South Mountains Endurance Rides

2024 Ride Cancelled due to Hurricane Helene Damage

South Mountains New Year's Challenge 50 miles

December 28th, 2024

South Mountains State Park

Connelly Springs, NC

The Dec 28th Ride has been Cancelled due to Hurricane Helene Damage

Entry Forms

Please email southmountainendurancerides@gmail.com about availability, the waitlist, and entries.

We are a limited entry ride and are constrained by the number of campsites and stalls we have at South Mountain State Park.

Please note that park gates lock at 7pm and open at 7am.

Fee Cancellation Policy: Any cancellations before December 1, 2024 will be subject to a $50

administration fee. No refund will be issued for cancellations received on or after December 1,

2024 unless your spot is filled from the waiting list (administrative fee will be subtracted from

the refund). Checks will be cashed upon receipt or as otherwise specified. Any qualifying refunds will be mailed out after the ride.

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Limited Entries so get yours in early!

TRAILS: Description

Great footing with soft soil to firm ground with rocks. Wooded paths, logging roads, creeks and nice climbs. Ride management recommends hoof protection and breast collars.

South Mountains State Park Site

CAMPING:

Electric campsite and covered horse stalls for Friday and Saturday night are in addition to your entry fee. Base camp is in the South Mountains equestrian campground and barn. There are private shower facilities and toilets located within the campground. The ride is limited by the number of camping spots (15) along with the number of horse stalls (24) Camping Assignments will be posted as entries come in.

GENERAL SCHEDULE 50 MILE RIDE:

Anyone arriving earlier than Friday must make their own reservations through the park for any additional nights. Your ride entry includes Friday and Saturday nights.

Ride personnel will be at campground on Friday, prior to the ride by 10:00 am.

Registration will begin Friday approximately 3:00pm.

Vet-In will start approximately 4:00pm on Friday.

Ride start Saturday at 7:00 am

AWARDS:

Given to all who complete. First Place, Best Condition and High Vet Score.

SIMPLE RULES:

All AERC and SERA Rules Apply.

A negative Coggins current within 1 year; if the coggins is not current for the horse that is on-site, you will not be allowed to stay on premises NC State Law.

ALL RIDERS MUST WEAR HELMETS.

All vet checks are in camp.

All horse must pulse down within 1 hour of completion.

FOOD:

Ride entry includes Saturday night dinner for riders, crew and volunteers. There is a gas/convenience station within 6 miles of South Mountains State Park. Ice sold at Park.

For more general information contact--- Ride Manager Mike Everett at 828 781 2274 or mikeqb@proton.me

For information on entries, trails or camping contact southmountainendurancerides@gmail.com

Pictures from Jan 2, 2021

Check out the video to see some of the awesome trails. They are great in any weather conditions!