Registration will open in eary September
Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18th
25 and 50 each day will start at 7:30 AM
25-mile CTR on Sunday only - as part of SEDRA test year, you can compete in the LD and CTR - SEDRA only recognizes 25 miles for lfetime mileage.
Intro can select 12- or 13-mile trail plus sign up for another after successfully completing one loop (vet approval required).
Nice soft 3/4 sleeve shirts if you register by October 1st.
All trails are single and double track and barefoot friendly. Trails are mostly shaded but there are some open areas, normally nice breezes. Deer & gopher tortoises are numerous so stay alert. Dog walkers frequently do not have dogs on leashes although they are supposed to, and bicyclists should be on separate trails, but like us, sometimes get off trail.
We go through water at the pond. Stay tuned for updates on the pond level. The pond is good now, not as deep as it has been but still plenty of water for cooling.
Ride Manager: Cheryl Van Deusen
Asst RM: Kati Kraskin
Timers: Marcia Peddicord, Larry Green & Carol Thompson
Web site: Jo Harder
Vets: Doug Shearer & Cheryl Rusin
In the event there is a Force Majeure, act of God, and the ride must be cancelled or date changed, the ride will refund all but $50 per ride to cover the non-recoverable costs of sanctioning, licensing, insurance, food, prizes, etc.

Park in the large grassy field near the pavilion as this is ride camp. As you drive in, please DO NOT park on the RIGHT side of the road as there are disc golf baskets in this multi-use park. There is plenty of space and some lovely old trees for shade in the center area. You may set up a portable paddock or hi-tie. The only amenities are a couple of porta-potties and a small pavilion. There is one spigot in ride camp for horse water, and some horses may not like the high sulfur. You may wish to bring horse water to minimize how much water you need to transport from the central spigot for your horse. Hoses available to fill buckets in crew area.
We want to have fun! Failure to be nice to volunteers, officials and other riders may result in disqualification. All rules of the preserve must be followed. Anyone breaking these rules may be asked to leave.
Do not camp near any disc golf baskets that are located on the right side near the trees or along the fence. Stay on the left side of the road in the big field when you drive in. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash at all times and please do not bring them to dinner! No firearms! Be nice to multi-users. No cantering in camp or when passing or meeting other horses. If you wish to pass someone, please ASK and wait for them to say YES before you proceed and come down to the trot, or walk if it's a green horse or rider. If you are on two-way trail, again no cantering as you meet other riders. Safety first!
A convenience store is located four miles away at the intersection of Pioneer Trail and Sugar Mill Roads. If you require a stall, paddock, or electric hookup, you can make arrangements with Flying B Ranch and drive over to Spruce Creek the morning of your ride. Contact information for Flying B Ranch is 386-478-1244. Location is 687 North Samsula Drive, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 about five miles from ride camp. AERC riders may vet your horse in and then come back in the morning --or vet in the morning of your ride.
All vet checks are in camp. We have two different loops of approximately 12 and 13 miles each and will put various combinations together to make longer loops for the 50-mile ride. The 25s will ride the two loops, and intro riders may select to ride either trail. The trail is barefoot friendly and is mostly single/double-track. Trails are multi-use, so you may encounter hikers, joggers, bicyclists, and children in various places, particularly near the ride camp area along with lots of deer and gopher tortoises around the fields especially early morning and late afternoon. Also, never go on the permanently marked yellow trails (bicycles). Avoid gopher tortoises as they often roam around and are protected in the state of Florida.
Spruce Creek Fall Fling is sanctioned by AERC, SEDRA, and SEERA . CTR sanctioned by SEDRA. USEF Lite does not recognize only the AERC rides but count towards FEI novice rides for horses and riders.
Dogs are welcome but MUST be on a leash at all times. You must pick up after your dog per county ordinances. If you bring a dog, you must have rabies documentation with you.
Please scatter manure or put at the base of trees--really spread it! Take hay piles home with you or you can dump it in the woods. Remember that most preserve users are not horse people, so they don't appreciate coming across a pile of manure. Again, please do not leave LOTS of hay on the ground as it kills the grass.
All riders must wear a helmet when mounted. No exceptions.
Dinner will be provided for riders before you ride. Extra dinners are available for purchase on the registration form. Otherwise, please be prepared and bring in food for yourself and any crew.
Generators must be off at 9:30 PM.
This time of year, daylight is about 7:00 AM.
Friday
Riders can arrive anytime after 10:00 AM.
3:30 PM: Registration open
4:30 PM: Vetting begins
5:45 PM: Vetting ends
6:00 PM: Dinner and ride meeting
9:30 PM: Generators off
Saturday
6:00 AM: Generators on
6:45 AM: Morning vet-ins
7:30 AM: 25s and 50s start
TBD: Intro riders confirm departure with timer
1:30 PM: 25s max time
3:00 Sunday riders can pick up ride cards and vet in
anytime before 6:00 PM
6:00 PM: Dinner and ride meeting/awards
7:30 PM: 50s max time
Sunday
6:00 AM: Generators on
6:45 AM: Morning vet-ins
7:30 AM: 25s and 50s start, CTR starts
TBD: Intro riders confirm departure with timer
1:30 PM: 25s max time
7:30 PM: 50s max time

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