The following checklist will ensure that your arrival to a ride base and preparation for your first ride goes smoothly:
Day before the ride (pre-ride)
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Set up horse yards ,Metal yards need to be fixed to a solid object ,float, electric tape needs to be two strands with the top between 1.2 & 1.4 meters above ground no sages and energized at all times.
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Collect water for strapping/horse drinking and feed horse
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Attend ride desk and hand in your temperature log; you will receive a number bib and a tag with the Chief Steward's number to put on your saddle.
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Wearing your ride bib and with your day card/log book, collect horse, brush put on halter lead /any ribbons needed, red ribbon if horse kicks and attend vet ring, Should you need a rug make sure all leg/belly straps are undone and not trailing behind horse.
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Once in vet ring wait in line for pre-ride vetting procedure, removing your rug when asked. Your horse will have heart rate / respiration /temperature taken by a TPR steward Wait where directed for the Vet.
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Unrug horse completely after the TPR process. The vet will check all vital signs and ask you to trot out on a loose lead around the designated trot area
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The vet will tell you if you passed/failed vetting and will keep your day card/log book - this will be handed to you once you have completed your first leg.
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Proceed back to your yard and prepare horse for overnight stay, Attending Pre-ride briefing is compulsory for all riders .Know your ride out time, novice riding time and your course numbers to be followed, walk horse and prepare for sleeping (if you can!)
Ride Day
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Arise early, walk and feed your horse. Prepare for saddling.
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Ride to start and call your number to Chief Steward, continue on course calling your number to all checkpoints waiting until they repeat your number.
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At all checkpoints there will be water/hay/carrots for horse and for riders, water/ lollies. Use your checkpoints to refresh yourself and your horse. No rush!
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After completing your distance you arrive back at finish /weigh in desk call your number before collecting your day card/ log book. Your vet time will be written clearly (30minutes after your cross the line).
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Strap horse and attend vet ring within your 30 minutes before your vet time expires, you may be disqualified if you are late.
- The horse's heart rate needs to be 55 beats per minute or under, so it is a good idea to check its heart rate if you can. If its heart rate is high it may need to be washed again. Walking can also assist in the cooling down process. Sometimes a heart rate may stay high because the horse is eating, or due to other factors. These are things you will need to get to know about your own horse.
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Follow the vetting procedure - after trot out the vet will tell you if you have successfully completed or Vetted out.
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Allow 2hrs in camp before leaving /attend presentations and receive back your logbook day card. Use this wait time to rest your horse and make sure they have a drink and some food.
If it doesn't go according to plan
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At all checkpoints you may call a float and you will be driven back to ride base. You will still need to present your horse to the vet's on return to the ride base.
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Yes you may ride with your Mobile phone!
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direct all enquiries to the Chief Steward please and enjoy your ride