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Maybe this will start a new thread to
keep us chuckling until we can all get back in the saddle again.
When I first started riding I was
awake all night listening to my horse and worrying about everything I needed to
do in the morning. I looked out the camper window to check the horse ever 5
minutes in case she left.
I packed everything but the kitchen
sink into my saddlebags which would have passed as samsonite luggage. Took
enough food to feed a medium size army and enough water to bathe in.
I studied my map and wrote down every
detail the ride manager said at ride meetings. Made drawings for reference and
folded it neatly into a baggy in case it rained.
I made sure I had comfortable under
wear and socks having read the warnings on ridecamp about not having comfy
undies and warm socks.I packed toilet paper so if I was in a "just in case
situation" I would not have to sacrifice my favorite t-shirt sleeves. Another
thing I learned on ridecamp.
There are alot of small hints that
should be paid attention to from the ridecampers.
Then I got a few miles under my
saddle. I came to know and trust my horse. I finally could sleep most of the
night and quit carrying quite so much stuff. I never did give up the comfy undie
and sock idea. I even carry an extra pair of socks with me. They work great to
cover cinch buckles to protect from rubs in an emergency. Learned that from
having to give up a sock for that purpose. The horse did not rub but my foot in
a riding boot without a sock sure did. It took half the time to get ready in the
morning. All was going great.
Then a few more miles under the
saddle. 50 miles does not seem so far now. I sleep like a baby only waking up if
I feel my horse pulling on the trailer and then I lay and wait to see if she got
loose before I go looking. I carry a snack bar, extra socks and water.
(Electrolites goes without saying) I pack my stuff in the morning having it
kinda ready the night before but not quite.
Everything is going pretty
good.
I got to feeling pretty
confident!!! Got the tack figured out, partnered up with my horse. 50 miles
doesn't hurt any more. Completed a 100 mile ride and felt great. Managed a few
rides. Begin to really think I have this endurance riding figured
out.
Then it happens. Someone bangs
on the camper door at 5:45 am and says HAY AREN'T YOU TWO RIDING!!!!!
Start time is in 15 minutes. Went back to bed for just a few more minutes sleep
after getting up for the morning feed and fell fast a sleep.
Jump into my rubber boots, it is
raining so I grab my slicker.Tack the horses (had a junior riding my other
horse) wishing I had packed the night before cause you have zip in
your pack. Where the heck is the map??? Forget the map ... we are last so we
will just follow every one else. (Thank God for moms and dads of
juniors)
Run in the camper grab a bra and
stuff it into your slicker pocket. (any woman who has done 25 miles without a
bra will know how important this is)
We climb on the horses and head out
across the start line. All that took 20 minutes.
Hit the trail on very hot mares who
are not used to being at the back of the pack. Still wearing our pajamas and
rubber boots under our slickers. This ride was 25 mile loops so we were out for
most of the morning before we could get back to the camper. It was cool and wet
for the morning. I am sure if it had got hot and muggy we would have looked
quite the site riding along in flannel horsey jammies. Although I think my
horsey jammies look better then some of the clothes I wear riding...he he
he
Putting a sports bra on under pajamas
and a slicker while trotting down the trail should be right in there as a sport
with sponge throwing & bucket buddies.
Happy Trails to all
Paddi
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