“What the heck is that?” you might ask. 

It’s not a race or an endurance ride.  It’s not a competitive trail ride.  Consider it just another trail ride with your buddies who have also entered the competition.  You will be periodically approached by a judge and asked to proceed through natural trail obstacles, most likely things that you would or could encounter on a leisurely trail ride.  Riders will be judged on each obstacle and on their success with the natural scavenger hunt.  Surprise prizes, too!  There is more than one way to win!  A beginner friendly event!

Riders will check in at Branched Oak Area 2.  The ride will cover most of the south trails at Branched Oak Lake; approximately 7 miles give or take.  What a great way to spend time with your friends, riding your horse and raising a few bucks to support horse trails in our state.  It doesn’t get any better than this! 

Register by Sept. 1st!  Ride will be limited to the first 50 entrants.  Pre-registration is required to ensure your spot!  Your entry will be accepted upon receipt of this registration form along with your non-refundable payment of $25.00, which includes your meal.  Additional meals can be purchased for non-riding, registered guests ($5).  Entrants must have a current Nebraska state park permit.  Camping is available first come, first served.  All campers will pay camp fees direct to Branched Oak.

Pre-registered riders will  check in by noon on the day of the ride.  The ride will begin promptly at 1:00 PM. 

Proceeds from this event will benefit the Nebraska Horse Trails Committee’s working fund used to improve horse trails in Nebraska.

See Online Flier for more information.  Or complete & mail your entry today!  Click here for entry form.

Make checks payable to the Nebraska Horse Trails Committee. 

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Camping Information:  Camping is available in the horse area at Branched Oak Lake, Area 2.  It is primitive camping; bring your own water.  At this time, you must set up portable fencing or tie your horses to the trailer.  Camping fees are $7 per night, payable to Branched Oak/Nebraska Game & Parks.   Water will be available for contestant horses.

Park Superintendent Tom Morrison said that Area 3 (see map) will remain a campsite for horses and they have made the hiker/biker trails northeast of Area 3 available to horses, adding more horse trails at Branched Oak Lake. Area 3 has water and bathrooms available. You may tie to your trailer or put up electric fence at either of these campsites.

The trails at Branched Oak are multi-use trails, so please be respectful of other trail users and practice shared trail etiquette. To preserve trails, trails may be closed when wet. Mr. Morrison has requested that we no longer use Area 14 by the dam as a parking area for horses.

This is great news for horse trail riders. Please remember to give the Game and Parks and Superintendent Tom Morrison a huge “Thank you!”.

http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/parks/places/campmaps/maps/branchedoak.pdf