July and August Membership Update

Latest News

Technology Project Update – Thank you to everyone who has stepped up to support our
NATRC technology update project to date. Phase 2 is currently under construction, which
will result in a new Ride Management System (RMS) that will make it easier than ever to
sign up for rides, manage entries, and view results.
Individual donations of any size are appreciated and extremely helpful. Donations can be
made on our website at natrc.org/donate. Be sure to note that your donation is for the
Technology Fund. Your donations are tax deductible.
In addition to individual member donations, we want to thank our Regions for their generous
support.

a. Region1 is donating $500.
b. Region 3 is donating $2,000 and in addition, they will be matching individual
donations from individuals in their region for up to an additional $2,000.
c. Region 4 is planning to donate $600.
d. Region 5 is donating $5,000.
e. Region 6 is donating $2,000.

7 Ways You Can Help Your Association – Every member plays an important role in the
future of the North American Trail Ride Conference. Here are seven simple ways you can
make a difference.

a. Share a NATRC social media post.
b. Encourage fellow members to participate in our virtual mileage challenge.
c. Shop with our national NATRC sponsors.
d. Invite a friend to the next ride in your region.
e. Volunteer on committees at the regional and/or national level.
f. Support your regional sanctioned rides and clinics.
g. Purchase a lucky ticket(s) for this year’s NATRC raffle.

This list is by no means all inclusive. There are many other ways that you can help our
association. Small actions by many members create a lasting impact for our favorite sport!

National Board Meeting Minutes – Monthly board meeting minutes along with the
recording of our meetings are now available on our updated webpage! This had been a
request while we were in the process of updating our website. Thank you, Sarah, and Alex,
for making this happen! From the home page, under the Resources drop down menu, select
the NBOD Meetings link.
2027 Rule Proposals – During the July national board meeting the board voted
unanimously to approve both rule clarifications.
The results of the proposal to add Leisure Division National Awards are as follows:
a. Proposal 1a – Add grand champion high average Leisure teams by
class (Regions 3 and 6 voted in favor, Regions 1,2,4, and 5 opposed, motion
failed)
b. Proposal 1b – Add high point Leisure division rider and horse (Regions
3 and 6 voted in favor, Regions 1,2,4, and 5 opposed, motion failed)

July and August 2026

c. Proposal 1c – Add Leisure division national championship (Regions 3
and 6 voted in favor, Regions 1,2,4, and 5 opposed, motion failed)

All members are encouraged to be actively engaged in the rule proposal process and voice
opinions and suggestions to the national directors to guide this sport in the future. Our
members matter.

Distance Depot new discount – Long-time national sponsor, Distance Depot, is offering a
special discount for current NATRC members this year! This is a new discount, and it is a
ten percent discount! The discount code is posted behind the login on our website under
members and then partner discounts. **Please, do not share this exclusive NATRC paid
members code, online, or with friends or non-paid members.
2027 National NATRC Convention – The Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City is the site for the
2027 NATRC National Convention to be held in Kanas City February 19-21. Region 6 will be
the convention host for this exciting event with Catherine Gast and Jeff Zeller our convention
chairs. Be sure to save that date and stay tuned for additional information. Make plans to be
there, it will not disappoint!
Reminder: Join the Fun and Support NATRC – Sign up now for the 2026 NATRC Virtual
Mileage Challenge. It is not only motivational, but it is also a whole lot of fun to do! So far
this year, collectively we have logged over 1,100 active rides totaling just under 7,500 miles!
Sign up today at Top Trail Horse. (First, join Top Trail at the Top Trail Regular Membership
level ($35/year). Then, join the NATRC group membership separately for $25/year.)
Reminder: Renew Your NATRC Membership – If you still need to renew your NATRC
membership for the 2026 ride season Click here. We are currently seeing an increase in
new memberships as well as some old “rejoins” from people who have been gone a very
long time. We are once again offering FREE competing memberships to first-time NATRC
members! Be sure to tell your friends and neighbors.
Reminder: It’s Raffle Time – We are extremely excited about this year’s NATRC raffle. Two
of our new national NATRC sponsors have stepped up to really enhance this year’s prizes.
Equescapes Equestrian Adventures is donating a $500 ride voucher for our 1 st prize winner
and US Rider is donating a 1-year Premier membership valued at $385 for our 2 nd prize. Our
3 rd prize winner will receive reimbursement for their registration to either the 2027 or 2028
national NATRC convention. Tickets are $5 each or five for $20 and can be purchased from
your national board members. All proceeds go towards supporting our favorite sport!
Reminder: Honorary and Appreciation Awards Deadline – Mark your calendars now for
this year’s deadline for all regions to submit their Honorary and Appreciation write-ups. This
year’s deadline is Thursday, October 1 st at 10:00 p.m. CST. Write-ups go to Ruth Mesimer
RuthM9496@gmail.com
Reminder: Breed Awards – Keep your breed association individual membership current for
the horse(s) you are competing in NATRC with. By doing so, you will be eligible for end of
the year high point horse awards. Many of the breed associations provide some very nice
awards. Your support also helps NATRC continue to build our relationships with them.
Follow NATRC on the Web: Be sure to make our NATRC webpage natrc.org the startup
page for your internet browser. When you do, each time you open your browser, your
opening tab will be our NATRC webpage. It is an effortless way to stay current with NATRC!
Stay Current: Keep up to date with NATRC by following us on social media.
a. Follow us on Instagram @natrc_ctr.
b. Follow us on Facebook with our North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC) page.
Subscribe today to our NATRC (North American Trail Ride Conference) YouTube
channel. Be sure to check this resource out. We currently have 37 videos posted here that
are specific to our sport. It is a wealth of extremely helpful information. All previous Let’s
Ride webinars are here as well.