One of the biggest challenges for the
trip was obtaining the necessary permit from the National Park Service, which is only necessary if you plan to spend the night. Completing the round trip in one day is not recommended for people riding horseback. Approximately 30,000 people (including hikers) apply every year, but only about 12,000 party permits are approved by Grand Canyon National Park, thus limiting park use.
Most people ride the rental mules
down, so it is a rare request to ride your own horse. Mike spent days on the phone before he found someone who knew the answers regarding permits. A month after submitting his application, Mike received word that the permit had been approved. Then the planning began. The three
men needed two pack horses to carry the horse feed, tent, sleeping bags, and sup- plies. The horses needed to be conditioned for the trip, remain calm around hikers with backpacks and umbrellas, and also be willing to cross a swinging bridge.
Dave and
Ken planned to ride two of Dave’s Quarter Horses; Mike would ride one
Many areas of Bright Angel Trail are too narrow for passing...
of his gaited Rocky Mountain Horses and pony his other two. Some people think gaited horses are main- ly show horses; however, they are known for their calm disposition and sure-footedness in mountain riding.
After arriving at the Grand Canyon
two days before their departure date, they checked in at the rental mule barn to see
Above: The outstanding views seemed to also be enjoyed by the horses.
On previous page (10), Ken Smith looks down upon the trail far below that he and his companions and horses will be traversing — part of the 5,000 feet elevation change to the bottom.
what time they would be given to embark. As there is no motorized transporta-
tion, dude strings of mules carrying riders and working strings taking supplies down, make the trip daily. Since many areas of
continued on page 49... HORSE TRAINING 4th Annual Top Notch
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