Host a Nationa Ride in 2007

 

The first annual NASMA National Rides were held in the Spring of 1996.  Nine rides were hosted in zones across the country.  In 1997 over 450 participants enjoyed eleven rides from April to August.  Let's keep this tradition going!

 

Each ride in each zone is unique reflecting the character of the mule and donkey riders of that area.  Poker Rides, campouts,  mini trail classes with awards, holiday rides,  raising money for charities,  scavenger hunts are just a few of the themes of past National Rides.  All providing great riding, great camaraderie and usually with some great food.

 

NASMA's VTP members who participate in a NASMA National Ride can log their hours just like they would if they were riding in National Parks, for every one hour of riding, you get to log two hours on your log sheet.  Of course, NASMA requires that you provide a write up for your ride and some photos to be published on website.

 

If you would be interested in hosting a trail ride, contact Stacy Golian vtp@nasma.net

 

Recent Achievers

Betty Robinson 1250
Carol Matthews 100
Cindi Slemp 250
Claudia Spain 250
Connie Melton 1250
Dave Golian 50
Debbie Brewer 100
Edgar Slemp 100
Kristin Degel 50
Marguerite Sloan 500
Pat Gordon 1250
Patti Dollarhide 50
Rick Pledger 50
Sandra Hyder 100
Sheila Cross 250
Stacy Golian 250
Toni Sheads 100

 

 

JOIN NASMA'S VERSATILITY TRAIL PROGRAM

  WHY?

The Saddle Mule excels in giving its riders a pleasurable, enjoyable ride on the trail.  An exceptionally safe and dependable mount, the Saddle Mule has proven to be the ideal companion to those riders who enjoy the challenge of the great outdoors and the trail.  Whether it=s in the mountains, on the beach or in the desert, most mule owners have found that the Saddle Mule=s endurance and hybrid vigor makes it the animal of choice for riding and driving. 

                With 95% of the Saddle Mules participating in this endeavor, NASMA would like to recognize those member riders and their mules who engage in trail riding and driving as their major leisure time activity.  Designed to reward the hours spent in the saddle or in a driving vehicle, this program is devised for those individuals who promote the mule to the public as the best and most reliable of trail animals. 

NASMA believes this recreational activity is just as important as contests and events are in educating the public about the benefits of Saddle Mule ownership.  Whether you are involved in recreational, endurance or competitive trail riding and driving, NASMA would like to recognize your past time with an awards program to acknowledge your contribution in bringing the Saddle Mule and Saddlel Donkey to the forefront as the new equine of choice in the 21st. century.

 

HOW?

The program is simple.  When you enroll in the Versatility Trail Program you will receive the official NASMA VTP log sheet on which you keep track of the hours you spend riding or driving a Saddle Mule.  You set your own pace and there is no time limit for completion of any level of participation.  Log sheets can be found on the web at http://www.nasma.us/Forms/VTPLog.asp

NASMA would challenge you to do your personal best not compete with other riders.  Participants must, however, submit log sheets at least once a year for NASMA to be able to update and keep accurate records. 

 Once an award level is reached, members send in their log sheets to have them verified.  A period of one month will be required for verification of accrued hours and presentation of awards.  Members will be on the honor system.

To help members set their goals and reach them, NASMA will recognize member=s achievements with an embroidered patch for each milestone they accomplish beginning with 50 hours.  The participant may then progress to 100, 250, 500, 750, 1,000, 1250, 1500, 1750, and 2,000 hours.  At each level, members’ achievements with a photo will be published on the official NASMA website www.nasma.net.

      The VTP is designed not to be a competitive event.  Rather it is established to promote social and family recreation centered around the Saddle Mule and Donkey and its role as a family animal. 

 

VTP ACTIVITIES

The first annual NASMA National Rides were held in the spring of 1996.  Nine rides were hosted in every zone across the country.  In 1997 over 450 participants enjoyed eleven rides from April to August.  Due to the success of this program, the National Rides  every year.   If you would be interested in hosting a trail ride, contact Stacy Golian

vtp@nasma.net

 SIGNING UP

     Signing up for the NASMA VTP is easy.  Simply fill out and return the attached form, along with your enrollment fee.  We=ll send you everything you need.  You=ll receive your log sheets and your official certificate of participation and your official VTP embroidered patch. 

 

OFFICIAL RULES   

 

 1.  To enroll in the VTP, you must be a member of  NASMA.  You must remain an active member for the duration of time in which you are trying to record hours toward a recognition level.

 2.  You must pay a one-time enrollment fee of $20 per rider.

 3.  You must ride or drive a mule/hinny/donkey.  You do not have to own the mule/hinny.

 4.  You may ride mules/hinnies/donkeys.

 5.  You must keep an accurate record of the time (one hour for each hour actually spent riding or driving) in your official  NASMA VTP log.

6. Endurance riders may compute their miles at 4 miles per hour (4:1 ratio).

 7.  NASMA VTP offers bonus hours to members who log time on a national trail, as recognized by the Canadian or U.S. National Parks Service (state or provincial parks are not included.)  For every hour you spending riding or driving on a trail in a U.S. or Canadian National Park, you may earn double hours.  In other words, if you spend one hour riding or driving in a national park, you may log two hours for your time.     This also applies to participation in a National NASMA Trail Ride hosted by NASMA members in different zones and approved by the Chairman of the VTP Committee.

 8.  You may record time for any activity other than showing in which you participate in leisure riding or driving on the trail or participation in endurance and/or competitive trials.

 9.  NASMA VTP will recognize your riding or driving participation with an official NASMA VTP patch and a certificate of participation at enrollment time.  Achievements will then be recognized with patch rockers (add on patches) at 50, 100, 250, 500, 750, and 1000, 1250, 1500, 1750, and 2,000 hours.  There is no time limit during which you must achieve these hours, however, you must maintain your membership in NASMA

 

 

ACHIEVEMENT LEVELS

& AWARDS

 

50 hours   Ribbon magnet w/logo

100 hours  T-shirt w/logo

250 hours  Cooler cup w/logo

500 hours  Water bottle holder w/logo

750 hours  Horn bags w/logo

1000 hours  1 yr NASMA membership

1,250 hours  Engraved spur straps w/VTP

1,500 hours  Mules and More magazine subscription

1,750 hours  Halter w/engraved noseband w/VTP

2,000 hours  Saddle bags w/logo

5,000 hours Belt buckle w/NASMA logo & hour achievement

 

** All hour levels will receive a

Certificate of Achievement

along with the added award for each level **

 

Plan a NASMA National Trail Ride

 

Get Double Hours!

The only requirement/request is that you send us a quality picture after/during the ride for use on this web site!  Advertisement will be Free!

Enrollment Application

Yes, please enroll me in the NASMA Versatility

    Trail Program. ( I am currently a member of

    NASMA.

 Please enroll me in NASMA as well as the

    Versatility Trail Program

 

Name_________________________________

 

Address________________________________

 

City______________________ST___Zip______

 

Phone (__________)

 

 NASMA Membership #__________

 

Versatility Trail Program

     One time enrollment fee.................................$20

 

Membership in NASMA

     Annual fee.......................................................$20

 

Total

     VTP and/or NASMA membership...........$_____

 

Mail to:

NASMA Versatility Trail Program

 Stacy Golian

56695 Ginny Belle Ln,

New London, MO 63459

vtp@nasma.net

 

Happy Trails!

Check out The North American Saddle Mule Association at

www.nasma.net