Come celebrate the end of summer with Glenmore Hunt at our 5th Annual Moonrise & Fireflies Ride!
This is one of the most highly anticipated, unique and memorable events of the year for riders who drive from all over Virginia to participate. The 5 mile course winds through the hills and fields of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley and along the Middle River at the iconic Bonnie Doon Farm in Grottoes VA. Riders are guided by the setting sun, the rising moon, and hundreds of softly glowing LED lights marking the trail.
Bonnie Doon (2190 Battlefield Rd. Grottoes, VA) is a a fixture for Glenmore Hunt. The O’Donnell family has farmed here for generations currently on about 350 acres. It was the site of a Civil War battle, the Battle of Bonnie Doon. A historical retelling of the battle can be seen Here
Written Directions Google Map
Gates open: 6:00 PM
First Riders out: 7:00 PM
Last Riders out: 8:30 PM
Click Here to read and view our waiver. You will sign electronically when registering online.
Hunt Line: 540-885-7004 Always call ahead to check as there might be charges due to weather and ground conditions...
FAQ for the 2024 Moonrise and Fireflies Ride
What is a “Moonrise and Fireflies Ride”? Some of our riders come from the Endurance Race world, where riding through the night is common using hanging LED lights to mark the trail. This ride was our way of enjoying the fun of sunset and moonrise time of day on horseback. We also are using this event to help raise funds for the care and upkeep of Glenmore’s pack of foxhounds. Our brilliant hounds give us such joy. All the profits from this event will help in their excellent care.
Are there volunteer opportunities? You bet! We are a friendly bunch and this event takes a lot of help to pull off. If you don’t want to ride but you want to come and enjoy the evening and the great atmosphere, we would love to have you join us. Contact the ride organizer for more information!
How long is the ride? The course is roughly 5 miles. At a leisurely pace it will be about 1 1/2 -2 hours
How technical is the ride? Footing? Elevations? Does my horse need shoes?Being riverside, most of Bonnie Doon Farm is flat or gentle hills. The course will take you across one small gravel area, otherwise the ride is on pasture, dirt trail, and some short woods. BDF may have pastures with cattle. If so, those pastures’ gates will be attended by a volunteer. Since it is a working farm some gate-getting may be needed at other spots. Our thoughtful landowners have made every gate reasonably easy to open and close from horseback. If you prefer to dismount, every gate has a mounting option nearby, such as a stump, coop, or cinder blocks. If at any point riders want to “head in” to the rigs please make sure you leave every gate as you find it whether opened or closed.
Is this a guided ride? Can I ride by myself? The trails will be well marked so you can set out in your own groups, but many Glenmore members will be there and you are free to ride with folks who know the area well. If you are solo, we’d prefer you hook up with a group that is leaving at the same time you are. It's best to ride within view of another group. If you’d like us to help you find a group please inquire at check-in or send us a message before the ride.
Will we be riding in the dark? Yes and/or no. First riders may head out at 7 pm, which will still be full daylight. Sunset is officially at 7:54 on this evening, but if you leave at 7 pm you will likely be back to the trailers while it is still twilight. If you wish to ride more in the moonlight than the sunset, choose to ride out at or after sunset. The trail will have lights approximately every 100 yards, always to your right, so you will always have a clear path even in the dark.
If we ride in our own group, will we get lost? How will it work if it gets really dark? As long as you don't cross the river and/or don't cross a paved road you will not be leaving the area. The course mostly follows the perimeter of fields and along tree lines, and crosses fields with lit push in posts, but it will be clear where some shortcuts can be made. Groups will get a course map at check in and asked to carry cellphones with a copy of our ICE phone numbers in your phone.
Do we need any special equipment? Nothing unusual is required. Most cellphones have a flashlight now and its recommended riders carry one. Headlamp lights, or battery lanterns ($5 at Walmart) are handy to have at your rig for the end of the ride. We strongly recommend that each rider carry a flashlight or cellphone just in case an emergency light is needed. But we suggest riders try to minimize using artificial lights on the ride since both your horse's eyes and your own eyes will be adapted to the decreasing light. When you turn on flashlights it is harder to see after you turn them off. Please no gas or flame lanterns. Wearing a light-colored shirt will make you easier to spot in the darkest part of the ride.
I ride Western. is that okay? All disciplines are welcomed. This is a leisurely paced trail ride and is appropriate for all ages, levels, and disciplines. Be sure and check out our Western Hunts during our hunt season. They are posted on our Facebook page under events throughout the season.
I have been to Bonnie Doon before; can I do the jumps and go into the river?Some of the deadfall logs are available for jumping as you pass. Please be mindful of the darkness and other riders if you choose to jump. The Beach will be available for horses to walk into the river. The earth near the water is rather soft but the river bed is firm. Helmets Must be Worn for Jumping...
My friend wants to come but he/she doesn’t ride. Can they walk the trail? Yes, walking the trail is ok as well. Walkers need to make sure they stay out of the way of horses as they will have the right of way. Please use the same registration and indicate you are a non-rider. Fee is the same.
Are there prizes? Yes! There will be prizes for the BEST LIT horse and rider, and the BEST LIT team! We will also have commemorative ride t-shirts for sale as well (which sell out every year) as well as Glenmore Hunt merchandise.
