Enquiries & Nominations to Alan Salter at alg_salter@bigpond.com or 0427 357 941

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please read the Club Rules (below) incorporating Covid – 19 Protocols.

NOMINATIONS & FEES: This ride is open to all ATHRA members & Day Members, but everyone must comply with the attached rules and protocols. Please read the Covid 19 Protocols & Club Rules below. If you wish to nominate, please copy & paste the nomination below into a reply email, complete your details & emergency contact name and mobile, and email to alg_salter@bigpond.com , no exceptions. Day Members must speak with Alan Salter before registering online.

Ride Host Gail Pattison – Emergency contact 0457 005 272, on day of ride only.

Ride Fees: Club Members $2, all others $5. Ride fees to be paid prior to ride out.

I, (enter your name), wish to nominate for the Smith’s Bridge trail ride on Saturday 16th July 2022. I declare that I have not knowingly been exposed to Covid-19 and that I do not feel unwell, nor do I have a cold or flu like symptoms. My Emergency Contact is, (enter contact name & phone No).

VENUE: Meet at SMITHS Bridge camping ground off the Beaufort Elmhurst Road. Ample room for safe float & gooseneck parking. Travel along the Western HWY from Ballarat and turn right at Caltex service station onto King St and continue onto Main Lead Rd. Continue onto Raglan-Elmhurst Road the destination will be on the left. It is 18.5km from Caltex service station to Smiths Bridge.

RIDE: The terrain and riding tracks are undulating to hilly with granitic sand to stony gravel, breast plates recommended. Beautiful panoramic views are a frequent feature of this ride. Horses and riders must have a degree of fitness, the terrain suitable for fit shod, booted or well-conditioned barefoot horses. Please note we will need to trot and canter at times to cover distance required, if not prepared to do so please do not nominate. Water and toilet available at the Campground, but BYO everything else. SADDLE BAG LUNCH ON TRACK.

Riders must arrive about 9.00 am to register and saddle up for a 10 am ride out. Horseless Muster @ 9:45 am - Ride Out @ 10.00am sharp.

Rules of the Ballarat Social Trail Horse Riders Club

~ Incorporating “Covid-19 Protocols” ~

Revised 21st April 2022.

1. Members should become familiar with the ATHRA Code of Conduct & these BSTHRC Rules.

2. No person shall attend a Club ride or other event if they are experiencing cold or flu like symptoms; or there is a possibility they may pass on any illness whatsoever to others.

3. During any period of “government-imposed restrictions” relating to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the BSTHRC will ensure compliance with rules and regulations currently in force.

4. All intending riders at any BSTHRC ride or event must email their nomination in the prescribed form to alg_salter@bigpond.com or other nominated email address. Nominations must include a declaration that the nominee has not knowingly been exposed to Covid-19 and that they do not feel unwell or have a cold or flu like symptoms; as well as an emergency contact name and contact phone number.

5. The emailed nomination will be regarded as an electronic signature in the Attendance Register, negating the need for personal signatures. Nominations will be retained in Club records for future reference as required.

6. If subsequent to nominating for a ride or event, a nominee is exposed to Covid-19, or becomes unwell with cold or flu like symptoms, they MUST immediately notify the Club. They MUST NOT attend any rides or events until they receive a negative test for Covid-19.

7. Members testing positive to Covid-19 must comply with government requirements in force at the time.

8. The Trail Boss or a Member of the BSTHRC Committee shall have the discretion to exclude a rider if they believe that a rider’s participation may place others at risk, and the rider shall leave the venue immediately.

9. All members and others attending BSTHRC rides or events should remain aware of social distancing and avoid unnecessary close contact and crowded situations.

10. All attendees must observe recognised biosecurity measures, including washing hands regularly, particularly after contact with another rider or person present, and/or their equipment or property.

11. Ride fees must be paid on arrival at the venue, the exact ride fee to be placed in the receptacle provided.

12. Lame or sick horses must not be brought to Club rides or events. If you suspect your horse is unwell DO NOT bring it to a ride. Members should be mindful of horse health & welfare issues and apply appropriate biosecurity strategies at all times.

13. The ride or event Trail Boss shall have the discretion to exclude a horse they believe may be unwell or suffering any injury.

14. BSTHRC strongly recommends that all riders have Ambulance cover. An ambulance will be called if deemed appropriate by the Trail Boss, the injured member being responsible for all expenses.

15. Riders under 18 years, and those currently registered as an ATHRA Junior Member, must wear an approved riding helmet.

16. Riders under 16 must be accompanied & supervised by their parent or guardian; or an adult member nominated in writing by their parent or guardian.

17. All riders must carry a lead rope and halter on all trail rides.

18. Horses known to kick must wear a red ribbon in their tail.

19. All riders must advise the Trail Boss of any pre-existing medical condition prior to the commencement of the ride.

20. Horses must be appropriately conditioned and fit for the intended ride, with adequately conditioned or shod feet.

21. Stallions may only be used after prior approval from the Committee; and must display a blue ribbon on head gear and tail.

22. Breastplates and Cruppers are recommended.

23. Unless otherwise stated, DOGS are not permitted at rides or events.

24. All riders must adhere to these Rules and ATHRA’s Code of Conduct.

25. Rider participation signifies understanding and acknowledgement of these Rules, and their willingness to comply.