Sunrise in Estabrook, Wyoming
A FEW WORDS FROM A ’76 XP RIDER TO THE ’01 XP RIDERS
By Lori Stewart
I won’t bore you with why, but in ’76 I rode the entire XP trail with barely the minimums. My husband and I slept under the stars or in the back of a stock trailer when it rained. We survived mostly on Velveeta cheese, Triscuits, Salami, apples and tangerine Lifesavers (no refrigeration needed). The occasional dinner at a local cafe was heaven. We bathed quite irregularly with no ill effects. The horses lived tied to the trailer at night and in a portable electric fence before dark. Supplies included two hay nets, two five-gallon jugs, two buckets, and one brush. First aid amounted to little more than Desitine, cotton and tape. My saddle had a flexible tree, i.e. an old Argentine saddle with a broken tree. No sore backs resulted. Both horses were unfit and overweight in St. Joseph, Mo., but the almost 2000 miles of XP trail transformed them into lean mean endurance machines. I always thought about the XP trail in its entirety and not by the trail or events of any one day. The ups and downs fell into perspective. I never got overconfident but never gave up. I won the award for most miles AND high point. The ’76 XP was my first endurance ride.
The same gorgeous sunrise at Estabrook, Wyoming!
Take the Duck’s words to heart. They speak volumes. I will give you my perspective on his key points. Let two principles guide you as you prepare – Respect and the KISS Theory
Respect that this is not an “E” ride at Disney Land. Fun and safety cannot be guaranteed. Rely on your common sense and good judgement as your safety net and your off-beat sense of humor for fun.
Respect the folks who make the land along this trail their home. They are the salt of the earth and possess wealth beyond the material in their kindness and pride in their heritage.
Respect your fellow XP club members no matter the seemingly stupid things they may do. When the summer is over you will have lived the old sayings “No man is an island” “But for the grace of God go I” and “What goes around comes around”.
The KISS Theory – Keep It Simple Stupid:
1) The trail is tougher on rigs than horses.
Rigs move from camp to camp via lovely but narrow back roads that are paved or good gravel – few interstates are used. Services out West are few and far between. Set-up as the Duck recommends plus have at least two spare tires.
The smaller your rig, the less you will have to worry about the ground you camp on, plus the more choices you will have. If you want the comforts of home – stay home. Remember this is only a little over two months out of your life.
2) All the frills that come with living-quarters are nice but vulnerable to break down. Lay a low-tech foundation with respect to you gear. Lantern, simple camp stove, 5 gal jug with a spout, Porta-potty, ice chest – you get the idea. This way if trouble strikes, you won’t miss a beat.
3) The XP trail was the 1860′s equine equivalent of the “truck route”. It was laid out for speed (get the mail through fast) and accessibility to water and grazing. I found real beauty in the immensity and remoteness of the landscape, especially in this day and age of suburbanization.
Here are just a few things I learned on the ’76 XP:
Horses like getting up and going to work every day. The schedule the Duck offers is a good one and will work.
On any given day, if you have a horse that is good to go – ride. Don’t permit the weather or problems with your rig, crew, and you to factor in.
Don’t worry and not ride a horse good to go because it might be too much. It won’t be.
If your horse’s attitude is bad but his body is good – don’t ride him. Attitude is everything.
Horses can change hay often with no ill effect. Horses enjoy the variety.
Never ride without chapstick. Cracked lips and fingertips will wear you down.
Stuff and stress are directly proportional. Don’t become a slave to non-essentials.
Be kind and compassionate to your crew, no matter how tired you are and irritable they may be. Your crew is your horse’s lifeline.
Most important of all, revere the Duck and you will have a friend for life.
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Next I will post comments from the Duck regarding the ’01 ride. That will help new riders to see what to expect.
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