The Saddle Log, Driver and Disabled Rider/Driver Programs are a great way
for you to earn awards for the time you spend with your Appaloosa.
Created for adults and youths, these programs recognize the personal
achievements and benefits of riding or driving on a routine basis. Whether
you participate in trail rides, train and compete in shows, ride in
parades, perform ranch work, or enjoy pleasure
riding/driving, each hour will count toward your lifetime achievement record
and enable you to receive recognition and awards from the ApHC.
How to qualify:
You must be a current ApHC member. Any horses used in the program must be registered with the ApHC; there are no restrictions as to age, registration type or ownership.
How to enroll:
Send the completed Saddle Log - Disabled Rider/Driver Application form and enrollment fee to the ApHC office.
Awards in the Saddle Log – Disabled Rider/Driver Programs:
The Apache Land is a base camp ride, departing from and returning to the camp every day. This year the Apache Land ride will take place in the beautiful Santa Rita Mountains and foothills which are part of the multi-mountain range of the Coronado National Forest, a federally protected wonderland. Apache Indians roamed and thrived in these mountains for centuries, fiercely protecting them and driving out invaders until the arrival of white settlers with their military protection. Rugged peaks tower to nearly 10,000 feet, with jagged cliffs, plunging canyons and broad grassy basins containing numerous springs and pools which support a wide variety of large game and their predators.
The mountains contain abandoned ranches, mining towns, construction camps, graveyards and homesteads, plus many historical mining sites, claims and equipment. Before this, there has never been a week-long horse ride allowed by the forest service in these mountains. Acquiring permission has required a commitment that our group will observe conservation of their surroundings and restoration of the campgrounds. Riders will be asked to honor the Appaloosa heritage in protecting this beautiful area by observing camp requirements with their equine partners. The ecosystem is fragile and must be treated with great respect. There are very few mesquite trees in camp, too short for high lines. Restraint options for equines include high-lines between trailers, or tying to your trailer. Small portable pens will be permitted but no large corrals.
Our base camp is about 40 miles SW of Tucson, 53 miles west of Tombstone and about 80 miles west of Bisbee, AZ. Great historical characters passed through and frequented these mountains including Apache leaders Geronimo, Cochise, Tanzay, Nana, and Mangus. It is said that Poncho Villa brought a force north gathering recruits for the Mexican Revolution: horses, cattle and humans. Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday and their enemies, the Clantons, traveled through these mountains back and forth to visit the excitement and pleasures found in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. Each day’s ride will offer great views, challenges and a touch of history. You will enjoy the food prepared by Arizona’s top equine event caterers and enjoy authentic cowboy entertainment under a sky full of stars.
Directions:
1. From the East:
• I-10 west to Benson, AZ Exit 302 (Hwy 90)
• Take Exit 302 and go South 19 miles +/- to stop light at intersection of Hwy 90 and 82.
• Turn right/west and go 19 miles +/- to Sonoita, AZ intersection of Hwy 82 and 83.
• Turn right/north onto Hwy 83 and go 4.1 +/- miles to Gardner Canyon/Kentucky Camp gravel road
• Turn left onto Gardner Canyon/Kentucky Camp dirt/washboard/go-slow road and travel about 1 mile to Kentucky Camp Forest Road 163 and turn right.
• Go 3 miles +/- on FR 163 to where camp will be visible.
2. From the West:
• I-10 east through Tucson to Exit 281 (Hwy 83 south)
• Travel south on Hwy 83 about 21.3 +/- miles to Gardner Canyon/Kentucky Camp gravel road
• Turn right onto Gardner Canyon/Kentucky Camp dirt/washboard/go-slow road and travel about 1 mile to Kentucky Camp Forest Road 163 and turn right.
• Go 3 miles +/- on FR 163 to where camp will be visible.
Lodging: This year’s camp will be primitive. Attendees will need to provide their own lodging in the form of tent, trailer or RV. Attendees will need to bring their own potable water for the entire week.
Elevation: Is about 5500 feet.
Meals: Will be provided.
Horses: All breeds are welcome but be at least 4 years of age as of foaling date. A certificate of veterinary inspection (health certificate) with a negative Coggins test is required.
Rental horses: Are available from Greg Evans at Chihenne Ranch: 575-743-1602, 575-740-1778 (cell),4jcattle@@zianet.com.
Horse water: Will be available in camp but potable water will NOT. You must bring your own potable water for the week.
Certified weed free feed is required by the Forest Service. This includes hay, hay cubes or pellets. No uncertified feed will be allowed in camp. If this will be a change of feed for your horse, it is suggested you gradually start him/her on weed free feed at least 3 weeks prior to travel. Please be sure to have your horse solely on weed-free feed at least 72 hours before arrival in camp. This will prevent weed spread by GI tract passage. Check your local suppliers en route to the ride for your needs. Sonoita has two suppliers for feed and equine supplies. Both carry weed free complete pelleted feed. Weed free hay MAY be available if special ordered and prepaid well in advance of the ride, however neither dealer has committed to supply it for this ride. The two dealers: High Noon Feed & Tack 520-455-5734 and Sonoita Feed 520-455-5544.
Trails: Will be moderate, hoof protection is highly recommended. Expect to ride an average of 18 miles per day.
Amenities: Portable Restrooms. Attendees will need to bring their own potable water for the week and refillable water bottles/canteens. A farrier, veterinarian and physician will be available.
Cleanup: Please bring a shovel and rake to clean and restore your camping area.
Campfires: No personal campfires will be allowed because of fire danger.
Entertainment: In addition to cowboy music, we are planning a talent show, as has been a tradition on this ride. Prizes will be awarded as well as nightly gift drawings. Additionally, we will be raffling off a saddle, bridle and Corrector saddle pad.
Participants: All participants must be ApHC members and at least 10 years of age.
CHIEF JOSEPH: July 18 – 24 JACKSON (BIG HOLE VALLEY) TO BANNOCK PASS, MONTANA
The Chief Joseph Trail Ride has been considered one of the most historical trail rides in the U.S. today. Since 1964 the ride has retraced as closely as possible the 1,170-mile trek the Nez Perce made during their flight from the U.S. Cavalry in 1877. This year we will be starting near Jackson, MT in the Big Hole Valley. We will head south and east to Skinner Meadows and up to Lemhi Pass. From there the ride follows the Continental Divide to Bannock Pass, just north of Leadore, ID which rests in the Lemhi Valley.
The Ride: This is a progressive ride. The camp moves daily.
Lodging/Vehicles: Primitive. There will be no hookups, electricity or running water. There are basically two forms of accommodations; tenting or a personal vehicle. Because vehicle space is limited in the daily camps, we strongly recommend tenting – or at least sharing a vehicle with others.
For those tenting, the vehicles you arrived in will be shuttled to the end camp on Sunday morning July 18th to be parked for the week. Buses will transport the drivers back to the assembly camp after the vehicles are parked. Your gear will then be transported daily from camp to camp via moving vans.
For those bring a personal vehicle in the daily caravan, there will be a surcharge. There is a limit on the number of vehicles allowed. Each personal vehicle will require a driver, who must be a current member and pay a non-rider fee. See application for details.
Meals: All meals included, beginning with the evening meal on Sunday, July 18th and ending with breakfast on Saturday, July 24th. Sack lunches will be provided for the noon meal on the trail. Attendees will need to bring their own refillable water bottles/canteens. No individual bottled water will be provided this year. You’ll have to refill from the water truck.
Horses: All horses ridden on the Chief Joe’ must be ApHC registered Appaloosas. A copy of the registration certificate is required for identification as well as a current health certificate and a negative Coggins test. The state of Montana also requires a state Import Permit number. Click Transporting Your Horse into Montana & Idaho for more information. For safety, horses will need to be tied to the picket lines (provided) or trailer-tied while in camp. No portable electric pens may be used. Certified weed-free grass hay will be provided and is included in the ride fee.
Rental Horses: Dirk Vanderby 406-284-6876; Montana Horses 406-285-3541; A.J & Jessica Smith 509-301-2903.
Entertainment: Historical speakers, cowboy poetry, music, dancing and Chief Joseph Youth Foundation silent auction.
Amenities: Water. Portable toilets. Picket line. A farrier, veterinarian and a physician will be available. Attendees will need to bring their own refillable water bottles/canteens. No individual bottled water will be provided this year.
Participants: All participants on the Chief Joe must be ApHC members and at least 12 years of age.