We had a GREAT weekend at the Grand Canyon XP Endurance event, riding with good friends, Mary Jane and Tracy out on the trail and then spending time in camp catching up with our ZONIE crew and meeting new riders, who come to this “one of a kind” event from all over the country.
These photos and videos don’t do this event justice, trotting along the rim of the Grand Canyon will literally take your breath away as the view at every turn is simply better than the last as we traveled the trail right along the narrow edge of the canyon, Mr. Sandman had some intensive training in how to maneuver around “log” obstacles as we rode over, around, or under more logs and fallen trees than ever before. The weather was perfect with clear skies and temps in the 70s during the day and the 40’s at night.
When the trails entered the forest the terrain was littered with pine needles and stable and soft, so we took advantage of the great footing and let the horses lope and canter maybe a 1/3’rd of the ride or 15 miles of the overall 49.5 mile course we averaged overall just under 8 mph in good terrain at a trot on the rest of the trail.
For those who are interested in this location, the campsite is about 10 miles into the forest on a gravel road that is just past the Kaibab Lodge and North Rim Store. If you get a chance to do this ride or even head up to the rim and camp and trek this area, do so, as you will be well rewarded. The trails are all well marked with scenery and wildlife at every turn, which will make the trip all worthwhile.
I want to thank Dave and Annie Nicholson and their crew of Vets and trail managers who all worked diligently in camp and out on the trail to make this a fun and safe ride. I must say, I think Annie makes the best egg salad sandwich and Dave who is famously known in the endurance community for hosting great rides in amazingly scenic locations, you could not have wished for a better ride mgmt. team to support you. Because Lori who supports my sometimes crazy riding endeavors at every turn as we pursue these often seemingly elusive goals, she takes care of every detail at home with the horses and our dog Shadow, I had this opportunity do this ride with so many good friends.
Endurance riding is a unique sport, that comes with an endurance family who all share a common goal of finishing with a healthy equine partner who all support one another with this end in mind, out on the trail, in camp, and thru training at home, this comradery that we all experience as riders is “real” and forged thru intense effort, teamwork, and support, and there’s just nothing better, we are very lucky to have this opportunity to participate in this sport with our horses and friends. Enjoy the ride!! This was a good one. 