The Great New Zealand Trail Ride

Howdy folks, welcome to the Great NZ Trail Ride.

Central to the organisation, which has been formally registered as The Great NZ Trail Ride Inc., is the main committee, with a wealth of knowledge and experience in this particular outdoor pursuit, a key factor given the complexities and logistical challenge posed by such an undertaking. Supporting the main committee is a Sub Committee for local knowledge and trail planning and a group of passionate and committed volunteers, many of who have participated in previous Rides.

We will continue to ride for charity, with proceeds going to a local charity chosen at the AGM each year. This document is an abbreviated version of the Ride Guide that you will receive after payment and registration. It is intended to give you sufficient information, to enable you to make an informed decision about participating in the Event, and to give you an appreciation of the extent of planning and preparation that goes into this venture, to provide an unforgettable experience in the eight days that you are on the Trail. Please do not hesitate to register any questions and concerns you may have, by contacting info@gnztr.org.nz

For those hombres who have already ridden the Trails, welcome back and thank you for your continued support. For those of you who are on your first Trail Ride, welcome also. We know that you will have an experience to remember and make many wonderful friends and acquaintances.

To all volunteers, who ensure that the Ride is safe and fun for everyone, we can't thank you enough. Without your valuable input and hard work, the Event would not be possible. The same sentiment goes to the Landowners, Regional Authorities and Sponsors for allowing us to share their wonderful environment, especially those who have come along for the Ride.

Remember we will accept any donations of goods/services for the traditional Charity Auction evening right up until the night.

If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact either:

Paki TUNA - President
Phone: (07) 871 6026
Mobile: (021) 136 1056
Email: president@gnztr.org.nz
OR

Email: info@gnztr.org.nz

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

There will be a strict Health and Safety policy in place for this Ride. This allows you and your horse to be in as safe as environment as we can possibly make it. Risk management is a priority for our organisation this year and into the future. We already have ten teams in place to take care of operations.

Examples of some of the policy conditions are:

No persons, other than security and nightshift staff, to be in or near horse paddocks/pens after sunset or before 6am.

One horse per person only (spare horses will be available in case of breakdowns). You can make your own arrangements to have another horse available, but it shall be kept off site. You will, of course, need to have the required vet certificate for your horse.

The Ride Committee reserves the right to refuse any horse from the Ride if we feel it would be detrimental to its welfare to take part in the Ride.

All horses and participants to carry identification at all times.

No stallions or colts will be permitted on the Ride.

No pregnant mares will be permitted on the Ride.

Horses must be 4 years of age or over.

TRANSPORT

Unless otherwise authorised by the Ride Committee, all trucks, floats and any other vehicles are not permitted at campsites and must be left at Base Camp. A system for retrieval of goods or vehicles from base camp is in place and you will need to obtain a security pass from the Information Site to gain access to vehicles at the base camp.

WE RECOMMEND YOU BRING:

Horse Equipment
Your horse, horse gear such as saddle, saddle blankets, horse cover; halter and lead rope, bridle, breast-plate, crupper, saddlebag, bum bag, scraper, brushes and sponges. Must have red ribbon (to be tied to tail) if your horse is a kicker.

Camping Gear
Small tent, sleeping bag, foam mattress or camp stretcher, plate, plastic bowl, mug, knife, fork, pudding spoon, dish washing sponge and T towels.

Preparation
The Great NZ Trail Ride is a communal event with horse/rider combinations from around the country and overseas. Your horse should have had a complete course of Strangles and Tetanus vaccinations.

On arrival at base camp, you will be required to show a vet certificate - or signed document from a Vet - stating your horse's age, sex, proof of non pregnancy (mares), has had the Strangles and Tetanus vaccinations, before you can participate on the Ride.

We recommend that you have your horse shod about ten days prior to the Ride.

Training
The fitter you and your horse are, the easier it will be. We will be riding on a variety of terrains that are bound to challenge most of you. You will be crossing countryside rarely seen by mere mortals.

The daily distances will vary but range from 25-40 kms. You will therefore appreciate that fitness is paramount. You are responsible for ensuring that your horse is up to covering these distances.

At the same time as vaccinating your horse, we suggest that you get a fitness assessment for your horse as well. A vet and gear check will be conducted at the first muster.

Insurance
Is not compulsory however you are encouraged to secure insurance for yourself and your horse whilst on the Ride.

Vets and Farriers
Will be available at all campsites and lunch stops. These people will charge you accordingly.

Finances
You will need some spending money, as we will be running the traditional Charity Auction night. We will also be close to shopping or sightseeing venues that you may wish to patronise on the Rest Day.

Showers and Toilets
Will be available onsite and just toilets at lunchstops everyday.

Meals
Meals will be provided as part of Registration.

Camp Services
There will be an Information Caravan, dishwashing facilities, camp security and horse security at each campsite.

Camp Safety
Health and Safety, Risk Management documents will be posted on this website as soon as we have these finalised. These documents will undergo constant adaptions. Changes will therefore be ongoing. We want his Trail Ride and those into the future, to be the best and safest ever.

Because of past incidents there will be some strict safety regulations in place to help prevent emergency situations. However we are mindful that a good time is expected from participants so we shall endeavour to make these regulations as easy as possible to meet.

Medical
It would be a good idea for Riders to ensure that their tetanus injections are up to date too. We need to know if you have allergies, medicines, food, wasps, bees etc so that informed decisions can be made if you fall ill or sustain an injury. (Please ensure you pack any medication you may need)

Horse Hire
Will be available but it is up to you to make contact with the company hiring the horses. You must also ensure that the horse you hire complies with the regulations stipulated above in regards to vet certificate etc, otherwise it will not be allowed on the Ride. Please also ensure you book early, so that the Company has sufficient time to get the horse fit and ready for you.

However, Paki is the main point of contact for horse hire. He has a number of people interested in hireing horses and will centralise that process. Please contact Paki for pricing.
Phone: (07) 871 6026
Mobile: (021) 136 1056
Email: president@gnztr.org.nz