Native American Culture

Saddle Up for the 2022 Annual Navajo Nation Council Trail Ride

Written by

As with everything else in the Navajo Nation, the Annual Navajo Council Trail Ride is rich in Navajo history. The ride’s participants have been traveling to various chapters all week before arriving at the capital for the summer council session.

Delegate Mark Freeland rode with several others during the 2021 Trail Ride which took place the third weekend of July last year. The Navajo Nation is the country’s largest reservation at 27,000 square miles (70,000 square kilometers) and it spreads through parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. Prior to the opening day of the council session, delegates from each of the chapters travel several miles through different Navajo communities as they make their way to the capital of the Navajo Nation, Window Rock, Arizona.

The Navajo Council Trail Ride Tradition

The Trail Ride is an annual occurrence that honors past leaders who rode on horseback or in horse-drawn wagons from their home areas to Council sessions. Throughout their journey to the capital, they would visit with fellow Navajo Nation members to listen to their concerns so they could advocate for them at the Council sessions. The story goes, that Window Rock is the most equal distance to all the chapters. So back in the old days, it wouldn’t take longer than a couple of days ride no matter where you were in the Navajo Nation. The ride is also a way of trying to pass on good horsemanship to the younger generations.

Credit to the Navajo Nation Council Facebook

Typically, riders would work their way to Window Rock, with stops at Tse agizi, Kaibeto, Tonelea, Coalmine, Tolani Lake, Teesto, Klagetoh, and Oak Springs, among others. Throughout their journey, riders are hosted by community members or local chapters during the trek. Each rider needs a driver to follow along to carry camping equipment and supplies. The trail riders try to make between 14 to 20 miles a day and their horses are watered about every 5-6 miles. A normal day on the trail will typically start at 4 A.M. as they get up and take care of their horses. Breakfast is served at 7 A.M. and the day’s journey begins an hour later. To follow the journey going on this weekend, you can check out the Navajo Nation Council Facebook page.

Cowboy Lifestyle

The Cowboy Lifestyle Network is the Online Western Enthusiast Social Hub. A community that pursues the western lifestyle and lives the cowboy ideal. Information and entertainment for the whole family inside the country world.

Share
Written by

Recent Posts

Largest Single Women’s Pro Rodeo Event Payout in History – Kimes Ranch Million $ Breakaway

The Kimes Ranch Million $ Breakaway features top female ropers competing for one million dollars. Read More

16 hours ago

Peace of Mind in the Heart of Ocotillo: Phoenix ER Has You Covered

Phoenix ER in Downtown Ocotillo Plaza offers quick emergency care, minimal wait times, expert staff,… Read More

3 days ago

Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Fashion at Shoppers Supply

As the annual Wrangler National Finals Rodeo approaches, western fashion is in the spotlight, and… Read More

3 days ago

Gilbert Days Rodeo 2024

Once recognized as the “Hay Shipping Capital of the World,” Gilbert, Arizona has quickly expanded,… Read More

1 week ago

Million $ Breakaway Announces Musical Line Up, Tickets On Sale Now

Kimes Ranch Set to Host Historical Women’s Professional Rodeo Event in Scottsdale, AZ SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.… Read More

2 weeks ago

Heart Horses: The Healing Impact of Healing Horsemanship for Veterans

On Veterans Day, we honor those who have valiantly served their country, paying homage to… Read More

2 weeks ago