will increase.
Again, remember the number of riders is limited each week, so register now to ensure your spot!!
Rider
Weekly Cost
Min Weeks
Deposit
Adventure
$398
1
$250
Core
$300
8
$250
Rates significantly increase after July 15 ,2008 until the ride is full. **Ride limited to 30 riders except on special occassions. We will begin a waiting list when the ride is sold out.
Sponsorship Opportunities We welcome companies to have us test or try their products 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. Email michelle@bestofamericabyhorseback.com or Call us at 540-829-9555
See bottom of page for details of refund policy and easy payment plan.
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
Shuttle service 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
Provision of water while on the road
Provision of Bathroom facilities while on the road
Mechanic and Farrier service on call
Medical and Veterinary services on call with additional First Aid provision on the ride
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!
Unique ride T-shirt and certificate
Your responsibilitites:
Your transportation & fuel.
Your accomdations for you and your horse.
Your own meals (except where otherwise provided)
Your own hay. Local delivery will be provided.
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 whole time.
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.
Trail Club Membership All participants must be current members of the Best of America by Horseback Trail Club when registering and during the ride.
Refunds
The deposit and the trip fees are refundable until December 1, 2008. This allows you safety and peace of mind if your plans change. Further, we will finance the trip for you. We really want to make this affordable so that anyone who wants to go may really do so.
Easy Payment Plan
As a Trail Club Member all you need to do to go on this unique ride of a lifetime is reserve your spot by sending in your reservation form and initial $250 deposit. The balance of the deposit, where applicable, can be paid in equal installments until March 1, 2009. Full and final ride fees are due by the March 1, 2009.
If you are not currently a Trail Club Member you can join on-line by clicking here
Call the office at 540-829-9555 to reserve your ride spot with a credit/debit card or to get a reservation form sent to you!
