On Jan. 13, 1974, at a gathering of approximately 25 enthusiastic trail riders and interested persons, the Oklahoma Trail Riders Association was voted into being. The constitution was formed, by-laws were written, and officers were elected at this first meeting which was held at the Capron farm home at Edmond, Oklahoma.

The OTRA (later changed to OETRA) was "established for the purpose of promoting all phases of trail riding as a family activity, and to educate the public as to the care and conditioning of horse for trail activities."

The second OTRA meeting was held in February at the Harrah Round Up Club house and featured State Veterinarian, Dr. Espe, who gave an informative program on EIA. This subject was discussed many times in subsequent meetings and finally resulted in a firm vote at the December 1975 meeting to require all horses entered in our rides to have a recent negative Coggins Test.

Many of those included in OTRA’s first membership were keenly interested in competitive and endurance riding. So it was natural that OTRA’s first attempt at a competitive ride was the "OTRA Schooling Ride" held on May 18, 1974 at Draper Lake. They had 16 entries and made #10. In November 1974, OTRA sponsored a 50-mile, 2-day Competitive Ride at Robbers Cave State Park at Wilburton and there were 17 riders.

In October 1999, OETRA celebrated its 25th Silver Anniversary with a weekend gala hosted at the Arrowhead State Park Equestrian trails.

OETRA is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit organization.

OETRA honors these 
Charter Members

Cecil Bernard
Sam and Ann Burnsed
Susan Friend
Marjorie Lay
Kathryn Paul

Thanks for all you've done!