Tie me up and run

Two humans. One horse. An amazing race. 

Wanted: runners looking for a change of pace from the average road race. Horseback riding experience helpful but not necessary.

Interested? Then check out Ride ’N’ Tie, a duathlon combining trail running and horseback riding. Teams, made up of two humans taking turns running and riding one horse, race distances of 10 to 20k or more. To get there, it’s all about strategy, conditioning and teamwork.

When Deanna Ramsey, an avid equestrienne from Aurora, Ont., got involved in the sport seven years ago, she wasn’t a runner. “Originally, I got started as a rider who was sponsoring junior runners and riders,” she said. “But once you try it, it’s actually a great deal of fun. Anyone can compete. It’s a family sport.”

From kids on ponies and their parents, to serious riders and runners, every team is different, says Ramsey. “It’s a good sport for people who like horses and run, but don’t have access to a horse. You don’t have to ride much, as long as you’re not afraid of horses.”

Races begin with an exciting mass start. A team can choose to stay together or split up. Usually, the rider heads down the trail a certain distance ahead of the runner, dismounts, ties the horse to a tree and takes off running. When their partner catches up to the horse, they mount their four-legged teammate and continue on horseback. Both team members must ride – one at a time, of course. The first team to finish wins, provided the horse passes the vet checks with flying colours.

“You tailor your strategy to your skills and your horse’s skills,” said Ramsey, “depending on who is a stronger rider or runner. The good runners are really the most important part of the team.”

The horses seem to love it just as much as the humans, says Ramsey. “You’d be amazed at how quickly the horses figure this out. It’s a game for them.”

Of course, the equine team member adds an element of surprise to the equation. “There was this horse named Maymorn’s Shadow who would untie herself and follow her rider down the trail,” Ramsey said.

Originally from the U.S., Ride ’N’ Tie remains a niche sport in Canada, only currently found in Ontario. The Ontario Competitive Trail Riding Association offers four events a year. Getting started is as easy as leaving a message on the octra bulletin board saying you’re a runner looking for a partner.

“It’s a very inclusive sport that gets you out on some really gorgeous trails,” said Ramsey, “You don’t have to be an elite runner or rider to do Ride ’N’ Tie. Everyone will cheer when you finish. Everyone gets a ribbon. Just finishing is a victory.”

– Irene Stamatelakys