FAQS |
MY FIRST RIDE FAQSGetting ready to bring your horse to your first OCTRA experience? You're in the right place! We've gathered some of the most common questions riders ask before their first event - so you can focus on the fun, not the guesswork. Jump straight to a topic of interest: | General | Trails | Tack | Electrolytes | Horses | Camp | Crewing | Tech | Videos | GENERAL
Q: How do I join OCTRA? A: Memberships can be purchased online on the website. Simply click "Join" to get started. JOIN Q: How do I register for an event, and how far in advance should I do it? A: Events (known as "rides") will be posted on this site. You can register on line in advance or sign up in person at the event for an extra fee. Q: Do I need to have a coach to attend my first ride? A: Riders do not need a coach to bring their horse to a ride. However, junior riders must have a capable sponsor who stays with them at all times, both on the trail and during veterinary checks. It’s important to note that this sport is not a suitable environment for brand-new or novice riders. Participants should have solid riding experience, be confident managing their horse in various conditions, and understand basic horse care and conditioning before entering their first ride. Q: What should I wear to ride or volunteer? A: Riders must wear a helmet and footwear with a heel for safety. The only exception is if you're using safety endurance stirrups, in which case flat soled shoes like running shoes are fine. Volunteers should dress in comfortable, weather-appropriate outdoor clothing. Q: How will I know what to do when I arrive at my first ride? A: Park your truck and trailer, unload and take care of your horse, and then head over to the Ride Secretary to check in and get set up. Q: What is a Pre-Ride Talk? A: A Pre-Ride Talk is a meeting held before the start of each ride — the exact time will be listed on the ride flyer and may vary by event or distance. During this meeting, the Trail Master will review trail markings and provide important trail-related details. The veterinarians will discuss weather considerations, how conditions may affect your horse, and strategies to help keep your horse performing at its best. You’ll also hear about hold times, pulse criteria, and any schedule changes, along with camp housekeeping notes or other key announcements. Attending the Pre-Ride Talk is strongly recommended — it ensures you and your horse are well-prepared and helps keep everyone safe and informed. Q: Are there awards or prize money? A: Every ride includes awards such as ribbons or other prizes. For the welfare of the horses, this sport does snot offer prize money. Q: How do awards usually work? A: Award presentations are at the discretion of the ride team and can vary from event to event. Typically, as the final riders come in, everyone gathers for awards. On Saturdays, there’s often a more formal celebration, while on Sundays, riders tend to pack up and head home after finishing, so awards may be given earlier or on the go. If you need to leave before the presentations, just let ride management know — they can often get your scorecard or award to you sooner. Q: What are the main differences between OCTRA and OTRA? A: While both organizations share a love of trail riding, they focus on different formats within the sport. OCTRA (Ontario Competitive Trail Riding Association) is dedicated to Competitive Trail, Set Speed, and Endurance Riding — events where horses and riders are evaluated not just on speed, but also on conditioning, horsemanship, and the horse’s overall well-being. Rides are carefully managed with veterinary checks, pulse criteria, and recovery times to ensure horse welfare. OTRA (Ontario Trail Riders Association), on the other hand, focuses on social and recreational trail riding. Their rides are typically non-competitive, without the formal structure of vet checks or scoring. The rides are done in a group trail ride format, usually at a walk. In short:
Q: How fast do people ride? A: It depends on the type of ride — each event has its own pace and goals.
In general, long-distance riders average about 10 km/h, often a mix of 80% trotting, 20% walking, and the occasional canter. While top-level FEI endurance competitions are faster, entry-level rides are intentionally more conservative — aimed at building fitness and experience for both horse and rider. Q: Is it a mass start? A: It depends on the type of ride. Most Training Rides, Set Speed, and CTR events use a timed, staggered start, while LD, and Endurance rides are typically mass starts. That said, riders usually have a 30-minute window to cross the start line, so there’s no rush — start when you and your horse are ready. Q: Are the trails marked? A: Yes! Trails are marked by volunteers using a variety of methods, including flagging tape, pie plates, and permanent signage. Every ride location is a little different, so the pre-ride talk will include examples of what to look for. Q: Why do some people use miles when talking about distance? A: It’s a nod to tradition! Many endurance and LD rides were historically sanctioned by the American Endurance Riding Conference (AERC), which measures distances in miles. Ontario is part of the AERC’s North East region, so American riders bring that habit with them. More recently, Equestrian Canada has sanctioned our rides using kilometres, but because riders from the U.S. still participate, you’ll often hear distances spoken in miles.Q: What is the etiquette for following or passing another horse on trail? A: Being courteous on the trail keeps everyone safe and happy — both riders and horses! Here’s the scoop:
Q: What kind of tack is required to get started? A: You can use Western, English, or hybrid endurance tack — the most important thing is that both you and your horse are comfortable and the equipment is well-fitted and in good repair.
Q: Why do so many people use electrolytes at these rides? A: Electrolytes help keep horses hydrated and performing safely. It’s a good habit to start giving them before, during, and after the ride, especially if your horse shows signs of dehydration or muscle cramps. For more detailed guidance, we have a dedicated page on electrolytes with tips and best practices for new riders. Q: Where do I buy electrolytes? A: Mad Barn offers proven equine sport electrolytes for endurance horses. Order: Mad Barn Electrolytes Q: How do I give electrolytes? A: Some horses will eat them plain or in feed. Others do better if mixed with a little water, carrot puree, or applesauce and given with a 60cc syringe.
Photo: Jolanda Slik riding Ace's Night Hawk. Ace, an American Saddlebred, has covered over 6000 kms and enjoyed an extraordinary career spanning more than 15 years. Q: What age of horse is required? A: Long-distance riding horses can have long careers well into their twenties, but starting slow is key. For rides 40 km and under, horses can start as early as 4 years old. For Ride and Tie, and Endurance rides up to 80 km, horses need to be at least 5 years old. Rides 160km in length the horse must be 6 years old. Q: Are the low mileage rides just for beginners? A: Not at all! You’ll often see experienced riders on the shorter rides, and not just those introducing a young or green horse to the sport. It takes years of training to build the stamina and strength needed for longer endurance distances. Q: Do I need to have an Arabian? A: While Arabian horses often dominate endurance, any sound horse can succeed. We’ve seen top performers from breeds like American Saddlebreds, Morgans, Quarter Horses, Standardbreds, Appaloosas, Icelandics, Clydesdales, Thoroughbreds, and Akhal-Tekes. The key is soundness and fitness, not breed — though shorter rides under 40 km will showcase all kinds of breeds having fun and competing. Q: Is it safe to water and feed a hot horse? A: Yes! In fact, keeping a hot horse hydrated and replenished is crucial for their health and well-being. Here’s what to keep in mind:
By following these steps, you’ll help your horse stay healthy, comfortable, and happy even on the hottest days! Q: what vaccines will my horse need to attend? A: TBD
Q: How does parking work? A: Most rides are first-come, first-served. At larger championship events, parking may be assigned and marked. Riders often park along the field perimeter first, backing in, then fill central rows as needed. When choosing a spot, consider:
A little planning makes life easier for you and your horse! Q: Are dogs allowed? A: Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but must be on leash at all times. Do not leave dogs unattended — if your dog disrupts camp while you’re riding, you may need to return and stay with them. Q: What are the camping facilities like? A: Rustic! You’ll need your own trailer or tent, drinking water, and power. Horse water is provided at all rides. Q: Do I have to camp overnight? A: Not always. Training and Mileage rides usually start mid-morning, while Endurance rides often start at the crack of dawn. Depending on your distance from the site, you might be able to arrive the morning of. Check the ride flyer for vetting and pre-ride talk times. Q: Can I use my generator? A: Yes! Each ride will note a quiet time, usually around 10 PM. Newer generator models tend to be much quieter or nearly silent. Q: Will there be stabling? A: Nope! Most rides don’t provide stabling, as camps are usually in a large open field. Riders bring their own setups — some use gate panels, high ties, or electric fencing. There’s generally at least 10 feet between trailers to give each horse plenty of space to settle comfortably.
Photo: Wendy Benns, expertly crewed by her husband, Jeremy. A simple set up: buckets, saddle rack, wagon, sponges, sweat scraper, halter and rope. Q: Do I need a pit crew? A: For rides under 40 km, you probably don’t need one — though having supportive people around is always nice! Let them know to bring a chair, lunch, suncreen, and a change of footwear, depending on the weather. Q: What does a crew do? A: It depends on the ride and experience level:
Q: What do I need for my crew station? A: Keep it simple or go all out — it’s up to you! Essentials can include:
Veterans may add shade tents, coolers with ice wraps, saddle racks, and other handy items. Your setup will depend on the day, weather, and distance you’re riding.
Until recently, riders managed just fine without tech — but hey, if it’s available, why not use it? Q: Rider tracking A: Most riders swear by Garmin GPS devices — they map your route, log your ride, and can even send tracking info to a contact via email. Some also use phone apps like Strava or others to keep track of their progress. Q: Horse tracking A: Devices like Tractive are great for keeping tabs on your horse’s whereabouts if they wander off. Keep in mind that in remote areas, service can be limited, but most trackers eventually reconnect when your horse moves into coverage. Q: I can't afford anything fancy. How can people find me? A: The free app “What3Words” is super handy for sharing your location — not just for emergencies! If you’re off trail and need to call camp, you can relay your exact location using What3Words.
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