Wethersfield 2023 Spring Conditioning Ride

Wethersfield Estate & Garden invites equestrians to join us for our annual leisurely Spring Conditioning Ride. The Spring Conditioning Ride will be held rain or shine on the singular trails at Wethersfield. Riders may begin at any time between 8:30 a.m. and 12 noon.

Riders follow a marked trail at a pace comfortable for them. This is an opportunity to get your horse ready to ride once more, while taking in the woodland trails and the surrounding rolling terrain. The course is approximately five miles long and includes multiple optional jumps. (There is also a picture jump.). For further information and the rules to ride, please read on. 

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Tickets are non-refundable.

• ·All completed entries and signed waivers must be received on or before May 9, 2023.
• ·A signed Wethersfield Equestrian Waiver is required for all riders.
• ·No dogs allowed, no exceptions.
• ·Riders under 18 must have a signature from a parent or legal guardian.
• ·You must provide proof of negative Coggins within 2 years.
• ·ASTM/SEI Certified riding helmets are REQUIRED for ALL riders and carriage drivers.
• ·Wethersfield does not provide horses for use at equestrian events.
• ·No spectators other than parents of riders under 18, grooms & anyone driving a trailer.

A food truck will be on site with breakfast and lunch options for purchase. Ample parking is available. Water is available adjacent to the parking area.

RULES FOR HORSEBACK RIDING AND CARRIAGE DRIVING

• ·A waiver release must be filled out & signed online before riding at Wethersfield (ONE PER YEAR).
• ·No dogs permitted, no exceptions.
• ·ASTM/SEI Certified riding helmets are REQUIRED for ALL riders and carriage drivers.
• ·Horses must be attended or securely tied to their trailer at all times.
• ·Wethersfield has a carry in/carry out policy. This includes normal garbage as well as manure in the parking and registration area.
• ·Stay on trails and/or edges of fields. Do not ride on lawns.
• ·Riding and driving are not permitted near the Main House, Gardens, Stables and Horse pastures (except for passing on Pugsley Hill Road), or Orchard unless following a marked trail during an organized event.
• ·Keep ill-mannered horses behind the other horses. Tie a red ribbon in the tail of a horse that kicks. Keep your distance.
• ·When leading and/or riding with anyone behind you:
• -Walk
• -Ask before trotting or cantering
• -Warn other of holes, bad footing and other dangers
• -Warn when you are stopping
• -Keep track of other riders behind you
• -Take turns leading, if possible – share the dust
• ·At watering areas, take turns and don’t crowd. Wait for everyone to finish before moving off.
• ·Never run up on a rider or group of riders. Approach at a reasonable speed. Ask permission to pass and then wait until there is enough room to pass safely. Wait until you pass everyone before moving off. Move off at a reasonable speed until you are well away from another horse(s).
• ·If there are jumps, make sure your group knows that you intend to jump to allow those not jumping time to prepare or get out of the way. If your horse refuses, let others waiting to ride/jump through and then continue to work with your horse.
• ·Be aware of the condition of your horse at all times, especially in hot weather. If you feel it needs to rest, let others in the group know and ask them if they could stop until your horse is ready to go again.
• ·Don’t spoil others’ fun by loud behavior.

If you notice potential hazards on trails, have an emergency or need specific trail information, please notify
Kevin Malloy (845) 464-6483 so that it can be addressed promptly.

If you need further information please email equestrian@wethersfield.org.