Trace Tribute Endurance Ride
Back in 2010

Cavalry Rules and Information

The Trace Tribute Cavalry division is intended to duplicate the experiences of the people who used the Natchez Trace Parkway to commute from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee in the 18th and 19th centuries. The road was long and hard. There were few towns and farms along the way to offer assistance. In addition to the natural hardships, the Trace was infamous for highwaymen who robbed and left travelers for dead.

The Trace Tribute will be offering the Cavalry experience for all distances! You can also sign up for Cavalry Teams. Rules and details are listed below. Please read these rules carefully as they may be different than other rides that offer Cavalry.

1. No outside assistance is allowed from the start to the finish.
2. Whatever is used during the ride must be carried with the rider (or team member) from the starting line to the finish line. Material can be transferred from one team member to another at any time during the ride.
3. Hay or feed at vet checks left by other riders may not be used.
4. No supplies can be picked up or discarded during the ride. All materials, except trash, must be carried throughout the ride. All trash must be disposed of in proper receptacles.
5. One bucket and some hay may be placed at the finish line for use at the end of the ride.
6. Specially designated crews areas must be used. These areas will be stocked with water and buckets for horses and water for people.
7. Cavalry horses can drink and eat from all natural food sources. In addition, they can partake of Ride Management water troughs on trail. At no time, should they take water or feed from other riders’ pit crews.
8. Cavalry horses will be marked with the letter "C" in front of their ride numbers.
9. Lost shoes must be replaced by the Cavalry rider and with tools carried by them on the ride.
10. Cavalry horses may not be tied to trees -- it is against NTP park rules! You or your team member must hold the horse during bathroom breaks.
11. Teams may consist of at least two riders in the same distance.
12. All members of the team must complete in order to receive a Cavalry Team prize.
13. Special Cavalry Completion awards will be given to all Cavalry horses that complete.
14. A special Cavalry Best Condition award will not be given, but Cavalry riders in the Top 10 can compete for BC in the regular division.
15. Cavalry riders may discontinue riding in the Cavalry division at any time and still be eligible for AERC points, prizes, and placement.
16. Cavalry riders are also eligible for points, prizes, and placement in the regular division.

The Cavalry division rules will be managed using the "honor system." If, however, Ride Management sees a violation, they can disqualify a Cavalry rider by placing an "X" on the rider’s card. If a rider wishes to remove themselves from the Cavalry division, but continue in the regular division, they can have an "X" placed on their card by Ride Management.

A poster board for Cavalry Teams will be available at the registration desk.