About CSTR

Our June and August rides see us camping throughout New England and New York - We are family friendly and welcome riders young and old, as well as non-riding family members.

 Our first ride was held in 1970 under the auspices of the Massachusetts Horsemen’s Council and the then Massachusetts Department of Natural Resources.  In June of 1975, Cross State Trail Ride incorporated as a separate organization.  From 1970 until 1973 we conducted a point to point ride, riding a new trail each day to a new camp.  In 1974 the gas crunch became a factor and  we changed the format to the “base camp” configuration that we now use. 

CSTR has a long history of distinguished operation.  Our policy of being  a “good neighbor”  and being sensitive to our environmental impact on the areas where we ride, has enabled us to maintain a good relationship with landowners, towns, state parks and fairgrounds.  Without the good will and cooperation of these agencies, we would not be able to operate.

This history has stretched to our 56th year.  In that time, we have developed a method of operation that allows us to interface with those around us and with each other.  This network of methods and rules has grown over the years and developed into what we call the Cross State Village, a social structure that governs us ten days a year.

We have journeyed to all six states in New England and to New York.  We have stayed at campsites especially built for horses and in areas where horses were never allowed to camp before.  Private landowners and fairgrounds have welcomed us back time and again.  

  June brings our Annual Weekend Memorial ride, held in honor of our members who have passed on. The profit from this ride is targeted to our Education Fund, assisting members, both juniors and adults who are continuing their education. We provide portable toilets and a dumpster on site, a potluck welcome party on Friday night, three catered meals on Saturday and two on Sunday with two and a half days of riding on marked trails. Riders bring their own horse accommodations, grain, water and hay. The trail route is marked, and riders receive maps and instructions at morning breakfast and ride out each day at will. 

Low stress!! Much fun!! The Spring Ride is a good way to introduce yourself to our big August ride.  

August brings the big ride.  This is a 10-day event with riders moving into the field on Friday.  Rides are planned for 4 days, followed by a “rest” day to explore the area, then 4 more days of riding before heading home. You can do the whole ride, first half or second half or both weekends. We provide portable toilets, dumpster, horse water and horse hay (but not grain) and two catered meals a day. Fun entertainments, both planned and spur of the moment are planned almost daily. It is a serious amount of low stress fun. Choose to go for a long or short ride, eat lunch in camp or on the trail or just stay in camp for the day. There is something magical about having your horse camped out next to you, greeting you in the morning with a soft nicker and being eager to get on with the adventures of the day.