It’s getting close to that time to saddle up again for the fifth annual Ride for the Horse Trail Ride to benefit the horses consigned to the United States Equine Rescue League.

The event is set for Nov. 6 at Moor Meadow in the Walthour-Moss Foundation.

A $35 per rider tax-deductible donation includes the ride, lunch and live entertainment. Several tack vendors will be set up in the meadow again this year with equestrian merchandise and services.

The Walthour-Moss Foundation allows the league to sponsor a two- to three-hour ride through the north country, beginning and ending in Moor Meadow.

This ride is entirely appropriate for barefoot horses and beginning riders, as well as those who appreciate beautiful terrain and a leisurely pace, said a spokesperson for the event. The trail is well-marked and self-guided.

Riders register at 9 a.m. and start out when ready. This year’s ride features a chili lunch, followed by a live performance at 1 p.m. by renowned mule trainer James Lamm and Rocky the Trick Mule.

Each year this ride attracts a large number of riders to the Moss Foundation, according to the spokesperson, and raises much-needed funding to help provide feed, shelter and medical care to the record number of horses consigned to the USERL. The 2010 ride was attended by 40 riders and raised $2,172 for the league.

For more information, contact Reed Tucker at (919) 412-6547 or by email rrtucker@nc.rr.com.

Bypass Meetings

Two public meetings concerning the future of a proposed U.S. 1 bypass and its impact on the 4,200-acre Walthour Moss Foundation will be held Oct. 18 and Oct. 25 at the Sunrise Theater.

Both meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has tentatively scheduled hearings the first week in November to discuss the bypass, with times and location to be determined.

For more information, visit the Walthour Moss Foundation’s website at www.walthour-moss.org.