SL Trailbrazer Atlas is a Group / resource founded and operated by Lara Toge (Ghostly Dismantled) specifically for those who enjoy horse riding in Second Life. It operates through multiple channels – the Group, an in-world resource centre, on Discord (invite only), and via a dedicated website.
In all truth, I only recently became aware of SL Trailblazer Atlas, and given horse riding has been a favourite of mine to which I recently has cause to return (see: Of a Grumpy Troll and Two Loons in Second Life).
The core aim of the Atlas is to provide all horse riders in Second Life with information on:
- Places where people can enjoy horse riding along trails and paths, either using their own horse or (where offered) via a horse rezzer.
- Detailed information – maps, trail notes, landmarks, length of time required to complete a ride, level of difficulty, potential hazards, etc., – on the trails and paths, to make sure riders are as informed as possible.
- Where applicable, and local riding events organised by the region holders / estates hosting the trails.
- The opportunity to leave a Trip Advisor-style mini-review via the website on any trails travelled.
Every trail rider in Second Life knows the frustration: you set off to explore somewhere new, only to run straight into dead ends, missing rez zones, or unexpected ban lines. I built the SL Trailblazer’s Atlas to fix this; creating one trusted, central place to find great trails, not just any trails. Most of all, it is here to highlight those breath-taking hidden gems that always get lost in standard search results.
– From the SL Trailblazer website
The best route for initial engagement with SL Trailblazer Atlas is the in-world resource and the website.
- The in-world resource centre provides:
- An A to Z of maps of all currently-recorded trails across Second Life. These are a mix of single regions and multi-region estates, broken down into alphabetical groups.
- Each map shows an outline of the trail(s) available at each location, and is clickable as an information board.
- Clicking on a map will deliver a folder providing: a texture map showing the trail(s), a landmark to the start-point for a ride; information specific to a ride – areas that are off-limits to riders, potential hazards, whether there is a local horse rezzer available, etc., (potentially subjective) comments on region crossings; general information on the host region, generally provided by the region holder / admin.
- Among its resources, the website provides:
- General information on the group and all resources.
- An A to Z of recorded trails, similar to the in-world breakdown, but obviously not delivered to inventory)
- A calendar of riding events.
- Information of navigation HUDs available through the Marketplace which lend themselves to trail riding in SL.
- The reviews pages mentioned above.
Additionally, the in-world Group and the Discord server provide the means for general conversation and feedback.
In use, SL Trailblazer Atlas delivers on its promise. While some of the in-world maps on the information boards are in an odd ratio, the textures provided through the folder on each location are – in the case of single-region riding – adequate to help in making your way around. However, if you do need to reference a map, I would suggest pulling up your chosen route via the website and flip between the map there and the viewer.
I took the opportunity to use the Atlas to find a couple of trails to ride – Cedar Trails (which has an upcoming Exploring SL article which will be appearing in these pages very soon) and the Lunamere estate (also due a write-up from me in the future). The former was perhaps the easier ride, as it is in the Great Outdoors, and so more amenable to horse riding, but I trying enjoyed both.
If you’re into horse riding in SL as a rider, a group organiser or stables owner, I really do recommend utilising the SL Trailblazer Atlas or contacting Lara in-world or via the website (who is also looking for assistance in running the Atlas!) if you haven’t already. Also, if you’re aware of a riding trail that isn’t recorded as a part of the Atlas (or indeed, one that is no longer available), then please do let Lara know via the website submission form.
Related Links
- SLTrailblazer Atlas HQ (Crimson Valley, rated Moderate)
- SL Trailblazer Atlas Website
