Trotting along – Trail ride, overnight campout to help special needs students

contributed photo
TRAIL RIDE — A two-day benefit trail ride/overnight campout will be held on August 30-31 at Joel and Linda Long’s Moosewalk Farm in Cary Plantation. The event is a pledge or donation ride to support Manes and Tails, a Maine non-profit corporation of a cooperative network of riding stables facilitating programs for special needs students in Aroostook County.
By Gloria Austin  
Staff Writer
    HOULTON – After a day on the trail, riders are ready to settle in for a good night’s rest, but not before Smores, music and a crackling campfire.
    A two-day benefit trail ride/overnight campout will be held on August 30-31 at Joel and Linda Long’s Moosewalk Farm in Cary Plantation.
    The event is a pledge or donation ride to support Manes and Tails, a Maine non-profit corporation of a cooperative network of riding stables facilitating programs for special needs students in Aroostook County.
    Even if only one person rides in a family, everyone is welcome, according to Long.
    Linda Long isn’t unfamiliar with such rides, as she has been doing trail rides on her farm for several years before moving to this area. She hosts a Family Fun Ride in October.
    “This is the first year I’ve done a ride with Manes and Tails,” said Long. “They asked if they could use our farm, and I had no problem adding the organization on. I thought it was a good cause and it dealt with horses. I think it will be fun, and the fall ride goes great.”
    Right now, Long is busy getting word out about the event.
     “We have good trails, with no1
traffic,” she said. “We ride along woods roads and trails. It’s an easy, slow ride. Though the fall ride is just one day we decided to do a two-day overnight camp because gas prices are so high. If you are here, stay for the day and do another ride the next day.”
    Long is offering a place to park a camper or pitch a tent, however, space is limited, so she needs to know who may want to stay for the night.
    “This isn’t a real campground,” she explained. “It’s a place to park in a field. We would ask those who are staying to call at least one week in advance to reserve a spot.”
    Riders will have to bring water and other necessities for their horses if they plan to stay all night.
    The weekend begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday, August 30, as riders register and submit their pledges/donations to representatives of the Manes and Tails organization. Then at 11 a.m., members of the Manes and Tails will discuss and demonstrate their riding program, followed by lunch, which will be provided.
    At 2 p.m., riders saddle up for about a two-hour trail ride through wooded trails.
    “After the ride, we will have a potluck supper,” said Long. “Remember to bring a special dish to share for the meal. We are trying to keep expenses as low as possible.”
Contributed photograph
ON THE RIDE – Last year, participants enjoyed a Fall ride  at Joel and Linda Long’s Moosewalk Farm in Cary Plantation.
    Before heading to the bedrolls, participants are welcome to pull up to the campfire for marshmallow roasting and a sing-a-long. Anyone who can play an instrument can join in.
    “It’s just all about fun,” Long said. “Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the bonfire and activities.”
    Sunday starts with breakfast from 8:30-9:30 a.m., followed by another two-hour trail ride along different trails than the day before. The day will wrap up with lunch around 2 p.m., with a beans and hot dog barbecue.
    To find Long’s farm take Route 1 approximately 12 miles south of Houlton, look for Brewer Road, which is on the left immediately after passing Bartlett’s Cedar Mill. Go to the very end of the Brewer Road where you will see three miles of parking for trailers and campers will be staying in field below the farm. Signs will be posted. For more information, call 532-0680.