Frequently Asked Questions
If you are unable to find an answer to your question, please email us at oneheartrideandtie@gmail.com
Is camping available at the trail head?
Camping is available at City Park in Maxwell.
How much will it cost to camp? Are reservations needed?
Camping is $12 payable to City of Maxwell. There are a few sites that have electricity, but no water hook up. There is water in the park for filling tanks and buckets. Reservations can be made by emailing oneheartrideandtie@gmail.com.
Are there stalls for horses?
There are no stalls at the trailhead; however, we can make arrangements for you to stall your horse(s) offsite at local barns within 15 miles of trailhead. There is an arena that you may tie your horse in overnight if you do not want to tie them at your trailer.
How much is the registration fee for the Benefit Ride and Tie?
Not including Ride and Tie Association dues, each team (two riders and one horse) will pay $100. Because this a Ride and Tie Association sanctioned event each rider must also be a Ride and Tie Association member. Annual membership dues are $25. Riders can obtain membership materials directly from the Ride and Tie Association or the race organizers can submit your dues for you if you wish to include the membership dues with your race registration.
Is my entry fee and/or donation tax deductible?
Do I have decide what distance I am competing in now?
Yes, this event is being held to benefit One Heart Equestrian Therapy, a 501(c)(3) organization. All checks will be made payable to One Heart Equestrian Therapy. Donations over and above regisration fees are GREATLY appreciated.
No. Riders have until the start of the race to indicate if they will be competing in the 6-, 12- or 20-mile race.
Ride and ties are known for being crowded, dusty races; especially at the start. All the races will start at the same time, so expect lots of hooves and shoes pounding the trail. Naturally, the racers (human and equine) will thin out along the trail as the competitors will all be racing at a different pace. Dress comfortably for running. Many ride and tiers will use sheepskin covers on saddles. Most prefer to race in shorts and a tee shirt.
Will water be provided?
Water will be provided for horses at the start, finish and at vet check points.
Riders and runners are responsible for their own hydration needs. .
What if I'm a runner, not a rider? Or, what if I'm a rider and not a runner? Can I just run or ride?
Ride and Tie is a combination of running and riding. Partners determine their best strategy to utilize the skills of each team member. Some teams have one runner do more of the running and the other does more riding. It's all about coming up with the best strategy for your team. Keep in mind that since this race is sanctioned by the Ride and Tie Association, six exchanges must be made during the race. See http://rideandtie.org/rules.html for more details on the rules of Ride and Tie.
Will the races start and finish at the same place?
Yes. The course is an "out and back" along the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail. The 12 mile and 20 mile riders will all be started at the same time and will go to Collins (6 miles), turn around and return to Maxwell, where they will have a vet check. The 20 milers will then go west 4 miles and turn around. The 6 mile riders will be started after the 12 & 20 are started and they will go west 3 miles to a turn around point. All turn around points will have volunteer staff to aid riders and direct them to turn around.
If the runner is out front and the rider catches up with the runner, are they allowed to swap without actually tying the horse anywhere?
Yes. This is called a "flying tie" and is allowed under the Ride and Tie rules.
If a rider gets to a vet check and is ahead of the runner, can the rider dismount and leave the horse alone with the vet until the runner catches up and takes the horse? Or does a person have to be with the horse at all times during the vet check?
If the team has a designated ground crew member at the vet check, the rider may leave the horse with their ground crew and begin running. If the runner is ahead of the rider at the vet check, the runner must wait for their teammate and horse as it is required to make a rider exchange at the vet check. For more on rules, download the complete Ride and Tie Rules from the "Download" menu on this site.