On August 6th, 2025 The XP Riders lost Karen Fredrickson, a friend to all who knew her. Karen was much more than just a friend to the Nicholson Family. She was an XP Board member and was frequently called upon for advice. Her wise counsel often tempered my quick temper. Karen was always there to offer advice for the XP Rides, as well as advice and encouragement for matters on our small Colorado farm. I can’t begin to express the pain in our hearts from this loss. A full copy of her obituary can be found at the link below.

https://xprides.com/our-friend-karen-fredricksons-obituary/

Our Next Ride

Colorado Fall Color XP

September 26-27-28, 2025

 A General Description of this ride is a no frills, low budget, relaxed training ride that will offer riders an opportunity to camp out with friends and ride around the one of the most scenic mountain ranges in the world. The camp is in a beautiful meadow, a short way off of a paved road.  Basic necessities are available eight miles away in Mancos.  The trails consist of single track mountain trails and 48 inch OHV trails mixed with some Forest Service roads.  There is abundant natural water on the trail.  The ride takes place during the fall color season when the aspen trees are turning yellow and gold.  The pictures replace a thousand words.  This is a time of year when the weather can change quickly in the mountains so be prepared with layered clothing. Fifty years ago we all rode with a slicker tied onto the back of our saddles as afternoon showers were the rule instead of the exception.  I have no idea why modern riders have abandoned that practice.  The footing varies from soft dirt to rocky so hoof protection is recommended.

Click on https://xprides.com/colorado-fall-color-xp-2/ for more information

Entry Fees

The following is our basic fee structure for 2025:

LD and Endurance Distances are $135.00 / PayPal $140.50

Juniors, Intro riders and XP club riders are $100 / PayPal $104.00

Riders who are not current members of AERC riding an AERC LD or Endurance ride pay an additional $20.00 non-member fee per day. $155.00 / PayPal $161.20

Riders who enter within 4 days of a ride add $15.00 post entry fee

REFUND POLICY

Cancellation Refunds:  Ride entry withdrawal requests received via email on/before 1800 on the 7th day prior to the first day of the ride will receive a full refund. There will be an administrative fee for refunds during the week prior to the ride. No refund for withdrawals within for no shows.

AERC has raised their non member fee to $20.00 per day.  AERC non members are charged a day member fee of $20.00 to participate in the AERC sanctioned ride.  This does not apply to the intro/fun/xp club rides.

Mail your checks to Ann Nicholson at 19898 Road V, Lewis, CO 81327 or you can use PayPal and send to entry@xprides.com. When you make the payment let us know by return email that you are coming and which days you are planning on riding.

HEALTH CERTIFICATES

All states where we hold rides generally require a CVI (health certificate) for equines crossing state lines. There may be an exception between some states that border each other, like CA and OR and you should either check with your veterinarian or look up that information online.

Weed free certified hay is required on all public lands in the United States.  Weed free pellets are usually available at feed stores in the area.

AWARDS

Individual awards are available for the fastest time and best condition each day.  An overall award will be given to the horse and rider finishing in the fastest time for all four days.  An overall best condition award for the horse that completes all four days in the best condition will also be awarded.  Completion awards will be given to all successful horse and rider teams.

Entry Fees:

AERC per day    $135.00 check  or $140 PayPal for members. $155.00 per day check or $160.00 per day for non members. Please make sure your membership is current as we will be charged an extra $20.00 per day for the AERC daily non member fee. THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO PAY FOR THE AERC NON MEMBER FEES ARE THOSE WHO ARE RIDING THE AERC ENDURANCE OR LIMITED DISTANCE RIDES. INTRO RIDERS, FUN RIDERS OR XP CLUB RIDERS DO NOT PAY THE AERC NON MEMBER FEE.

XP per day           $110.00 check or $115 PayPal

Payment can be sent to 19898 Road V, Lewis, CO 81327 or entry@xprides.com via Paypal.

All riders will automatically become members of XP Riders when they participate in an XP Ride. 

We appreciate the online pre-entries as it helps us plan and reduces the last minute bookkeeping, but we welcome last minute entries on site as well.

Phone 907 209 8881 or 970 880 0150 for Dave 

email duck@xprides.com

Phone 907 821 1819 for Annie  e-mail annie@xprides.com

If you find something confusing or in error in this message please contact me personally and I will clear it up.

If you are not a paid up AERC member we will assume you are riding the XP Club ride and the results will not be turned into AERC.

For more information contact Ride Manager:

Ann Nicholson, 907-821-1819

Dave Nicholson, 970 880 0150

Enter this ride.

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