Nov 13 2011
Trail Mileage
We ask that all members of the club keep a record of the miles they ride throughout the year. On an annual basis, members report their mileage and hours logged to the county representative. This county data is then submitted to the State Trail Mileage and Saddle Hour Committee Chairperson who compiles the information for the state.
Effective 2009, the OHC Trail Mileage Program has been modified to better represent the wide variety of club member interests. The program will now collect trail miles as well as saddle hours. Saddle hours include showing and competing, pleasure driving, riding in parades and schooling.
The Trail Mileage and Saddle Hour Program has three goals: to provide OHC with documented and quantified support to maintain, improve and expand the trail systems/facilities in Ohio; to recognize individuals who have reached various levels of enjoyment and/or accomplishment with their horse(s) that all horsemen respect and admire; and to recognize the wide variety of interests and activities in which our members and their horses are involved.
Miles ridden in an arena, small field, or on a track now qualify under riding or “Saddle” hours. Saddle hours are further classified within three categories: Competing (any type of show or competition), Schooling (any work to improve equine & equestrian performance whether in clinics, lessons, or home arena), and Pleasure Driving (schooling, competing or just enjoying the trail from on top a cart or rig).
Miles ridden on county and state roadways continue to be reportable trail miles as are as are those ridden on park and forest trails as well as public and private trails. You may even report miles ridden on out-of-state trails.
The Trail Mileage & Saddle Hour Program is an honor system. Therefore, it is up to the individual to report their mileage as accurately as possible (click here for form).
For general calculation purposes, you should figure 3-4 miles per hour when trotting and 5-6 miles per hour when gaiting.
Below you will find the patches and bars available to you at various milestones in your riding career. This gives you something to work towards.
