Coolest Ride and Tie and Equathon

Coolest Ride and Tie and Equathon - June 6, 2026

The 2026 Coolest Ride and Tie has been officially designated as the Ride and Tie Association West Region Championship event. The championship will take place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Olmstead Loop Trailhead, located at 7200 St Florian Ct, Cool, CA. The event will feature both Ride & Tie and Equathon competitions, welcoming experienced teams and newcomers alike.

Experience the scenic trails of the Auburn State Recreational Area, Olmstead Staging Area, featuring fire roads and shaded single-track trails and paths.

Location: Olmstead Staging Area, 7200 St. Florian Ct, Cool, CA 95614 (behind the fire station).

Parking: $10 daily fee.

Overnight Camping: Available Friday by arrangement with RM.

Amenities: Holiday Market, restaurants, and a feed store within walking distance. Portable restrooms, water troughs, and running water available.

Event Categories:

• Ride & Tie: Two participants, one horse, switching relay-style or staying together.
• Equathon: Rider and runner start together; total time = horse pulse-down time + runner finish time.
• IRON Equathon: Total time = horse pulse-down time + run time. Crew may assist with horse pulse/vetting.

Schedule:

• Ride Meetings: Friday at 6:00 PM & Saturday at 7:45 AM
• Start Times:
  • 8:00 AM – Ride & Tie (21 miles) & Long Equathon (12-mile ride / 9-mile run)
  • 8:30 AM – Ride & Tie (9 miles)
  • 9:00 AM – Equathon (6-mile ride / 6-mile run)
• Vetting: Required pre/post for courses over 10 miles. Pre-vetting: Friday (5:00-6:30 PM) & Saturday (6:30 AM). Pulse & trot only for 9-mile Ride & Tie and Equathon.

Important Information – Please Read

• All participants must be members of the Ride & Tie Association. One-day memberships must be completed at www.rideandtie.org at least 48 hours before the event.
• Verify membership status with the Ride & Tie Association.
• Juniors must wear helmets.
• Review Ride & Tie rules before the event.
• The ride manager may adjust event rules.
• Crew assistance is allowed only at vet checks at Knickerbocker and Aloha Crossing.
• Camping must be pre-arranged with the ride manager.

Vetting:

• Friday Night Vetting: 5–7 PM (recommended to reduce morning congestion).
• Long Course RAT Horses: Vet in, vet check, vet out.
• Short Course RAT Horses: Vet in (pulse, trot), vet out.
• Equathon Horses (Long/Short): Vet in, vet out.
• Pulse time determines finish time; pulse card must be given to the vet.

Event Rules:

• Equathon: Horses and riders start together. Finish time = runner time + horse pulse-down time (noted on pulse card).
• Iron Man: Must start within 15 minutes of finishing the horse portion. Crew may pulse and vet the horse. Notify timers before leaving.
• Children may use a lead line for safety.
• Tie horses to trees only—no posts, fences, or gates. Ensure the area is safe.
• Ride & Tie participants may stay together and switch as needed.

Additional Information:

• Drinks provided at the finish line.
• Dogs must be leashed.
• All vehicles must display a visible parking pass—cars in the car lot only.
• The park is open to the public—be courteous to hikers, bikers, riders, and dog walkers.