📖 Article Collection
Explore our curated library of education, stories, and archives for the competitive trail rider.
🌱 New Rider Essentials
Everything you need to know before your first ride, from checklists to explaining how judging works.
Day in the Life of a Ride
A complete description of what happens from Friday arrival to Sunday checkout.
Read Article →Ride Your Own Ride
Tips on staying focused on your own horse's needs rather than just following others.
Read Article →Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about camping, stabling, and competition rules.
Read FAQ →🧠 Education & Training
Improve your performance and horse care with expert advice on conditioning, movement, and judging.
Conditioning for Distance
Expert presentation by Jec Ballou on building fitness for the CTR horse.
View PDF →Rehab for Distance Horses
Jec Ballou's guide to managing injury recovery for athletic horses.
View PDF →Judging Explained
A deep dive into how horsemanship points are allocated by officials.
Read Article →Dressage on the Trail
How arena skills translate to better balance and communication on the trail.
Read Article →📖 Ride Stories & History
First-hand accounts of rides, historical perspectives, and tributes to our equine partners.
Conquering Mt. Diablo
Sheila Christiansen's account of her first ride at this legendary venue.
Read Story →History: The First 1941 Ride
Read about the inaugural Diablo Springs ride from Concord to the mountain.
Read History →🗄️ Archives & News
Access decades of regional newsletters and official organizational documents.
Leadline Archive
Access past editions of the Region 1 newsletter from 2007 to present.
Main Archive →🧁 Community & Fun
The social side of NATRC - from culinary traditions to safety tips for your barn.