mentors

[Kay Mathews <kmathews@sierra.net>]

At the Fire Mtn ride last winter there was a designated "mom" for the 25
milers.  She posted herself at the "in gate" water trough with a big
smile.  What a sight! She  asked every one of those riders how they were
doing, checked every horse & rider over kind of causally, but with a
sharp eye,  and asked if they knew how to take a P&R and gave advice
about whether to put water on and where and dozens of other things like
loosing cinches, etc.  Then, if they didn't feel confident, she had
walked horse & rider to the vet &  explained the process & waited until
they were ready to go back to their trailer or whatever.  I heard her
tell someone," if he doesn't eat, come get me."   Then she waited in the
same spot until they ALL finished.  I thought this was a terrific idea
and more rides should adopt this.  I think she was able to identify the
first time riders from a meeting she held the nite before for LDers.