📚 Stories & Articles
Learn from experienced riders, get inspired, and prepare for your first (or next!) ride
🐴 New to NATRC? Start Here!
Competitive Trail Riding might seem intimidating at first, but we promise - it's an amazing experience! Here are resources to help you get started.
What is CTR?
Learn the basics of Competitive Trail Riding - how it works, what to expect, and why it's so much fun!
Read More →First Time Rider Tips
Essential advice for your first NATRC ride: what to bring, how to prepare, and what happens at the ride.
Read Tips →Which Division?
Open, Competitive Pleasure, Novice, or Leisure? Find the division that's right for you and your horse.
Choose Division →Conditioning Your Horse
Start your training journey right with proper conditioning techniques for distance riding.
Start Training →First Ride Stories
Read real stories from Region 1 members about their first NATRC experiences - the good, the funny, and the lessons learned!
Read Stories →FAQ for New Riders
Common questions answered: stabling, camping, judging criteria, entry fees, and more.
View FAQ →📝 Recent Ride Stories
Read about recent adventures from our Region 1 riders!
Featured Story: Surviving the Tornado
By Various Riders | Bell Cow Lake Ride 2024
When tornado sirens went off in the middle of the night at Bell Cow Lake, Region 1 riders had to make quick decisions. Read about how our community came together during this scary experience and the lessons learned about weather preparedness.
Read Full Story →Cool Hills Ranch Spring Ride
2025Beautiful weather and great trails made for a perfect weekend at Cool Hills Ranch. Read about the highlights!
Read More →Mt Diablo Clinic Success
2025Over 20 attendees learned about proper conditioning, obstacle training, and vet checks at our spring clinic.
Read More →Eel River Beauty
2024Riders were treated to stunning riverside views and perfect riding weather at this popular Region 1 venue.
Read More →Jackson Forest Magic
2024Riding through the redwoods never gets old. See why Jackson Forest is one of our most beloved rides.
Read More →🔥 Safety & Preparedness
⚠️ Fire Safety Articles
Essential reading for all riders, especially during fire season
- Surviving Two Fires: Nancy Kasovich's Story - Breath-taking first-hand account with survival tips
- Barn Fire Prevention by Linda Thomason - Practical tips and resources for protecting your barn
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Trail Safety Essentials
What to carry on the trail for emergencies, navigation, and first aid
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Weather Preparedness
Dealing with heat, cold, rain, and extreme weather on the trail
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Trailer Safety Check
Pre-trip inspection checklist and maintenance tips
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Emergency Contact Card
Downloadable card to carry with emergency info for you and your horse
📖 Educational Resources
Horse Care & Conditioning
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Building Fitness for Distance
Long-term conditioning programs for CTR horses
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Recognizing Soundness Issues
Learn to spot lameness and movement problems early
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Electrolytes & Hydration
When and how to supplement for optimal performance
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Cooling Your Horse
Proper techniques for hot weather rides
Horsemanship Skills
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Trail Etiquette
Right-of-way rules and courteous trail behavior
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Obstacle Training at Home
Build confidence with common trail obstacles
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Reading Your Horse
Understanding stress signals and communication
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Partnership Building
Developing trust and responsiveness on the trail
📄 NATRC Documents
Important documents every rider should have:
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NATRC Rule Book (Current)
The official rules for all NATRC competitions
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Membership Application
Join NATRC and start competing (First year FREE!)
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Rider's Handbook
Comprehensive guide to NATRC competition
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Judging Criteria Explained
Understand how horses and riders are evaluated
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Understanding Your Scorecard
Learn to read and interpret your ride results
📰 Leadline Newsletter Archive
Past editions of our Region 1 newsletter:
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Leadline - Spring 2025
Latest edition with 2026 season preview
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Leadline Archive (2020-2024)
Complete archive of past newsletters
Contribute to the Leadline!
We'd love to feature your ride stories, photos, training tips, or horse care advice in upcoming issues.
Send submissions to: R1leadline@gmail.com
🕰️ Blast from the Past
Historical articles from Region 1's rich history:
April 1992 Leadline
HistoricalA humorous look at training season challenges - not much has changed in 32 years!
View Article →Region 1 Cookbook
ResourceVintage Region 1 cookbook with NATRC info, cooking tips, and actual recipes. Free download!
Download PDF →