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The Tevis Cup 100 Mile Endurance Ride

Kim Abbott — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:14:38 +0000

As the Tevis Cup approaches this weekend I can’t help but remember the times I rode this incredible ride. I have finished 5 out of 6 tries. The Day Tevis is held I will sit in front of my computer and think of every mile watching my fellow endurance riders travel down this historic trail. I can look at my watch and know where I might be if I were riding- this Saturday is no different- I will be watching all of you and wishing I were there on the back of one of my great horses, watching and praying for a safe journey to Auburn.

This is an article I wrote after the 2002 ride:

What they had done, what they had seen, heard, felt, feared- the places, the sounds, the colors, the cold, the darkness, the beauty. Till they died, this stream of memory would set them apart, if imperceptibly from anyone but themselves, from everyone else, for they had crossed the mountains……Bernard Devoto

Four amigos from Arizona set out to do what they had done before, what was in their blood, what will live in their memories forever, what they had to do again, the Tevis Cup Endurance Ride; 100 miles, one day, one horse, one rider. Tevis is the oldest and toughest endurance ride in the nation. As the 15,540 feet of ascending and 22,970 feet of descending lay ahead of them, they arrive in Robie Park almost a week ahead of the ride to help the horses recover from the trailer ride from Arizona.

The morning of July 20^th came early as the riders saddled up for the journey ahead, they started down a narrow road struggling to position themselves along with 216 other riders, their ride began at5:15am. With the sound of the horn the ride began as their horses strained at the reins, and trotted to keep their position on the narrow trails of switch backs.

About 5 miles out they begin to climb Emigrant Pass the ski area of Squaw Valley. As they looked over their shoulder they could see their last view of the mighty Lake Tahoe. From the top, at 8,750 feet, they start down through the Chief Granite Wilderness which is a scattering of large rock boulders, bogs that will suck the shoes off the best shod horse, and fierce brush that is razor sharp.

The first trot-by is 21 miles into the ride, Lyon Ridge 6,500 feet in elevation. As they ascend the famous Cougar Rock they know they are one forth of the way to Auburn.

The crews and riders work frantically to get their horses through the vet check at Robinson Flat. This one hour hold is a welcome rest to both horse and rider, emotions rise and a tear can be seen in the eyes of the riders at the relief: they are fit to continue on their journey.

THE BEAUTY, THE COLORS, the riders and horses mentally prepare for the intensity of the canyons; three canyons await them on their journey to Forest Hill. The challenge of this section of the ride is not only the ascending and descending but also the swinging bridge, the narrowness of the trail, the view is ASTOUNDING! It is not for the weak of heart or mind or body. The drops from the 18 inch trail is hundreds of feet, so much so, one can not see the bottom, only the sound of the north fork of the Middle Fork of the American River can be heard along with THE SOUND of the beating hoofs. The fear of seeing where they came from and where they need to go is at times over whelming.

Although they had a 15 minute hold, and a bit of a break, at Michigan Bluff 63 miles in to the ride, trotting into Forest Hill and seeing their excited yet exhausted crew, was a sight for sour eyes. It felt as if the whole town came out to see the tired riders and horses. People went from strangers to your best friend as everyone raced to help the tired horses and riders. The fear of not passing the vet check loomed ahead. The stress in the air was thick, people, trailers, trucks of all variety, dazed and confused riders, horses tied up to a semi receiving fluids, and mounds of hay and feed were pilled everywhere, it was a real circus. One could see the tears of joy and the tears of defeat as the vets decreed the horses fit or not to continue. Crews were in put into action as if they had come to battle and a horn “charge” sounded. As day faded into night, the California Loop, the most dangerous section of the trail lay ahead. The horses feeling refreshed after the hour hold and the relief of the cool night temperatures, tugged at the reins, for they remembered the way home. In THE COLD, and THE DARKNESS, the riders could feel THE FEAR, that they had felt before, that they would feel again, as they journeyed the remaining 33 miles to Auburn.

The partnership between man and horse was never stronger; Man must put his faith in God and his horse. THE SOUND of horses and riders negotiating the switch backs will live with them forever. THE DARKNESS, the hallucinating. God bless our fine horses for their instincts and their ability to see at night and follow a trail. The trail– the drop to the American River – challenges the mind, the body, and the soul. If not for the volunteers with their unknown faces that are indelibly etched in our minds, our devoted crew, and our determined horses, would we have made it this far? would we make it at all?

Eighty Nine miles, at Poverty Bar, the American River lies ahead. Only marked with glow sticks as a path to cross, our horses accepted the chance to wade up to their belly and cool off before the last few miles to a bed of sawdust and a dinner of oats, hay and beet pulp. But the challenge is not over; the last leg of the road home is through tunnels of trees which block out the full moon. As the horses take them into the DARKNESS they question if there is an end to this, will we make it? How much time is left? The riders are delirious; they begin to see things, strange things that are not even there. As the lights of Auburn illuminate the sky, the horses can feel the end and they are recharged. A feeling of warmth hits the rider’s faces, they are not sure if it is tears of joy and accomplishment, or pure exhaustion. The riders feel as if they are floating into the light as if they are reborn, suspended above their mighty steeds as they climb out of the darkness and into the lights of Auburn. Their crew and new found friends await them at the top; they are blinded at first as the rush of people descends on them. Till they die this stream of memory would set them apart, if imperceptibly from anyone but themselves, from everyone else. Accomplishing the Tevis Cup is a difficult challenge, one they have done before, one they will try again-maybe. As they wrap their arms around their horses neck, and head for the barn they thank these incredible beasts for bringing them home safely. The emotion is overwhelming; words can not describe the feeling, FOR THEY HAD CROSSED THE MOUNTAINS.

The Four Arizona Amigos, Kim Abbott (Phoenix), Carrie Miracle (Corona), and Marilyn McCoy (Sierra Vista), Gina Muno, (Cave Creek)

I would like to thank the following people, for without their help Zany and I could never have made it to Auburn. Jennifer Miller, my beloved Vet and great friend who took such great care of my Zany. Jennifer’s’ wonderful boyfriend Haskel who kept us all laughing even when I was tossing my cookies at the finish. Haskel and Jennifers’ lovable neighbor Donny who helped drive my rig back to Phoenix. Steve Powers, a dear friend and training partner, for all his friendship and support. Thanks to Steve’s’ wife Jenny for letting him join the crew while she stayed home minding the ranch. My dear friends Bob and Nancy, for being rookie crew members. All my endurance friends in Phoenix for training with me every week and giving me encouragement and support. My fantastic blacksmith Barry Kostuch, no feet no horse! Thanks to my wonderful horse trainer Arthur Ramirez. Thank you Lynn and Ed Grandon for your swimming program and taking such great care of Zany in his cross training program. Thanks to my traveling partners and three fellow Arizona riders Marilyn McCoy, Carrie Miracle, and Gina Muno, for making this journey with me A million thanks to my 2000 Tevis riding partners, and very dear friends, Sharon Dickerson and Cinda Wilford for all their encouragement to go without them. Thank you my wonderful Arabian horse Zany aka Zionastar, for remembering the trail, for getting me to Auburn Safe, and even though I cursed your high energy and continuous GO, I thank you for never stopping or trying to please me.

My name is Kim Abbott and I am your Riding Realtor! I specialize in the buying and selling of horse properties in the Phoenix, Scottsdale and Cave Creek, Desert Hills and Carefree areas. I am a horse lover with a passion for endurance riding. If you are looking for a reliable Realtor that understands you’re buying and selling needs, please contact me right away. My phone number is 602-540-3719 and my email is kim@azhorseranches.com. You can also view my featured listings anytime by going to www.AZHorseRanches.com.

EVERYBODY LOVES FOOD… DON’T FORGET ABOUT ARIZONA RESTAURANT WEEK

Kim Abbott — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 01:07:26 +0000

Restaurant Week starts September 17- 24th. With more than 200 participating restaurants across the entire state, you’re bound to discover a new favorite eatery during Arizona Restaurant Week. Try L’Amore you will love the selections! Pack the car or horse and ready your appetite . . . let’s eat!

Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to channel their inner foodie and make reservations atArizona’s premiere restaurants. It’s the perfect opportunity to grab a bite, plan a romantic evening out, schedule a long over-due get together, or finally try that restaurant you’ve had on your wish list. Participating restaurants are not only known for their exceptional cuisine, they also spare no expense to give diners an extraordinary atmosphere for a special night on the town!

Guests will enjoyArizona’s finest fare at a special discount price. Each restaurant will offer a three-course dinner menu of signature dishes for $20, $30 or $40 per person, excluding beverages, tax and gratuity unless otherwise noted. Also look for a wine glass icon next to a restaurant listing denoting the inclusion of a beverage within the price point. Other symbols to look for are a “GF”, this denotes Gluten-Free options and a “V” denotes vegetarian options are available.

We strongly suggest making reservations in advance as restaurants may fill up very quickly. To make a reservation, contact the restaurant directly or make your reservations online by clicking on the reservations link provided.

My husband, Greg Rose, and I own L’Amore Restaurant, (3159 E Lincoln Drive Phoenix AZ 85016-602-381-3159) a family owned and operated neighborhood Italian restaurant, located in the heart ofPhoenix. We offer fine dining with a family atmosphere. We personally operate the restaurant being there to meet and greet each guest as if they were entering our own home. Here’s a secret – we are told we have the best Cioppino in town! Enjoy the formal room, the friendly bar with great live soft music from our musician Jimmy who plays on Thursday – Saturday night or sit on in our beautiful tree lined patio over looking the Phoenix Mountain Preserves. Wednesday night is Jazz night with Laura at the Saxophone. If you’re on your way home call us for a takeout dinner, were happy to serve you’re every need – or if you’re thinking of a holiday party set up an appointment to speak to us about our catering.

To view all the restaurants participating in Arizona Restaurant Week go to:

www.arizonarestaurantweek.com

www.lamoreitalianrestaurant.com

www.opentable.com

Fall Endurance Rides Here in Beautiful Arizona

Kim Abbott — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:26:30 +0000

The temperatures have finally dropped below 100 degrees!!! What a summer for fellow horse lovers! When they say HOT, HOT, HOT, they are not talking about salsa here in the southwest! October is right around the corner and with it brings cooler temperatures and the Endurance riding is at its best!

Starting out October 1^st is one of my all time favorite rides, Man vs. Horse, put on by Ron Barrett up in beautiful Prescott Arizona. This is such a unique ride because there is a Trail run at the same time as the endurance ride! That’s right the humans run right along with the horses on the 12, 25 and 50 mile event! In the past the human has beaten the horse except for the past few years! It’s a great local event and a great place for those who think they might be interested getting into endurance riding to watch or volunteer. It is a great fall ride with trails that take you up over Mingus Mountain with spectacular views and cool Ponderosa Pine forests then back down to the desert floor!

The same weekend is a new ride put on by Terry Wooley Howe called the Best of Both. It should be a beautiful ride with trails from the Descanso Ride in the upper Cuyamaca Rancho State Park through meadows, pines and then onto the PCT with beautiful vistas overlooking the Anza Borrego Desert and the Salton Sea. Terry always puts on a great ride! This will be one not to miss! She has a 25 and a 50 mile event and a fun run!

October 5-9 is the Grand Canyon XP Ride put on by MS Karen Chaton and the Nicholsons aka the “Duck”. This is a great adventure- hosted at the north rim of the Grand Canyon where you will find that the aspens are turning yellow and the cool air makes you think of the holidays! Everyday is an adventure, if you like multi days this is one of my favorites! The base camp is in a beautiful meadow surrounded by Ponderosa pines. You will never forget the view from your horse as you ride along the rim and gaze down into the mighty Grand Canyon. There are no words to describe the beauty! This ride will be 50 to 55 miles per day for a total of about 250!

November brings a great local ride called “Lead Follow or get out of my way” It’s a ride hosted right here in McDowell Mountain Park a 30, 50 and 75 mile ride. This ride travels thought the park on granite trails with beautiful scenery. The management is great and there for your every need. It is a great ride for the beginning endurance rider, not too challenging with lots of volunteers to help you get thought it. This is another great ride to come watch if you are thinking about getting into endurance riding! Thanks to Jodie Dukerich for all her efforts in putting on this ride for us!

To finish 2012 don’t miss Marilyn McCoy’s Las Cienegas 25 and 50 mile Ride down in Sonoita on December 3rd and 4^th. I love this ride it’s on the Empire Ranch in Sonoita. The scenery is as if you were in the Serengeti Africa. You will be riding through beautiful Oak trees and Rolling hills and Meadows. You drop down into creek beds and ride by historic cattle ranches. The base camp is easy to get to and the ride is a blast. Be sure to finish off 2011 with a bang and don’t miss this ride!

As always, Happy Trails From you Riding Realtor

Equine Herpes Virus-1 Outbreak

Kim Abbott — Fri, 20 May 2011 17:39:35 +0000

Concern and rumors over an outbreak of the Equine Herpes Virus-1 tied to a cutting horse event in Ogden, Utah are growing as more cases are confirmed and suspected.

One Colorado horse was euthanized after showing several neurological signs associated with the desease. A second Colorado horse was euthanized with similar symptoms but test results Monday had not confirmed whether the disease was present.

Local and national equine events have been canceled following spread of the disease, believed linked to the April 29- May 8 Cutting Horse Association’s Western National Championships in Ogden.

Colorado State University closed its world-renowned veterinary teching hospital in Fort Collins to al nonemergency appointments.

the Colorado Department of Agriculture confirmed two horses in the state were diagnosed with EHV-1 and six hores were showing clinical signs of the disease.

Hores in Boulder, Larimer, Mesa and Weld counties were being investigated for the desease and are under hold or quarantine orders. Five horse farms were quarantived in Nebraska.

Warnings from veterinarians have been sent out with increased urgency throughout Colorado, the Rocky Mountian Region and other neighboring states.

“The Colden Spike Facility is not under quarantine at this time, but I would advise not going there until we get further information on the outhbreak,” states a warning on the website of Aspin Grove Veterinary Clinic in West Haven, Utah. ”Additionally, any shows or events that would include hores form this show should consider postponing until a safe incubation period is over. This is 28 days according to the state veterinaryina’s office.”

State of Utah Veterinarian Burce King said as of Monday that there were confirmed cases of EHV-1 in Colorado, California and Canada.

“There are tests pending in six other states,” he said. “I suspect they are all going to be positive.”

King listed Arizona, New Mexico, Washington and Oregon as states where hores wer showing signs of the disease, but veterinarians were waiting on laboratory testing for confirmation.

Officials with the Utah High School Rodio Association also said that they believe a horse owned by one of their mimbers had contraced the disease.

“There werw horses there literally from all over the Western United Steates and Canada,” Kin said.

“There were about 500 horese there,’ he said, noting that horese came and went throughout the time of the show.

Among the show canceled was the National Cutting Horse Association Breeder’s Invitational in Tulsa, OK, scheduled to have started Montday. The 15 day event was set to run through May 31st.

All horse owners who attended the Ogden show are encouraged to notify their veterinartian and isolate and monitor their hoses for clinical signs of the disease. Owners are encouraged to restrict movement of their horses.

Lear more about appropriate equine biosecurity below…

GENERAL DISEASE INFORMATION:

EHV-1 is not transmissible to people.

It can case respiratory, neurologic disease and death in hourses.

The most common way for EHV-1 to spread is by direct horse to horse contact. The virus can also spread through the air, contaminated equipment, clothing and hands.

Symptoms include fever, decreased coordination, nasal dischare, durin dribbling, loss of tail tone, hind limb weakness, leaning against a wall or fence to maintain balance, lethargy and the inability to rise.

While there is no cure, the syptoms of the disease may be treatable.

Old Pueblo Endurance Ride- Desert Riding At Its Finest

Kim Abbott — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 05:53:06 +0000

I received this description of an up coming endurance ride written by Kathy Sanson and I could not have written it better! I rode the 100 event there last year on September 17^th, my husband’s 49^th birthday, and it was at fantastic ride. My hat goes off to Marilyn McCoy for the dedication she and her team put forth in hosting such a great event. I even got a buckle for the ride! This was one of my first endurance rides and since that day I have tried to make as many of their rides as possible. I even started my mare there. She did her first 25 mile ride with Kristen Walker. Firrari now has close to 2000 mile, six of them being hundreds. She just had a foal by the wonderful Sam Tiki, who is the sire of my other great horse Sea Spot Run! If you are looking to get into this sport this is a great place to get started! I hope to see you all there!

Marilyn McCoy, ride manager of Old Pueblo Endurance Ride (March 11-12-13, 2011), has asked me to share the following information with you…

Six miles north of Sonoita, Arizona on the east side of Highway 83 is a beautiful expanse of riparian and grasslands. Today La Cienega National Conservation Area, an antelope preserve, is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The area is rich in history. The La Cienega Ranch started in the 1880’s because of the spring that is located there. It is the oldest working cattle ranch in Arizona.

Every year, early in March more than 100 horse enthusiasts gather their gear, load up their families and truck over the beautiful country for a 3-day, 155 mile AERC endurance ride.

The kids and the dogs jump and play along the old airstrip that we call “base camp”. It is a fun-filled three days while we gather and visit friends that we haven’t seen for a year.

The endurance ride is a wonderful experience for any who comes. When you see the desert grasslands and the beautiful countryside, you cannot help but feel comfortable; like you are at home. You look to the west and see the sun setting over the mountains and feel a slight desert breeze. You look down the path and see the desert trees and plants. You hear the sound of the horses around the bend and realize what a wonderful day it was at the Old Pueblo Endurance Ride.

Directions: Go east of Tucson on I-10 to mile marker 281 (Sonoita). Go south on Hwy 83 about 20 miles from freeway. After you see Mile Marker 40, make a left turn into Empire/Cienega Ranch. Camp will be 5 miles down big dirt road. Follow signs and ribbons to base camp. See you there!

Entry Forms are on line on the AERC website: Ride Calendar, Southwest Region, Old Pueblo Ride.

Trainers, Endurance Riders, Horse Lovers- Rio Verde is the Perfect Home for You

Kim Abbott — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 02:45:30 +0000

I am so often asked “Where is the best place to live and be able to ride right out the front gate of your home on to trails?” As an endurance rider, I love to ride in an area where the trails never seem to end. My most favorite place to ride is in the Rio Verde area. There are endless trails with great footing, long slow climbs coupled with beautiful scenery, the Verde River, McDowel Mountain Park, Granite Mountain Park and all of the incredible Tonto National Forest.

I live in one of the last horse properties on the edge of the Phoenix Mountain Preserves near downtown Phoenix and have for over 25 years, I love the fact that I can jump on my horse and ride for hours then home and in 10 minutes be downtown for a game or pick up a friend at the Airport. But if I have a choice I drive the 45 minutes to one of the trail heads off of Dynamite road or meet at a friends home for a 18 to 20 mile ride, disappearing from life, the cell phone, and the hustle and bustle of the city. In my 10 years as a Realtor I have seen the Rio Verde area grow, becoming one of the most popular areas for the horse enthusiasts. This area has it all from great roping and cutting ranches to the some of the best and most prestigious Arabian horse trainers in the country. The hunter jumpers and dressage folks have some great training facilities.

If you are an avid trail rider and want a one acre horse property with 100’s of miles of trails out your back door, this is a great place to call home. If team sorting or team penning is your passion, pick one of the many small ranches to join in the fun. I have even taken my Arab Gelding and have done well with this great fun adventure! In the last 10 years I have sold homes to folks from Canada, Oregon, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, California, Wyoming, and many other states. These folks want to take advantage of the great weather, great trails, great endurance rides and great horse related sports. With our economic times, the home prices have become extremely attractive to the buyer that wants to have a second home. As always call me any time to help with your real estate needs- I am of course the riding realtor!

My name is Kim Abbott and I am your Riding Realtor! I specialize in the buying and selling of horse properties in the Phoenix, Scottsdale and Cave Creek, Desert Hills and Phoenix areas. I am a horse lover with a passion for endurance riding. If you are looking for a reliable Realtor that understands you’re buying and selling needs, please contact me right away. My phone number is 602-540-3719 and my email is kim@azhorseranches.com. You can also view my featured listings or search the MLS anytime by going to www.AZHorseRanches.com.

16 Acre Horse Ranch in Sunny Scottsdale, Arizona

Kim Abbott — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 03:24:47 +0000

Looking to purchase horse property in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area? Look no further…

This beautiful 16 acres horse ranch is located at the edge of the Tonto National Forest and Garnet Mountain Park. The property features a 4060 square feet home with Spanish Ralph Lauren tile throughout, 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, plus an office/den, huge laundry room, granite counters in the fabulous gourmet eat-in kitchen, formal dining room surround sound, central air, skylights, gas fireplace and wood blinds. The property also offers a 1 bedroom/1 bathroom guest house, heated saltwater pool and spa all over looking the 4 peaks! This ranch is completely fenced and cross fenced with no climb fencing and a gated entry. There is a full size roping area, 8 stalls with numerous turn outs, a round pen and miles of riding trails right out your back door.

This property is not listed on the MLS so please contact Kim Abbott at 602-540-3719 for more information or to schedule a showing!

My name is Kim Abbott and I am your Riding Realtor! I specialize in the buying and selling of horse properties in the Phoenix, Scottsdale and Cave Creek areas. I am a horse lover with a passion for endurance riding. If you are looking for a reliable Realtor that understands your buying and selling needs, please contact me right away. My phone number is 602-540-3719 and my email kim@azhorseranches.com. You can view my featured listings or search the MLS by going to www.AZHorseRanches.com.

An Exciting Year of Endurance Riding in Arizona

Kim Abbott — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 03:49:58 +0000

“I love you Arizona, your mountains, deserts and skies”… it’s a verse from a song written by the state balladeer, Dolan Ellis, about beautiful Arizona. But it should be the words spoken by every endurance rider in the state of Arizona and surrounding states. Especially this year… 2011 is offering many exciting new Arizona endurance rides! Here is a list of the 2011 Arizona endurance rides:

We started off the year with a huge bang! Rusty Toth, and accomplished endurance rider, hosted the 3 day Resolution Ride that took place in Scottsdale Arizona. Kevin Myers, also an accomplished endurance rider, and on the Easy Boot team assisted Rusty Toth in putting on a great New Years ride from their home in Rio Verde. Although the weather gave them fits, the riders had a great time and the horses did fantastic! Rusty was able to get riders from as far east as New York and as north as Oregon. Other states represented were Colorado, Utah, California, New Mexico, Oregon and New York.

We next jump to February and the Springdale Romp hosted by long time endurance rider Ray Sansom. The ride will take place in beautiful Safford, Arizona on February 3rd,4th,5th, a day off, then on 7th,8th,9th. This ride promises to be beautiful!

We then move on to the spring ride, Old Pueblo, hosted by Marilyn McCoy on the Empire Ranch in Sonoita, AZ. I last participated in this ride in the fall. The grass was knee high, the flowers were incredible and the fields of sunflowers were amazing! Don’t miss this ride March 11th,12th and 13th.

On March 26th, for the second year, the Lucky Pup Ride hosted by Heidi Vanderbilt will take place at the Benson Ranch, also named Lucky Pup Ranch. This is a beautiful ranch with the most gracious host!

April brings us and new ride being sponsored by Julia and Michael Elias of Prescott, Arizona. The Prescott Chaparral Ride is staged at the incredible L-Bell Ranch in Skull Valley, Arizona. I have ridden these trails and they are some of the most beautiful in the state. If you did not know better, you would think you were at a cattle Ranch in Colorado or Wyoming! With Michael and Julia at the helm this should prove to be the first of many rides in this unique part of Arizona.

As the summer months bring warm weather we move to our neighboring state of New Mexico. These rides are all just a days drive from Phoenix and offer fantastic scenery. Ride the Divide is May 26th,27th,28th, and the 29th in Quemando, NM. Quemando is located very near the border of Arizona. Not far from Pine Top and Show Low.

Then in July, Roger Taylor puts on the Fort Stanton Multi-day Ride in beautiful Camino Del Bosque, NM. This ride will take place on the 10th 11th and 12th a day off, then the 14th 15th and 16th. This is the sight of the AERC National Championship Ride held in August, making this a good time to try out the trails before the championship ride.

September 1-5, Dave Nickelson puts on his 5 day ride in Bryce Canyon, Utah. Only eight hours from Phoenix. This is a must do ride offering incredible scenery and trails. Take your camera if you go!

October brings the unique and challenging ride that has been a cornerstone for endurance riders and runners… Yes, I said runners… from all over the state. Ron Barrett has been hosting this ride for… well for a long, long time. The horses race the runners on a 50 mile ride, a 25 mile ride and they have a fun run/ride of 12 miles! It’s always fun to see who is going to win- the horse or the rider- hence the name Man Vs Horse. Come to Prescott, even if it is just to watch the fun. This ride takes place the first weekend in October!

The next weekend is the Grand Canyon ride… another “Duck” ride. This ride is held at the north rim of the Grand Canyon. The yellow leaves from the Aspens fall into the pines and make it look like Christmas decorations in the reflection of the fall sun. You literally ride along the rime of the canyon at times and the views are beyond words. Close your eyes and you may feel you are riding in a western movie!

Marilyn McCoy will be hosting a fall ride in either September or November in Sonoita, AZ.

The last ride of the year is on November 19th at McDowell Mountain Park put on by the Arizona Arabian Horse Association. This is great local ride and one that can help folks get a taste of endurance riding. They always have someone giving a talk about how to get started in the incredible sport of endurance riding! As we say in Endurance – To Finish is to Win!

My hats off to all the ride managers for all the hard work it takes to put on these rides! If you are interested in learning more about endurance riding please give me a call or if you just want to look into horse property in Arizona- I am, of course- the riding Realtor!

My name is Kim Abbott and I am your Riding Realtor! I specialize in the buying and selling of horse properties in the Phoenix, Scottsdale and Cave Creek areas. I am a horse lover with a passion for endurance riding. If you are looking for a reliable Realtor that understands your buying and selling needs, please contact me right away. My phone number is 602-540-3719 and my email is kim@azhorseranches.com. You can also view my featured listings anytime by going to www.AZHorseRanches.com.