Ride

The Cowboy Capital MS Trail Ride Fun Run and Walk along with the National MS Society are pleased to welcome back previous participants and welcome new participants to this year’s trail ride. This fundraising event is located on the beautiful, scenic Blue Stem Ranch, about 2.5 miles west of Morgan Mill, TX (get directions). The ranch offers varied terrain including wooded areas and open meadows with hills and shallow streams and ample parking at the event site for your vehicles and trailers.

Once registered, start your effort to raise money to find a cure for MS.

Each Trail Rider must contribute a $50.00 minimum donation.

Awards are given to participants raising the most donations as individuals and as teams of three or more riders. In the past, awards have been given for the largest team and for the most spirited team, as well as for the youngest participant and to the participant who has traveled the furthest.

Turn in your donations at the ride May 3rd, or online by May 2nd to receive an official Cowboy Capital MS Trail Ride t-shirt and Goody bag.

This is a fundraiser for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The donations go to the National MS Society to fund research to find a cure for MS and programs to help individuals and their families suffering from this terrible disease. We encourage participants to raise donations above the minimums for participation, to help find a cure for MS. 

We recommend you learn more about how to seek donations for your and/or your team. Download the Donation Sheet to record the gifts you collect on the form or use the link to the NMSS and donate there under the Cowboy Capital Trail Ride Fun Run and Walk Team.

2023 MS Trail Ride -- A Family Affair!

NO ACCESS to Blue Stem Ranch unless you have signed a release form.

Whether you are volunteering, riding, saddling, running or walking, there will be no access to the ranch unless you have signed a release form. Please do so before Saturday to ensure your quick access to the property. You may digitally review and sign the form here, or print the form, sign it and mail in at least one week prior to the event. 

Trail Ride Rules

The Liability Waiver, Acknowledgement of Risk and Hold Harmless Agreement must be read, understood, signed, and provided to the Capital Cowboy MS Trail Ride Fun Run and Walk event organizers before entering the Blue Stem Ranch event parking area. (This can be done during online registration; it will be done at the gate for those who are not pre-registered.)

The trail will take about three-hours to ride and includes shallow water crossings, embankments that are somewhat steep and some hills. This is a cattle ranch; you may encounter cattle during the ride. Please ensure your horses are trained and fit to participate in this type of ride.

Current Negative COGGINS TEST results are required for all horses. Inspections of your horses and their health papers will be conducted in the field before you enter the parking area. Please have your proof of a current negative Coggins test ready to show the Texas Animal Health Commission representative.

    • Horses known to KICK must wear a RED RIBBON on their tail (warning nearby riders to keep a safe distance).
    • Use a HALTER AND LEAD to hitch horses during breaks.
    • DO NOT LEAVE THE RIDE for any reason without notifying your Wrangler and the Trail Boss. These trail ride officials will have brightly colored vests.
    • If you need to stop or dismount let your Wrangler and or the Trail Boss know before you dismount. 
    • This ride will be conducted at a walk. Stay with the ride and keep rider in front of you in sight.
    • NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ALLOWED ON THE RANCH
    • NO Stallions
    • NO Riding Double
    • NO Bareback Riding
    • NO Racing or Rowdy Behavior
    • NO Ponying
    • NO Dogs
    • Please do not remove ribbons from the trail.
    • Riding helmets are recommended.
    • Park in authorized areas only. Parking attendants will direct you as to where to park; please follow their directions. Parking with trailers is intended to leave adequate space for you to have enough room to tie your horse to the trailer and to be able to pull through when you leave. There is a separate parking area for vehicles without trailers, and easiest access parking for those who have trouble with walking.
    • Do have a good time and be safe!

Trail Ride Schedule

Blue Stem Ranch gate opens at 7:00 a.m. No access to property allowed without signed release form and current negative Coggins test.

From 8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., please check in at the Welcome Table, pick up your t-shirt and goody bag and turn in your donations.

Enjoy a free breakfast provided by the Cowboy Church of Erath County. Check out the Silent Auction, which begins at 8:00 a.m.

At 8:45 a.m., please be saddled and ready to ride and gathered at the trail head near the event tent. Your attention will be needed for the pre-ride instructions, and an introduction to your trail Boss and Wranglers. A Preacher will provide a blessing, after which the ride will commence.

The ride begins promptly at 9:00 a.m. The trail will take about three-hours to ride and includes shallow water crossings, embankments that are somewhat steep and some hills. This is a cattle ranch; you may encounter cattle or other native wildlife during the ride. Please ensure your horses are trained and fit to participate in this type of ride. Please do not remove ribbons from the trail.

A morning break is provided about half-way through the trail ride.

Back at the Tent

From 9:00 a.m. to Lunch, live music, games and the silent auction will entertain participants who complete their activity before lunch is served.

After lunch, enjoy the live auction with items donated by many local businesses and individuals.

After the live auction, the silent auction will be closed and winners announced. (Bidding opens at 8:00 a.m.)

Blue Stem RanchOvernight Camping Available

Friday Night (1 night) Accommodations Available:  Primitive camping is available at Blue Stem Ranch Friday night before the ride. Please Call before you haul:  Gidget Hansen 254-595-0184.