KIOWA-, Colo.-Jeanne Sharpe, formerly of Unionville, Pa., moved to Kiowa, Colo., and hunts with Comanche Creek, a pack of foxhounds that hunts coyote.

Amy McCracken Sharpe continues to read The Horse of Delaware Valley, often sends in photos, and sent this story.

"Our Huntsman Amy McCracken participated successfully in the most recent Gaucho Derby, a ride of 500 kilometers over the wild and rugged terrain of Patagonia in the Rocky Mountains for 10 days." said Sharpe.

Amy finished 15th out of 43 riders.

Competitors rode horses provided by the competition, drawing for the horse that they would ride each day.

"Our horses could never do this," said Sharpe. "The terrain and weather is very unforgiving. Winds alone were often 80 mph, and there was hail, rain, heat and cold These are Patagonia bred and raised horses. The terrain is very steep Rocky Mountains and steep valleys. There's deep water to cross." 

Riders get at least one horse a day," said Sharpe. "Some riders lost their horses and or gear and then had to walk carrying their stuff. Riders are penalized at Vet checkpoints if their horse has a saddle rub or has a too high heart rate. The ride is very well monitored."

"Some horses were just too wild for a particular rider to continue with, and they would redraw another horse," said Sharpe. "Riders had to help one another and tried to ride in small groups. They hobble horses at night since they are out on the range."

 

"IT WAS AN incredible venture at the Gaucho Derby," said McCracken. "The land was vast and wild.The horses were generous, honest and tough,"

Amy McCracken "Out there, it's simple. Ride. Care for your horse. Sleep. Repeat.

"The experience strips everything down to what matters,

"The wind, the dust, the sun, the silence at night. It all seeps into you in a way that's hard to explain.

"I didn't take many photos. I was too busy being there, soaking in every kilometer, every horse, every horizon,

"I finished 15th and found myself riding alongside some truly remarkable humans along the way. Those shared stretches across open country are moments I'll always carry.

"And the crew, What an extraordinary team. The logistics, the care for the horses, the hard work behind the scenes, Thank you for creating something so raw and epic for us to experience.

"All of me wishes I was still out there," said McCracken. " Nothing bu land and sky ahead on the back of a horse, I;\'m grateful beyond words."