RCRS is a fellowship riding club and unique extension of AAHC – meaning the RCRS mission is rooted in the greater vision and standards of AAHC. If you are passionate about your horses, committed to the preservation and stewardship of our green spaces, and dedicated to strengthening our community.
Red Clay Riding Society: The 2026 Pilot Season
We are thrilled to launch the Red Clay Riding Society (RCRS) for an initial six-month pilot run from May 2026 to October 2026. During this launch phase, we will host one exclusive ride per month on the First Saturday. Our mission is to provide unparalleled access to private land while demonstrating the highest standards of stewardship.
To honor those who have built this community, Founding Members (those who joined prior to pilot season launch) may participate in this pilot season at no additional cost. If you are a new member or your membership has lapsed, we are excited to welcome you! Participation requires a $108 Annual AAHC Membership plus a $60 RCRS Endorsement.
Are you already an AAHC member?
If your AAHC membership is currently active, your RCRS access is already secured! Opt-in to our secure alert system to receive gate codes and weather updates. Look for an email or text about ride details & paperwork needed (liability release, coggins, etc).
We are honored by your continued support of the Athens Area Horse Community. Waiving the RCRS Endorsement fee for the pilot season is our way of saying thank you for being a part of our foundational circle.
Want to Join the Society?
To access our private trail network, you must first establish your AAHC membership and RCRS endorsement.
Step 1: Submit Your Dues Submit your combined payment of $168 ($108 Membership + $60 Endorsement).
Note: Please include your Full Name and Email in the payment notes so we can add you to our member database.
Step 2: Secure Your Field Access Once your payment is sent, register for our SMS alert system to receive the “Digital Key” to RCRS.
Prefer to join in person? You can establish your membership at any RCRS meet via Check, Cash, Venmo, or Card.
Then, look for an email or text about ride details & paperwork needed (liability release, coggins, etc).
The RCRS Member Guide: What to Know
The 2026 Pilot Season
We are launching RCRS with an initial six-month “test run” featuring one organized ride on the first Saturday of each month (May 2026 – Oct 2026). With strong community support and the dedication of our Stewards, we aim to increase frequency to twice monthly following the pilot phase.
Member Benefits & Exclusive Access
RCRS is a premier add-on to your AAHC membership, granting exclusive access to beautiful private properties throughout the Athens area.
- “Open Gate” Format: Arrive at your convenience during scheduled hours and ride out in small groups or with your preferred partners.
- The Luncheon Social: Bring your lunch and a chair! We gather after each ride to connect and swap stories from the trail.
- Safety Sweeps: To ensure every horse and rider is off the trail safely, if riders are still on course at 1:00 PM, stewards will begin a safety sweep. To prevent volunteer burnout, repeated abuse of the return time will not be tolerated. Gates close promptly at 2:30 PM.
Society Standards & Safety
By participating in an RCRS event, you agree to uphold the following “Right Thing” standards:
- Landowner & Steward Authority: We are guests on private soil. The Landowner and Steward hold explicit power to cancel a ride at any time due to footing conditions or weather that risks land damage or rider safety.
- Leave No Trace: We treat these properties better than our own. “If your horse drops it in the parking area, it goes home in your trailer.” This includes all manure, hay, and shavings – within reason.
- Proper Documentation: Before your first ride, we require three pieces of documentation. In addition to the standard liability releases, all members must sign the RCRS Trail Etiquette & Rules Form. This document is our “social contract” for maintaining access to private land. You must also have a current negative Coggins on file.
- Safety Gear: ASTM/SEI certified helmets are required for all riders while mounted.
- Youth Riders: All riders under 18 must remain within eyesight of their guardian(s) at all times.
- Conduct: We maintain a safe, professional environment. Drunkenness, bullying, animal abuse, or conduct that endangers others will result in immediate removal. AAHC reserves the right to refuse participation to anyone, at any time, without notice.
The “Earn-Your-Way” Membership
We grow and maintain our trails together. Active participation is the key to securing and expanding our riding locations.
- Annual Contribution: To support sustainable growth, all members are asked to participate in at least one organized “Trail Crew” workday per year.
- The Fellow Membership: Members can exchange “Trail Crew” hours for a discount on dues (up to 100%). This requires participation in four workdays per year. Email Ryan to inquire about becoming a Fellow Member.
Attending as a Guest
Access to RCRS fixtures is a privilege of membership. We allow limited Sponsored Guest Access under the following terms:
- Sponsorship: RCRS does not provide “day passes.” You must be personally sponsored and accompanied by an active RCRS member.
- The Guest Fee: Guests must submit a $35 Fee via Paypal.me/Athenshorse prior to the ride. Please include your sponsor’s name in the notes.
- Paperwork: Like members, guests are required to sign the Trail Etiquette & Rules Form along with the liability waiver before unloading.
- The Lifetime Limit: Guest access is limited to two rides total—ever. After your second “cap,” full membership is required.
By attending as a guest, you are a visitor on private land. Your conduct reflects directly on your sponsor and the Society’s relationship with our landowners.