Top Trail Horse
Top Trail is the ride program for trail riders who enjoy logging their trail tracks via GPS since 2014
By Troy Lynn Norris
Since 2002 I have enjoyed dabbling in the sport of distance riding—each year attending anywhere from two to six events. I loved every minute of it!
2019 is the first year I find myself saying, and I can’t believe I’m saying this: I may never ride another organized competitive distance event. Over time priorities change. My horses are getting older and have pretty much told me they prefer to slow it down a bit and just enjoy the sights, sounds, and sweet smell of the forest on the trail. I want to be able to enjoy my trail partners well into their 20s and even 30s. It’s time to slow it down a notch.
I still have this competitive spirit inside me though that needs an outlet. But I know a place where I can feed that need and it’s called Top Trail. Top Trail is my “Get Out & Ride” program.
As a member of Top Trail, I can compete with other riders on my own terms. I ride where I want, when I want, and with whoever I want — all I have to do is record my track with a GPS then upload it to my account. From there I can see how many miles I have in a couple different buckets:
- Lifetime (for rider and each enrolle equine)
- Annual (current year) (for rider and each enrolle equine)
So I can shoot for placing well in my division for the monthly Top Trail Horse challenge—if I’m up to it; or a quarterly Top Trail Rider challenge—if I’m up to that. Or, I can simply ride for fun and check my ranking and total miles for the year to date at any point in time. My favorite Top Trail feature Lifetime Mileage and riding to earn rocker patches for every 1000 miles logged. I hope to get my 3000 mile rocker in 2020.
Top Trail is a ride program that turns trail riding into a sport for those who love riding, tracking, and logging their rides. You must be a member to use the program features, which includes ride logs for rider and each enrolled equine, and participation in any of the challenges, affiliate groups, and forums.
There are two options if you want to become a member and join us: 90 days for $10 or a full one year membership for $40. The 90 day option is a limited trial membership. There’s always someone available to answer your questions and help you get started via email. Learn more at the Top Trail website.
I feel great about my decision to slow down and truly ride my own ride this year and I probably wouldn’t have the guts to do it if I didn’t have Top Trail! So, come on — Get Out & Ride with me!
