News Release Distributed 10/27/10

CADE, La. – A trail ride and campout to benefit the LSU AgCenter Master Horseman program will be held Nov. 6-7 on 750 acres of woodlands and pastures.

Neely Heidorn, LSU AgCenter horse specialist, said the event will raise money for Master Horseman events throughout the Acadiana area.

"This will give the program a good financial boost in the midst of budget tightening," Heidorn said. "To implement new plans for the program, we have to come up with ways to pay for them."

The rides on Saturday and Sunday will be over several miles of trail that will include challenges of hills, water, bridges and other obstacles. Horses are not required to be shod, Heidorn said.

What makes this trail ride different will be the mix of educational events with a ranch theme. “People will be able to enjoy authentic chuck wagon cooking and be part of a cattle drive,” said Howard Cormier, LSU AgCenter equine agent.

"This ride is not for beginners,” Cormier said. “We will go at a slow pace, but we will ask everyone to try to keep up and be safe and alert."

In addition to the trail ride, several other events will take place including cattle branding, roping, cutting and reining demonstrations, horse training clinics by Cory Bourque, a campfire gathering with music and cowboy poetry, an auction, and a chuck-wagon cookout.

Participants will get two meals Saturday and Sunday breakfast.

The cost for the weekend is $40 for adults and $10 for school children. Late arrivers Saturday can pay $10 each for the dinner and festivities. Admission Sunday only will be $20 for adults and $5 for children.

No hookups will be available for camping. Horse owners should bring their own feed and hay, but water will be provided.

As with all public horse gatherings, horse owners are required to have a negative Coggin's test. No stud horses will be admitted, and alcoholic beverages will not be allowed on the trail ride.

To get to the trail ride, go south of Lafayette on U.S. Highway 90 and take the St. Martinville-Cade exit. Turn left on La. Highway 182, and the destination will be 5.1 miles on the left at the first driveway on the left after the Spanish Trail Golf Club at 1655 Old Spanish Trail, St. Martinville, La., 70582.

To plan for meals, participants are asked to register in advance. For more information, contact Robert Earl Willis at redbrama@yahoo.com, or (337) 344-7644.