- Promoting Our Favorite Sport – You do not have to be an “official” representative on any
committee in order to impact our growth. We all represent NATRC.
Just SHARE! Share social media posts, pages, and feeds. Share your photos and ride
stories. Invite people to events. Encourage riders you know to try our virtual mileage
challenge or leisure division rides or even to volunteer. Share with equestrians you meet
when you are out conditioning.
When you talk to others about our wonderful organization and “family,” they hear and feel
your enthusiasm, which could make them interested in checking us out and coming to an
event.
NATRC has resources to help you. Did you know we have these items available either
printed or downloadable? Brochure, Rack Card, Business Card Template, 4-H Flyer,
Membership Benefits Flyer, Virtual Mileage Challenge Flyer, Which Division for Me Flyer.
Contact natrc@natrc.org to request any of these documents or templates. - Riding Warehouse Discounts Still Available – As I shared in the March/April and May
Membership Updates, Riding Warehouse is once again providing all riders and volunteers at
each of our rides a special coupon. This year’s coupon is for an additional $30 off an order
of $200 or more. This is in addition to the current 10% NATRC Member Exclusive discount
we already receive. (As a reminder: The current Riding Warehouse discount code can be
found after logging into our website and then clicking on Partner Discounts under the
Members tab on the home page.) Thank you, Riding Warehouse, for your continued support
of NATRC! - 2025 NATRC Virtual Mileage Challenge Standings – As we enter the last quarter of this
year’s NATRC Virtual Mileage Challenge, take a moment to check out the current national
standings. Our members have logged (as of today 10/1) 2,076 rides totaling 12,707.85
miles!
At the end of the year, the top three riders from each region, along with the top ten riders
nationally, will be recognized at our 2026 NATRC National Convention in Austin, TX. - 2026 Ride and Clinic Schedules – As regions finalize their Ride and Clinic Schedules for
the upcoming ride season, we are once again encouraging each region to schedule a
minimum of two clinics. NATRC clinics are a lot of fun and are easy to do. There is a direct
correlation between clinic participants and new members and riders to our sport. Clinics also
provide a fantastic opportunity for any rider to hone their skills. Include a LeD ride the same
weekend and location of your clinic and new riders can immediately apply what they
learned. Put together an advanced clinic that targets experienced riders. The first two clinics
sanctioned in each region will be reimbursed $100 for insurance costs. - Opportunity to Give Back – Volunteering to serve on any of our national committees is an
excellent way for you to give back to our favorite sport. The more members that we can get
involved in the work of our organization the better. Sharing your enthusiasm, expertise, and
time for the betterment of NATRC by serving on one of our national committees is extremely
October 2025
rewarding. Click here for a listing of our standing and special committees. Email me and let
me know what you might be interested in, and we can go from there. Now is the perfect time
to volunteer as we will soon be updating our committees for 2026.
- Plan Now to Attend – Heritage, Harmony, and Hill Country, the 2026 National NATRC
Convention will be in Austin, Texas with the Holiday Inn Austin Town Lake as our host hotel
on February 20-21 with Region 4 as our convention host. If you have not attended one of
our national conventions, you should. You will come away inspired as well as motivated for
the upcoming ride season.
The educational seminars this year will focus on developing balanced riding skills for
healthier and stronger horse and rider partnerships. You will learn from experienced NATRC
horsemanship and veterinary judges who will share insights to elevate your competitive trail
riding experience.
Meeting and getting to know other NATRC members from across the country is extremely
rewarding. Continue to stay tuned for more exciting convention information. - Reminder: 2025 National Sponsors – Please be sure your regional websites and
newsletters reflect our current NATRC national sponsors. The current list of our sponsors
can be found at the end of each month’s membership update. - Reminder: Breed Association Memberships – You are encouraged to keep your breed
association individual memberships current for the horse(s) you are competing NATRC with.
By doing so, you will be eligible for end of the year high point breed awards. Do not miss out
on this opportunity. These breed associations provide some extremely nice awards. It also
helps NATRC continue to build our relationships with them. - Reminder: 2025 NATRC Raffle Tickets – Tickets are now available for our 2025 NATRC
Raffle! Purchase your tickets from any national board member for your chance to win. The
drawing will be held at the 2026 national convention in Austin, Texas. You do not need to be
present to win.
First prize is a Clingman 16” Gaited Western Endurance Saddle donated by our new
national NATRC sponsor Tennessee Saddlery. The second prize is a 1-year premium US
Rider Membership. For third prize, one winner from each of our six regions will receive a
$100 fuel card. - 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. There are now 459 NATRC pictures on here!
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 thirty 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.
Follow me on Apple Music @j_zeliff
Follow me on Instagram @johnzeliff
And then be sure to follow me to that next NATRC ride!
John Zeliff, President
