MOOSE MOUNTAIN PROVINCIAL PARK - A great deal of preparation took place for the ninth annual Saskairie trail ride that was held from July 7-9.
Many volunteers came in days before the ride to cut all the grass along the roadway and campground.
The trails were checked for fallen trees and branches, as safety is always the number one concern on the trails.
Beth Westfall is the president of Saskairie and also an avid horseperson who enjoys riding. Westfall said a trail ride was held on each of the three days, and they usually went about 10 kilometres.
On July 8, 27 riders saddled up and enjoyed the day on the trails in Moose Mountain.
Saskairie is located on three quarters of land and trails run through it all, around trees, along rivers and up hills. There are many stops along the way as well, with markers to show the location.
“The weather was great,” said Westfall. “And there were not that many bugs.”
Once back from the ride, the campfire was lit and beef on a bun was served.
Three permanent rail pens are set up, but another temporary pen was placed to house a few more horses.
Club members Lance and Debbie Morrow brought a tank of water for the horses to drink.
Last year a few people brought tents, but this year everyone who stayed used campers.
With the bonfire ablaze on July 8, the horses tucked in and riders relaxed, Les Anderson brought out his guitar and sang around the fire with several joining in.
Westfall figures they rode about 25-30 kilometres all weekend, changing up the route each time they rode.
One did not have to stay for the weekend. They were more than welcome to haul in daily for the ride.
People came from as far away as Saskatoon and Manitoba to enjoy the scenery and the socializing with other horse people.
The weekend ended with one last ride and then everyone hit the road for home.
Westfall is hopeful to have another trail ride in the fall, so if a person missed this one, they would still have the opportunity to join then.
