Tonto Twist Endurance Ride
Jan 14-15, 2023
Apache Junction, AZ
Now in its sixth year running, the Tonto Twist ride, run by ride manager Lancette Koerner (and assistant ride managers Ellen Hickey and Ashley Wingert, and a small army of amazing, helpful volunteers, including the Apache Junction Mounted Rangers) returned to the foothills of the Superstition and Goldfield Mountains in Apache Junction, Arizona. This year, the ride offered a 50-mile ride on day 1, and a 25-mile ride on day 2.
The 50-mile course in particular is not easy, with a 30-mile first loop, and several miles of technical, rocky terrain that demands to be ridden with consideration. There were a few lameness pulls by the end of the day as the course took its toll, but riders were careful and attentive, and no horses needed any veterinary treatment all weekend. There were 34 starts in the 50, with 26 finishers. For the first time, a 25-mile Limited Distance ride was offered this year on Sunday, and 37 riders eagerly headed out (in the pouring rain) to experience the new distance and routes. 34 riders finished the LD.
Renegade Hoof Boots is a sponsor of the Tonto Twist ride, donating a pair of boots for each distance for the ride to award. This year, boots were awarded to the mid-pack finishers of each distance. In the 50-mile ride, Kim Lipko won a pair of boots, and in the 25-mile, Ellen Hickey took home a pair.
The 50-mile ride’s first finishers were equal first across the line: Susie Kramer and WMA Bandy the Clown, and Mary Jane Fridley and Mustang Magic SRA. Best Condition was Mary Jane Fridley and Mustang Magic SRA.
The 25-mile ride was won by Tammy Simpson and TWC Rock My World. Best Condition was Marianne Martin and Starbuck.
Renegades were well-represented on the trail, with over a dozen riders between both distances relying on the performance-proven protection of the boots against the desert terrain.
As we head into the 2023 ride season, we want to hear from you! Riders, send us your ride news and ride photographs…submissions each month will be entered in drawing to win a pair of boots!
Photos courtesy of Marianne Martin and Ashley Wingert