The Girls on the Trail in the White Tank Mountains

For many years we have talked about participating with a number of family members and friends in the Sport of Equine Endurance Riding.  My wife, daughter and I have been training for an entry level ride over the last few months. We have been riding 7-10 miles two to three times per week over the last few months getting our horses (and our backsides) prepared for a 25 mile ride in Bumble Bee, Arizona.

We live close enough to the White Tank Mountains that riding the trails is as easy as saddling up and riding out the front driveway.  It has been quite fun and enjoyable.

It has been great to learn the sport from some very good friends and family members.  I’ve come to learn that a happy horse is one that has a job and loves to do it.

Unfortunately, my horse caught a cold and has had a mild cough over the few weeks. We bent the axle on our horse trailer and went through three tires before we were able to diagnose the problem.

We were able to locate a replacement trailer, but not until the last minute.  We decided that my wife and daughter would race this weekend and I would leave my horse home to mend. There was a simple 12.5 mile “Fun Ride” that they figured they would enter, since we arrived late in the evening due to the trailer issues the day before.

The Trail Back Home

So, we loaded up and headed North to Bumble Bee, Arizona.  It really is a beautiful place.  Quite remote, and off the beaten path, but a very beautiful set of trails hidden in the mountains between Crown King and Sunset Point.

The Token Helmet Selfie

Oh, did I tell you how much I despise how these helmets make you look?  But, you gotta protect your noggin!!

Anyway, overall, it was a great experience and one that I look forward to again. Hopefully, my horse, Baily, will be feeling better for the next ride.

Bumble Bee Horse Camp from Atop Sunset Point

The horse-camp is set just below Sunset point.  You can just make out the trailers and trucks in the camp in the picture. This was taken atop of Sunset Point at the rest stop on the way back home.

Happy Horseback Riders

As you can see, the girls were very happy about their first experience with Endurance Riding.  I have to say, as well, I have never experience nature in such a wonderful and more natural way than on horse back.  We look forward to many years of fun in the saddle.