Trail ride to leave horses missing something

Sisters Cow Camp is a busy place in the summer and will be so again on the weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, July 26-27, Equine Community Resources (ECR)is hosting a judged trail ride dubbed "Clippity-Clop To Snip 'Em Off," with proceeds going toward funding a low-cost gelding clinic.

Participants head off in small groups every 15 minutes to alleviate congestion at six obstacles to be judged during the nine-mile ride on Saturday. Sunday's ride is non-judged.

Alison Weston of Weston Equine Services is working with ECR to host the ride. She helped with a similar ride last year that benefited ECR's parent group, Sound Equine Options. "We decided to make this a non-sanctioned ride so that all proceeds could go toward the low-cost gelding project," said Weston. The sport of competitive trail riding is growing quickly and provides a fun way to put a safe challenge into a trail ride.

Saturday's event includes a moderately priced barbecue and informational demos, to be held while results are tabulated. An equine body work practitioner, Allison Wetter, will introduce her specialty. Another demo covers the 10 essentials for trail safety.

Equine Community Resources became an affiliate of Sound Equine Options last year. The purpose of ECR is to "enrich equine wellness through counseling and support services, promoting responsible ownership through education and the sharing of resources from the equine community."

According to Weston, the group is not a rescue but seeks to provide support and help before someone finds themselves in a crisis with their horse. "They're encouraging education and learning opportunities," she said.

Complete details about the organization and the weekend rides may be found on the ECR website at http://www.equine

communityresources.org or by phoning LaVonne at 541-390-6000. Cost is $40 for the Saturday ride, $35 for Sunday or $60 for both. There are volunteer opportunities available during the event and participants who wish to camp out are encouraged to arrive early.