The Friday Before Mother's Day Ride started in 2001 as a way to do what we really wanted to do for Mother's Day - ride our horse. It continued through 2017 until the Oak Creek Trail closed due to damage on the trail. This spring, the trail repairs have been complete and we have decided, with short notice, to bring the ride back for those who wanted to ride.
The ride begins at Valparaiso, Nebraska, north of Lincoln. Park at the trail head on the west end of main street near the grain elevator. Plan to ride out at 10:00 AM.
We will ride 7 miles to Loma and stop for lunch. Bring a sack lunch and a halter and lead for your horse and take a load off. Return to Valparaiso at any time. Stay for social hour, bring a camp chair, share some snacks and your favorite beverage at the trail head. Water is located in Valparaiso across the street from the trail head on the corner.
This is an invitation to ride. There are no ride fees or trail bosses. If you would like to contribute to the NRD for a trail donation, there is a place for donations at the kiosk. If you do not want to ride the entire trail, you can return to Valparaiso at your leisure. Everyone is responsible for their own transportation.
This is IMPORTANT: If there is rain resulting in wet trails the day before or the day of, the ride will be canceled. The trail repairs have not settled and hooves on wet trails will cause damage. The current dry conditions will have no impact.
The horse trail runs in the grass alongside the limestone trail. Ride on the horse trail where it exists. This trail is shared by hikers, joggers, and bikers and poop on the limestone is yucky for them, so enjoy the turf of the horse trail. It is a slight uphill ride to Loma, some open areas and some timber. If timed just right, the plum blossoms might be blooming.
Be respectful of all riders. No running or carrying on. If your horse kicks, put a red ribbon on its tail so others are aware. No dogs on the trail. You are your own responsibility.
If you join us, enjoy a nice ride with friends in celebration of Mother's Day.
Follow Google Maps to the Trail Head in Valparaiso.
There is no camping in Valparaiso. The nearest equine camp is Branched Oak Lake near Raymond.
