We arrived at Chinle and after checking in, decided to travel the 'south rim' of the Canyon De Chelly (you are not actually allowed into the canyon without a ranger). We saw a horse riding place and went to have a look. We were only greeted by a dog and a man asleep in the distance!! So we travelled on and found another. This one was much more productive!
The ranch was ran by an Indian man who got us a horse each (mine was called 'Black Feet' and was the fastest out of all the horses and the 'stud' of the ranch - the indian guy was very perceptive giving him to me, obviously we matched each other perfectly)!
We each got on our 'Mustang' horses and off we set. We were meant to only go to the rim and back, but we each took to riding pretty quick and were soon going from a walk, to a trot and then a cantor, which is fast by the way!
Because we did go faster it meant that we had the time to actually go down the 1000 feet of the canyon to the bottom!! We travelled down the very steep 500 year old Indian trail, down the side of the canyon wall. It was pretty scary with the fall to one side of you literally always within one yard. It was good that the horses knew what they were doing, cause we just held on and let them walk down there.
After an hour and a half or so of 'riding' we were at the bottom and we rode through the canyon, past wild cows and horses (didn't see any of the native bears that also inhabit the canyon). We reached 'Spider Rock' which I had been looking forward to seeing ever since I knew we were coming to the canyon it is in.
It was great and our Indian Guide (who's name was Cedric) told us all about his people's (Navajo Tribe) history in the canyon and his own families history as well.
After a brief stop we travelled back up the trail in the dimming light and by the time we reached the top again it was literally pitch black. We still had approximately two miles to get back to the ranch. However, we had lots of confidence now and we literally galloped most of the way back, through trees (all too often literally sometimes).
My horse had decided that he just wanted to get home and he really sped off, I almost fell off at one point, but managed to stay on and bring him to a halt! Thankfully we made it back safely and our 3 hour ride was over.
We REALLY enjoyed it, and saw parts of the world that not many people have seen. Also, to travel an old trail that native Indians have travelled for so long was inspiring to say the least. It was truly magnificent to see that part of God's creation and take it in.
However, we are all suffering. Going back to the title of this blog - there are a few areas of my legs which used to have hair but now do not and have been replaced by very red sore areas! Also, there are leg muscles I never knew existed which have started to announce their existence by SCREAMING IN PAIN!!!! Also, I did have a nice large blister on my foot from all the walking in New York which had lately healed. However, since the horse ride I have developed an even larger blister on my hand...
Anyway, it really doesn't matter cause to be honest the ride was more than worth it. It is the highlight of the holiday so far and I am beginning to feel like a real Indian!!!
Tomorrow we are off to the Grand Canyon, which if it is 'grander' than this canyon we will be in for an amazing time.
Thanks once again for all your comments and your prayers for our journey, thanks and in the words of my good friend Route66:
STAY CLASSY MUSTANG HORSES!!!!
7 comments:
It sounds like you have all had an amazing day. The pictures are great too. I hope the rest of the trip is just as successful.
lol is all i could thinmk of
Lmao ha ha hahahahahahahaahahahahahahahahahah, oh the joys of horse riding! don't tell kimmy though she'll be dead jealous, about both the horse and the indian. Take care. R
It sound fantastic, what a privilege to ride a mustanq horse. For years I watched cowboy and indian films, riding the back of your grandmothers sofa, but you have had the joy of first hand experience, I cannot say I am not jealous, but I am also very pleased that you have had the opportunity. I memory that will never be forgotten. MUM
Just to reassure you that I am following the blogspot.
Watch for the bows and arrows, the bullets and guns, and the wild mustangs. Watch for the ancestors of dot settle they lerk among the bushes and there closes neighbours are the ormes. Part of the navaho tribe, they take scalps, stretch you out on ant hills in the midday sun. Then they stew you in the pot. They lerk in the bush awaiting their pray, they are a very proud race, watch out.
What can I say I'm jealous just to ride down the side of the canyon wall must be exhilarating and scary at the same time. Hey Jonny, I think I know why he sped home, and it's not what you might think, I think he wanted rid of you so he wanted you to fall off. You jnow I'm only kidding but it makes you think????
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