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

IMPORTANT NOTICE: On DAYS OF TOTAL FIRE BAN all rides are automatically cancelled. If extreme weather conditions are forecast for the day of a planned ride or event, it is your responsibility to phone the ride Coordinator to confirm if the ride is still proceeding, or if details have been changed. Day Members must contact Alan before registering online.

This camp on private property is situated on the edge of the High Country and will be a very special camp indeed. Due to the size and nature of the homestead this ride will be capped at 30 PEOPLE, so nominate and pay early!

The homestead has low voltage power from their mini hydro-electric system but not for phone chargers or TV! No mobile reception. Self-catering kitchen (small) and BBQ facilities outside, gas fridge (limited space) so you will need your own refrigeration for the 4 days. Ice and food truck may come daily if required. Showers & toilets with hot water from a wood chip heater, campfire, swimming in nearby river. You will need to be totally self-sufficient for food and bottled drinking water (water from creek for horses /cooking /washing etc.). No hay in pens or round yard, Lucerne hay only please. All manure to be cleaned up. Rubbish must be removed on departure. Dogs are allowed at camp BUT under control at all times and owner to clean up poo etc.

A map & other information will be provided to nominees after payment is confirmed.

Accommodation: Comfortable bunkhouse in homestead - accommodates up to 30 under the roof, majority in the 17-bed bunkhouse. Accommodation allocated when your $100 deposit is received. BYO bedding, pillows etc. (mattresses supplied). Goosenecks and floats will be accommodated a short way from the homestead/stable in a nearby paddock. No vehicles in front of homestead. Please specify if you require accommodation or not when nominating, same fee applies.

Horse Accommodation: Community paddock across creek, BRING RUBBER BOOTS – other than community paddock bring electric yards (same paddock as the floats), no nightlines, cart water from stables. No horses around the homestead area. Hoses for washing down available and water from creek.

Horse Fitness etc.: Horses will require a reasonable degree of fitness for this camp. The Club recommends that horses are shod a week before the camp, the terrain can be extreme and will involve many river crossings, boots are NOT recommended. I recommend each rider brings spare shoes, already shaped.

Rides: Ride destinations include Fry’s Hut, Professors Hut, Mountain Huts, Water Tunnel, Sheepyard Flat, Tobacco Flat. Saddle bag lunches on track. As stated, the terrain can be extreme in places, there will be wide shady gravel tracks narrowing to single file in thick scrub, and some open areas for a canter & trot, BUT riders will have to watch for the wombat holes. There will be minimal road riding with exposure to some traffic.

Travel: The venue is 335 kilometres from Ballarat, travel time is estimated at 5 hours. A mud map and written directions will be provided to nominees.

COST for 4 nights: $150 per adult, non-riders under 16 free. Price is same whether in homestead or self- accommodation. $100 deposit to be paid with nomination, the balance to be paid by 31st January 2024. No refunds after that date unless a replacement found. Club Account - “Ballarat Social Trail Horse Riders” BSB- 633000 - Account No 155873003. Please use your name and Howqua as a reference.

NOMINATIONS: This ride is restricted to Club & ATHRA members only, everyone must comply with the attached rules and protocols. Please read the Covid 19 Protocols & Club Rules below. To nominate complete your details and emergency contact details in the nomination below, copy and paste into a reply email to alg_salter@bigpond.com .

I, (enter your name & mobile), wish to nominate for the Howqua River Camp between the 4th and 8th of March 2024. I declare that I have not knowingly been exposed to Covid-19 and do not feel unwell, nor do I have a cold or flu like symptoms. My Emergency Contact is, (enter contact name & phone No).

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.