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Customer Review from Jan Stalcup of Benton, Kansas
Last spring, I decided to take a pack trip in New Mexico and booked a trip in May, into the Blue Primitive range, which borders New Mexico and Arizona. The trail to the base camp was beautiful, with huge juniper trees, pinion pines and awesome mountain views as we dropped down in the canyon. The camp was shaded with a nice creek running alongside.
This area is pure wilderness. There's no motorized-vehicle access and we never saw any other trail riders. After setting up base camp, we rode out to several places. There's so much varied terrain and interesting rock formations - there's no way you can get tired of any one trail.
One ride took us for miles along a canyon, until we came out on a mountaintop. Another trail ran alongside some hoo-doos — tall rock spirals. We stopped often in the shade to rest the horses and I went looking for elk sheds and deer antlers.
On the last day of riding, we rode a place Jim call the "Mystery Lake" — it was an amazing place. It was well-wooded, as we were over 9000'. The aspen trees where larger around than any I'd ever seen, and there was huge Douglas firs everywhere. The day we packed out of the canyon and headed home, we spotted fresh bears sign not far from where we are camping. The night before, we'd heard turkeys gobbling late into the night, which we thought was unusual.
Jim's horses are good-mannered and in good shape. They're not your typical "dude ranch" horses. Jim will plan a trip to accommodate your riding experience and ability. If he sees you're an experienced rider, he'll take you on a challenging ride. If your inexperienced or would rather ride on gentle terrain, he'll make that possible.
I felt as I had left a part of my soul out there — which means I'll have to go back again and again to find it!
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A |
Beginner
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Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does
not canter.
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B |
Novice
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Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. |
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C |
Intermediate
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Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
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D |
Strong Intermediate
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Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and
is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day.
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E |
Advanced
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All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handling
a spirited horse in open country.
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