Welcome to Victoria's first barefoot trail riding club!
Next ride ...Sunday 1st July - Yarra State Forrest - Wesburn - Victoria
"The AEBM is pleased to endorse the Barefoot Trail Club Victoria for it's natural horsemanship approach, which reflects our standards" Gail Bateman, President AEBM
The Barefoot Trail Club Victoria (BTCV) is a small group of people, dedicated to our holistic approach to horsemanship and caring for our horses. Trail riding is a fun part of this, as is many other forms of equestrian athletic endeavours.
The BTCV is a group with like interests (namely horses, trail riding, the outdoors and having fun) getting together to enjoy a day out.
We are an ATHRA (Australian Trail Horse Riders Association) associated club that was founded in 2005 to cater for people and horses that wish to go barefoot & bitless.
We are a "Family" club, therefore kids (as long as an adult supervises them) are welcome, but the club generally attracts a varied membership, Old and Young, Male and Female, Singles and Families.
Download Membership Application (206 KB PDF file)
Our activities include:
- Weekend (or multiple day) base camp rides
- Pioneer rides (take all your gear, for yourself and the horse, and camp on the trail)
- Day rides
- Introductory rides intended to introduce newcomers to this type of recreational activity
- Other social activities such as BBQ's or Restaurant nights
What do you need to ride with us?
- Your own horse (we are NOT a commercial outfit that hires out horses!). It doesn't matter what kind of horse you have ... so long as he is capable of covering the distance required.
- All your own riding gear (saddlery).
- Your own transport (if you are lucky you may be able to hitch a ride, but don't rely on it).
- If you want to stay for the night: All camping gear for yourself and overnight gear for your horse (There are a lot of experienced overnighters in the club, so don't be afraid to ask, what to bring).
- A degree of horse knowledge and common sense.
- A desire to have a good time.
Statement of Purpose
- To promote and educate members and friends on the benefits of natural lifestyle equine management.
- To promote the safety and environmental benefits of trail riding with natural barefoot horses.
- To provide like minded people with a trail-riding club in which to enjoy Australia's great outdoors.
- To promote caring for the Australian Bush through education on the damage horses shod with metal shoes can do to the environment.
How does our club work?
Once you found out about us, you are welcome to ride with us (for a non-member fee) to see what is going on.
If you wish to continue riding with us after 2 non-member rides within 6 months you will have to become a club member. To become a club member you must have a proposer and a seconder from within the club, so that the club’s committee can decide on whether or not to approve your membership.
After joining you will have to pay an annual membership fee that not only covers general expenses of running the club, but also ATHRA affiliation fees, Insurance etc.
As a member you will receive updated Ride Calendars, Ride Notices and our own newsletter.
Schedule of fees:
Annual Membership: $70.00
Club Membership & AEBM Membership: $80.00
Non-Member ride fees: $10.00
Special Event fees: Advised in ride notes
Ride Rules
- It is recommended that horses be conditioned for the terrain or use hoof boots etc.
- All horse riding equipment should be regularly checked, well maintained and correctly fitted.
- It is recommended that riders wear full-length trousers and sleeved shirt.
- Suitable footwear, which prevents foot sliding forward through the stirrup iron, must be worn.
- A member or guest must obey an instruction from an official at all times.
- During a ride keep the rider in front of you and the rider behind you in sight at all times.
- Keep your horse out of kicking distance of other horses.
- Permission must be obtained to ride in front of the Trail Boss or behind the Drag Boss.
- Do not pass riders at a speed that may excite their mount.
- The ride must not be left without the knowledge and permission of an official.
- When on roads, normal road rules apply.
- All gates are to be left as they are found. Respect private property.
- Juniors under 16 are to be supervised by a parent or nominated guardian.
- Riders under 18 must wear a regulation helmet.
- No dogs allowed on rides.
- During a ride the blood alcohol level of a rider must not exceed .05 to comply with State road rules. No drinking of alcoholic beverages permitted whilst mounted.
- Riders are to conduct themselves so as to do justice to the noble art of horsemanship and the promotion of ATHRA.
- In the case of any ride over 24 hours all riders must be members of an ATHRA club.
Additional Rules and Changes
- The ATHRA Code of Conduct and Risk Management is accepted and endorsed by the BTCV (Barefoot Trail Club Victoria), including the following additional amendments and variations.
- A purpose made helmet, complying with the current Australian Standards will be required to be worn by all members and non-members during all trail rides and special events organized by the BTCV.
- In accordance with the BTCV mission statement and AEBM endorsement members and non-members horses shall be naturally hoofed or hoof booted. Unshod horses maybe subject to inspection by one of the club's hoof care specialists. Non-members with shod horses will be subject to additional rules.
- Members and non-members will be encouraged to use bitless bridles on trail rides in accordance with BTCV mission statement. Halters with a single point of connection will not be acceptable.
- For safety reasons any shod horses on the trail ride will be grouped together to the rear of the ride, away from members barefoot horses. A club steward will be placed at the head of these horses and riders will take direction from the appointed club official and head trail boss.
Contact Us
President: Gail Bateman Phone: (03) 9707 0637 Email: batemangb@optusnet.com.au
Secretary: Lezley Golding Phone: (03) 5941 5561 Email: stevleypark@bigpond.com