Poker anyone? Poker run, that is (UPDATED)

March 11, 5:38 PMCharlotte Equine ExaminerLori Roets

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No, you don't have to run.  And you don't even need a horse.  All you need is the desire to have a good time to benefit horses in need. 

The United States Equine Rescue League's Central Piedmont Region (USERL-CP) is sponsoring a St. Patrick's Day Poker Run on Sunday, April 5 at Diamond R Ranch in Marshville, North Carolina.  Please note the change of date from March 15 to April 5 due to the projected rains from Thursday through Friday which would render the trails a muddy mess. Proceeds from the Ride for the Green event benefit the rescue programs of USERL in the Central Piedmont.  This is a great way to spend a beautiful afternoon outside while helping horses locally under the rehabilitative care of USERL. 

No horse?  No problem.  The 3-mile trail is a comfortable walk.  Don't want to walk?  Just come for some of the great food from Doug's Famous BBQ for $5 a plate, served from 1-4 PM.  Additional beverages will also be available for purchase for $1 each.  All food and beverages were donated by generous individuals so 100% of the proceeds goes to help the horses.

Never heard of a poker run?  Here's all you need to know to have a great time. 

It costs $15 to participate in the Ride for the Green - ride or walk.  Your $15 fee will also get you one poker hand.  Additional poker hands can be purchased for $5 each.  There is no limit on the number of hands you can purchase. 

There is no minimum age for participants, although parents will be required to sign a release of liability for participants under the age of 18.

All monies raised go to benefit the U.S. Equine Rescue League horses of the Central Piedmont Region.

There will be 5 checkpoints along the Poker Run route.  At each checkpoint, registered riders / walkers wll collect one poker chip.  At the final stop, you should have 5 chips to exchange for poker hand.  Each set of 5 chips will entitle the participant to one draw.  For example, if the rider purchased 4 additional hands and collected all 25 chips along the way, they will be entitled to draw 5 poker hands.

Poker hands of 5 cards will be drawn by the registered participant  from a bag containing a full deck of 52 cards (without jokers).  Once the participant's hand is recorded, all cards will be returned to the bag for the next draw. 

Best hand wins their choice of an english or western saddle donated as prizes (pictured herein).  Second best hand (runner up) will receive a beautiful handpainted oil portrait of Paint horses, also donated as a prize.  A tie will be settled by a High Card Draw at the registration booth between those individuals involved in the tie. 

Riders / walkers may arrive to be ready for a 1 PM start.  Latest start time is 3PM.  All riders / walkers must have completed the poker run route and checked in at the final stop (registration desk) by 4 PM.

Other rules may be put in place the day of the run at the judges discretion  -- announcements will be made prior to the start if anything changes.

There are 3 ways to register for the Ride for the Green -- please provide your name, address, phone and e-mail address & where you heard about the poker run.  You do NOT need to prepay -- payment will be made the day of the event at the registration table.  If you have already pre-registered for March 15 you do not need to re-register for April 5, but PLEASE contact Tracy to confirm you will be able to attend.

To register
1. e-mail toTracy at kxl@perigee.net 
2. Mail:  USERL, PO Box 157, Wingate, NC 28174
3. Fax: 704-624-3564

There will also be a tack sale during the Ride for the Green. Proceeds from the tack sale also benefit USERL. 

A rain date will be set if the weather or trail conditions look bad for Sunday April 5 again.  A decision will be communicated through this column as well as on the USERL-CP's blog. 

Again, please note the change of date for this event from March 15 to April 5 due to the expected inclement weather on Friday and Saturday, rendering the trails a muddy mess.

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