FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who, What, When, Where and How much?

The Poker Ride is an at-your-own-pace trail ride, sponsored by the Intermountain Horse Association. The ride takes place at Alderfer Three Sisters Open Space in Evergreen Colorado on Saturday September 10, 2011.  You’ll also have a chance to ride through Blair Ranch.  During your ride you will stop at five stations and pick out a card.  When you finish the ride you will hand in your cards and the Judge will decide who has the high hand. 

Anyone with an equine may join.  Last year, someone brought a miniature horse and walked the trail.  Bring a stick horse or model horse and join the poker ride on foot!

Check-in starts at 8:30.  You may start your ride any time between 9 and 11 but you must turn your cards in by 12 noon.  Winner will be announced at 12:30.    The winner receives half the pot. The entry fee is a $25 members and $30 non-member with a $5 late registration fee for entries post marked after September 4^th or for day off registration. Lunch is included with registration fee.

How do I get there?

To access the park, travel south of Evergreen, Colorado on Highway 73.   Look for the signs.  Turn west on Buffalo Park Road, approximately 1.5 mile to the west parking lot just past the yellow house.  Parking is in front of the barn. 

How do I register?

You can download a registration form and mail it to the address listed with your check.  The cut off is September 4, 2010.  The fee is $25 for members, $30 non-members and a $5 late fee for registration postmarked after September 4^th or day of registration. Lunch is included with registration and non-riders can purchase lunch tickets for $10.

How long is the ride?

The ride is approximately 3.5 miles long.  If done at a leisurely pace it takes about one hour.  There is a longer ride that you may take which would take about about a half hour more. However we encourage you to explore the many other trails at this beautiful open space after you turn in your cards. Please note all trailers must be out off the special parking area by 2pm.

My horse does not have shoes on can we do the ride?

Yes!  The trails that we will be on are mostly packed dirt.  There are a few rocky spots but they can be skirted around.  Many horses did it last year without shoes and had no problems.

Is the course difficult; I just started riding trails with my horse?

This is a fun ride through the beautiful Colorado Mountains.  It is not a difficult course and you can go at your own pace.  The obstacles that you will encounter are a 5ft wide wooden bridge and a cement spillway that runs seasonally.  If you do not feel comfortable with them you can loop back around and miss them entirely.

Where can I find more information about Alderfer Three Sisters Open Space Park?

http://jeffco.us/openspace/openspace_T56_R5.htm has a list of trails and a map of the park.

Can I ride with my Friends?

Absolutely!  Ride with whomever you choose.  There will be many riders there that would love company if you come alone.  We send out groups of riders every few minutes to space everyone. There are no set times to go out but we need your cards back by 12 noon.           

Can youth participate in the ride?

Yes they can but they must have their parent or guardian signature on their registration/release form.

Can I ride a horse that I lease or a friend’s horse?

Yes but the owner must sign the registration/release form also.

My friend will be coming with me but does not wish to ride.  What can they do while they wait?

Alderfer Three Sisters has many hiking trails that your friend might enjoy.  Bring a stick horse or model horse and they can join the poker ride on foot!

Where does my money go and how much could I win?

The pot is split between the winner and the beneficiary.  The Special Needs Program for the Rec Center is the benificiary.  The pot is determined after paying our expenses for advertising and office as well as the food.  The more riders the bigger the pot. Last years winner received $500.

Can we purchase additional lunches for those that do not ride?

Yes, lunch tickets are $10.  Let us know before hand so we can make sure we have enough food.

Can I register the day off?

Yes, but the day off fee is five dollars more than pre-registration.

Where do I park my trailer?

We have made special arrangements for trailer parking in front of the barn at Three Sisters.  We can accommodate approximately 50 trailers.  The overflow parking is at Wilmot Elementary School about ½ mile away.  The trailer parking will open at 8:15.  Come early for a good parking spot.