SPECIAL TO THE PVT A group of riders gathered behind Wheeler Springs Plaza for a ride through Wheeler Wash in order to raise money for Nathan Adelson Hospice in April. Advertisement

The Pahrump Equestrian Trail Ride Association is all about family, community, fun and horses, and it is planning several outings on horseback through the end of the year. The next ride is scheduled to set out at 8:30 a.m., June 28.

In the past, the group has organized trail rides for charity. The Saddlebag Santa ride last December raised money to benefit Toys for Tots and in April, riders hit the trail to raise money for Nathan Adelson Hospice. The next ride will be to recruit members and the fee pays for a trial membership in the organization.

Doug Shaw, president of PETRA, said the group has spent the last five or six months getting more organized and filing paperwork, drafting by-laws and getting approval from Faith Fellowship Church to become a part of its outreach programs.

"We wanted to do this right," Shaw said. Taking time to get the association approved by the church will give the group longevity and afford it to become a part of the church programs, which gives it insurance coverage even though it is not a religious organization.

Shaw said the main focus is on getting families involved in doing something together. "Riding is a great family activity. It gives people a chance to enjoy each other and the scenery. You'd be surprised what you see when you're out on horseback. The desert looks barren until you see it up close."

On some group rides, Shaw said they have seen wild horses and burros, blooming cacti and Joshua trees and seen some of the area history along the Old Spanish Trail.

Each ride will be different in required skill level. As members attend clinics and acquire better riding skills, they will be able to handle the challenges of rougher terrain and changes in elevation.

Most of the association's rides will be fundraisers for local charities. However plans are in place to conduct Pony Express conditioning rides for both horse and rider. There are also plans for a moonlight ride at Dumont Dunes and a series of clinics will be held for members wanting to learn training techniques, round penning, how to choose tack and how to care for a horse.

Membership in PETRA is $35 per year and includes all family members. Members will benefit from free clinics, unless an outside instructor is conducting a seminar, and Shaw said the more members the association has the more events it can plan.

For next Saturday's event, riders will gather at Faith Fellowship in the Wheeler Springs Plaza for a trip up Wheeler Wash. The ride is expected to last three to four hours. The trail will be medium rocky and suitable for most skill levels.

The cost will be $18 for a family and $13 for individuals. The fee includes a six-month membership in PETRA.

To schedule a charity ride, get more information on membership or to ask about future rides, call Doug Shaw, 764-8004, or Jim Hannah, 702-327-5414.