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Ashley Wingert’s account of the Man Against Horse 2010 ride, from the perspective of crewing and booting:
“It’s rocky out there. Really rocky.”
That was the most-often heard sentiment expressed on Saturday by riders as they came into the vet checks of the 27th annual Man Against Horse Race in Prescott, Arizona. Seems that the spring snowmelt combined with the summer rains had cleared some of the protective layer of dirt off the trail, leaving behind even more exposed rock than normal.
This was my fifth year at this ride, held this year on Saturday, October 2nd. It’s always a sentimental ride for me, as it was the first AERC 25 I ever did. This year, I wasn’t riding, but instead had the opportunity to lend a hand to Kirt and Gina Lander of Renegade® Hoof Boots.
Friday afternoon was a busy time of fitting new boots, evaluating old boots (I have to say, I am impressed with the wear and lifespan people are getting out of their Renegades. Average seems to be about 500-600 miles, depending on the type of surface and footing.), and trimming hooves. Every time I watch Kirt work, I learn something new about trimming or technique. I’ve been doing my own trimming now for the better part of a year and a half, with Kirt’s guidance and input along the way, and it was very gratifying to see that I’m “getting it.”
The weather was much warmer than average for this time of year – 91* when I got to camp Friday afternoon. 91*??? That’s only 10* cooler than the sweltering Phoenix I thought I left behind for the weekend!
Fast forward to ride morning, and after watching both the 50s and 25s head off over the hills, it was time to pack up the truck and head up to the first vet check at 16 miles, Mingus Springs Camp. The couple of hours at that check flew by, between checking how boots were holding up to the trail (very well), making a couple adjustments, and lending a hand wherever I could. Crewing in that fashion is always very educational, and I picked up a few new tips and tricks I will be incorporating into my gear set-up and my riding strategy.
The 25-milers started showing up about an hour or so after we had been up there, so the whole process of boot checking/adjusting/horse-holding began again. After seeing most of the 25s into the check, it was time for me and Kirt to head out again, and up to the second vet check for the 50s – Mingus Mountain Recreation Area at 33 miles into the ride.
Riders slowly trickled in, with reports of just how rocky the trail was, although the climb up Mingus was improved over previous years. It was comparatively warmer at the top of the mountain this year – a mixed blessing. While it made for a tougher climb, there was also a little less worry about horses standing around in the cold air for 45 minutes and potentially cramping after such a tough climb.
We stayed at the top of the mountain for the first ten or so riders to come through, then headed down to ridecamp in order to be back in time to see the winners come through.
By the time we got back, all of the 25s that completed within the allowed time were in, and we were regaled with stories of the rest of the ride while we all waited for the first 50s. It’s always a toss-up as to who will win: for quite a few years, it was a runner that came away with the first-place buckle. But in the last five years, it’s been a horse that has swept the race.
This year was no exception: Dayna Weary on ‘Maximum Heat’ caught the first-place runner in the last two miles and came across the finish line in first place. The first-place runner followed behind her several minutes later.
About 20 minutes later, the second-place horse and rider came into view: Linda Morelli and ‘Falling Leaf,’ long-time Renegade® boot users! From this point on, I ended up missing the rest of the finishers coming in, as I ended up crewing for Linda and helping to cool, untack, and vet Leaf out for his completion – his 3,000 mile completion!
Best Condition went to Dayna Weary and “Max,” who looked as good at the end of the ride as he did at the start.
The Top Ten in both distances featured several Renegade® boot users.
Another weekend of good reports and happy riders. Good job and congratulations to everyone that completed this tough ride!
Oh, and the second-most heard sentiment out there?
“I’m really glad for my Renegades.”
See you down the trail,
Ashley Wingert
Gilbert, AZ
