The Friday BEFORE Mother's Day Ride 2015
CANCELLED!
Due to Muddy Trails!
UPDATE WEDNESDAY - RIDE CANCELLED! I know I said I was going to wait until Thursday but it rained overnight and is still raining with more predicted throughout the day and night. This is only the 2nd time in 15 years I have had to cancel, so I guess we have been lucky. Please spread the news. Sorry! Have a great ride season!
PLEASE READ: Usually one day of rain does not effect our Oak Creek Trail. However, it has been raining here since Sunday night and rain is in the forecast until early Sunday. While I am not one to believe the forecast is always right, I am also not one to risk damage to our trails for a one day ride. I don't think with continued moisture that the limestone could handle 75 - 100 horses. And I have learned over the years, it is very hard to police riders from being on the limestone. In dry weather, it holds up well. In wet weather, it can produce awful divots. This is a shared trail and we want to keep it good for all users.
Road riding is not an option as I have not had the opportunity to map it accordingly.
Please share with your horse friends.
On the positive note, we have had much needed moisture in the area.
Friday, May 8, 2015
Same Ride, Same Trail
Ride with me on the
Friday Before Mother's Day Ride 2015
May 8
May 8
Oak Creek Trail
Valparaiso, Nebraska
Be saddled and ready to ride
at 10:00 AM
at 10:00 AM
($1 trail fee paid to the NRD at kiosk)
Bring a sack lunch and a halter and enjoy your lunch on the trail in Loma.
Please stay off the vacant lot between the bar and the outhouse in Loma. This is private property.
Potluck dinner/snacks following the ride in Valparaiso.
Bring a covered dish to share, your camp chair and your own table service.
Bring a covered dish to share, your camp chair and your own table service.
FOR CONSIDERATION
You are invited to ride with me on this public trail and ride at your own risk.
The Oak Creek Trail is a shared trail. Be prepared to meet other trail users such has hikers, bikers and joggers.
To preserve the surface for other trail users, the NRD requests that horses stay on designated horse trails and do not ride on the limestone except where no parallel exists.
This is not a difficult trail. It is approximately 14 miles round trip. The entire distance to Loma is a gradual incline with some steep hills on the horse trail. Be sure your horse (and you!) are in proper condition for a 14 mile ride.
There will be horse water available in Loma from a shared tank. There will not be trailers available for early transport, so be prepared to ride the entire ride or make arrangements on your own for transport.
This trail has many bridge crossings. If your horse will not cross the bridge, for your safety and others, please dismount and walk your horse across the bridge. Don't be afraid to ask a safety rider for assistance.
The riders usually return to Valparaiso around 3:00 - 4:00. Many women take the return trip at their own speed or leisure.
There is no camping available at the Oak Creek Trail however, Branched Oak Lake Area 2 offers an deluxe equestrian camp just 15 miles south of Valparaiso.
MAP OF OAK CREEK TRAIL (Click to enlarge, print and bring along)
DIRECTIONS
Valparaiso is located 14 miles north of Lincoln on Hwy. 79. (If coming from the north, Valparaiso is 10 miles south of Hwy. 92 on Hwy. 79). The trail head can be found in downtown Valparaiso, just about 3 blocks west of Hwy. 79. Turn west at the gas station / bank clock sign. There is ample parking at the trail head and assistance will be available should you need help with parking.
ALSO NOTE
No stallions. Many mares are in season right now.
Bring a halter and lead rope for your horse, as you may need it when we stop in Loma for lunch.
If your horse kicks, tie a red ribbon on its tail. And if you see a red ribbon on a tail, keep your distance as that denotes the horse may kick.
Use good trail manners. If you don't know, ask.
Be a good trail user. Many times we are on shared trails. Be respectful to other trail users and follow all rules regarding that specific trail. Horse trails are a privilege, not a right.
If you are going to change the pace of your ride, please go ahead of the group or stay behind the group and always tell the group of your intentions. Never run up on the group or another individual rider if you have elected to stay behind.
Bring a shovel and clean up any manure left around your trailer before departing the trail head. Do not litter. Pack out what you pack in.
Please stay off the vacant lot between the bar and the outhouse in Loma. This is private property.
No dogs. Sorry, we love them, too, but there are leash laws on the OCT.
AS A COURTESY
As in the past, a few good men will be riding as safety riders. This is important to me so that all the women on the ride can enjoy the day -- me included -- without having to attend to the small incidents that may interrupt a ride this size. These men play an important role in assisting riders with tack problems, medical emergencies and other unexpected happenings along the trail. Please tip your hat to these cowboys and thank them for donating their time so that we can enjoy our ride. Please email for additional information.
WARNING
Under Nebraska Law, an equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, pursuant to sections 25-21,249 to 25-21,253.
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Helmets are always recommended.
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