Autumn 90 Competitive Trail Ride at Biltmore NATRC Sanctioned Ride Biltmore Estate Equestrian Center was host to the Autumn North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC) Sanctioned Region 5 AA ride October 8-10. “The weekend was absolutely fabulous. We couldn't have had a more perfect weekend even if we had put in a special order,” said Ride Manager and Secretary Connie Driskell. The ride covered over 50 miles of forest trails and farm roads, with moderate ascents and descents, creek crossings, and off-trail watering holes, through natural hardwood and pine forests in the center of the elegant Biltmore Estate. It is an experience riders never forget! For this year’s AA (3 day) riders (90 milers), two traveling trophies were awarded to the High Point Horsemanship AA rider and the High Point Condition AA horse. These trophies will be returned for next year’s ride and will bear a nameplate of each year’s rider and horse winners. The High Point Horsemanship AA rider trophy is named the "Charlie Crider High Point Horsemanship AA Rider" in honor of Charlie Crider, a long time NATRC rider with over 15,000 competition miles under his belt. “Charlie is the most accomplished horseman I have ever known in my 36-year association with NATRC, as well as an extremely devoted advocate for our sport,” said Driskell. Charlie Crider had the honor of presenting the trophy to the first recipient, Gary Clayton, from Hope Hull, Alabama. The High Point Condition AA trophy is named after the most decorated and accomplished horse in NATRC history: Wing Tempo, an American Saddlebred. The owners of Wing Tempo, Shirley and Morgan Sobol presented this impressive traveling trophy to the first recipient, Diane Roemer from Landrum, South Carolina. For more information about next year’s Biltmore ride or NATRC Region 5, contact Connie Driskell in Arden, NC at (828) 684-5650 or email csdintrig@charter.net. Information about the Biltmore Equestrian Center is available at: http://www.biltmore.com/visit/equestrian/default.asp