Las Damas has carefully developed some guidelines and rules for trail riding and camp as a result of a long history of some good and some not so good experiences! To insure a safe and fun time together, please read and follow these simple rules.
RULES OF THE TRAIL
1. Please stay on the trail at all times!
We don’t want to have to go looking for you and miss the fun that’s happening
in camp! Additionally, it improves the host ranch/Las Damas relationship.
2. Do not ride ahead of the trail leader. Oh boy, this causes great grumpiness.
3. Do not trot or run past other riders or up and down trails. As you experienced ladies know, this raises havoc among the troops, plus it causes dust which can ruin our makeup and hair plus causes those irritating gritty eyes and teeth.
4. Avoid crowding the horse in front of you. Horses hate being crowded and they too can get “grumpy”. A good rule of thumb is one horse length between horses.
5. Avoid gaps in the line of riders. If possible, increase your horse’s walk or do a slow jog but be sure those behind you are also going to be able to keep up. If all fails, ask the trail assistants to have the trail leader slow down or wait.
6. Don’t dismount on the trail unless the ride has stopped. If stopping is unavoidable due to horse or you needing to pee or having dropped a vital item (like your cell phone!), please tell the trail assistant to call up to trail leader to stop.
7. Speaking of cell phones: They are a blessing and a curse. We ask that phones be off or on airplane mode while on the trail. Airplane mode allows you to take those gorgeous pictures you will share with friends and family.
8. Pass it back: This is often overlooked but if you see something beautiful, unsafe or could be of general interest, pass it back. Here in Arizona, we often hear, “cholla on the trail”!!!
9. No ribbon pulling: As much as we know you want to help, the ride leader and helpers are responsible to putting on and taking off ribbons. We don’t want anyone lost!
10. Human riding gear: Some of us have ridden for years and others for a shorter time. We always encourage safety when riding and having the correct gear always makes for a safer ride. Examples would be helmets, boots with heels, gloves, hats with wide brims (again, we are in Arizona) and weather-appropriate attire. Water is also helpful even though it’s not gear.
11. Horse tack and hoof protection: Again, safety, safety, safety. Avoid recent shoeing before our rides. It’s often rocky. Yes, it’s Arizona! There is that magic time to shoe that’s not too early and not too late. Use good judgement. About boots for your horse:. Many riders prefer to have their horses booted rather than shod. We recommend the boots used are secure and have been used before to insure their fit. Unfortunately a lost shoe or boot can be dangerous, unsafe, painful and inconvenient for not only the rider, but the ride. About other tack: halters must not be used for headgear although bring along in case you need to tie up your horse. A bridle with or without a bit is fine, assuming your horse is controlled. Avoid new saddles and other gear that can rub or sore your sweet pony.
12. Kicking or potentially kicking horses: There is nothing worse than having your horse get kicked and are now out of the ride. Another cause for grumpiness. Please use a red ribbon in the tail of your horse if it has ever kicked! Other riders are obligated to be beware of that horse with a red ribbon and as said earlier, don’t crowd other horses.
RULES OF THE CAMP
1. PLEASE WEAR NAME TAGS AT ALL TIMES: Some of you may have noticed that in the 70+years Las Damas has been in existence, the median age has somewhat increased plus there are more and more new members joining! It helps everyone to politely say “hi Matilda” instead of going the other way because you forgot Matilda’s name!!
2. PLEASE BE PROMPT FOR CHOW CALL AND RIDES: Everyone appreciates it when we are on time and respect other’s timetables. Our cooks are always on time and have our food ready to eat, bless them! As far as for rides, when the ride leaves at 8:30, we leave at 8:30 so we can be back in time to relax before cocktails and dinner. Arrive at least 10 minutes prior the start of a ride to chill your horse and maybe you!
3. HYDRATION: We are in Arizona so keeping hydrated always makes one feel better. Soft drinks, water, and beer (not so good for hydration but can be fun) available all day at the bar area. Fancier drinks will be available at the bar at 5 pm. Carrying water with you while riding isn’t a bad idea either.
4. RIDING THROUGH CAMP: This is acceptable if you are going to and returning from a ride. Otherwise, it is disruptive and possibly unsafe for those on foot or just sitting, enjoying friends or resting. Please do not do this.
5. NO DOGS ALLOWED IN CAMP: As much as you might love your furry friend, please leave Fido at home. We are sure you will be covered with dog kisses and wagging tails when you arrive home, no matter how you smell!!
6. NO STALLIONS ALLOWED: As you horse ladies know, stallions can be a bit disruptive and potentially dangerous (not always but….) and thus, it has been agreed upon by Las Damas that they are not allowed.
7. GENERATORS: They make our glamping so fun and we do love our RV’s but please respect our beauty sleep. No generator between 10 pm-6 am.
8. CAMPFIRES: Weather and host ranch permitting, we will have a general campfire. Individual campfires are restricted. Please check with the Camp Boss for any restrictions.
9. PICKET LINE AND WRANGLER CAMP: Picket line is off limits after 5 pm and the wrangler camp is OFF LIMITS AT ALL TIMES. If you have a concern or question about your horse, please ask the head wrangler before 5 pm.
10. NO SOLICITATION OR BUSINESS IS TO BE CONDUCTED AT ANY LAS DAMAS RIDES.
11. PLEASE INFORM YOUR GUEST/PIGEON OF THE TRAIL AND CAMP RULES: The rules are in the packet and also on the Las Damas website. Member/sponsors are held responsible that their guest understand the rules. ”There will be a test” approach always helps the guest learn the rules!
12. SPONSORS MUST RIDE WITH THEIR GUESTS: If the sponsor is unable to ride, it is fine to assign your guest to another willing member as a sponsor. Guests and pigeons are expected to ride 4 of the 5 days of the annual 5-day ride to receive credit.
13. FIREARMS: It is preferred that firearms are not brought to rides/camp. If you must bring one, please keep it in your trailer/vehicle and put in a safe place. Absolutely no firearms will be allowed on the trail.
14. Remember, smiling brings you friends and frowning brings you wrinkles (just ask any of us!)
HAPPY TRAILS!