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What a great day! I got Tanna settled in his pen and sat in a chair under
our shade talking with Daniel when Katie came by. She hung out for awhile,
playing with our dog and chatting. It was fun to have her visit. Then Kelly
came with their 2 dogs and we just sat around and talked. What a great time.
Very relaxing and nice. After the vet check, they had waited for me a bit,
then had picked up their pace, deciding I wasn't coming. They had tied for
6th! Unfortunately, Kelly's saddle didn't fit Zeke very well and they
discovered he was back sore at the Best Condition judging.

After awhile, they departed to shower and take care of some things and
Daniel and I went into our camper and I made yummy grilled cheese
sandwiches. I was STARVED from missing lunch and being on the trail so long.
No low blood sugar, just an empty stomach.

Then we headed to the visitor's center to buy ice. That was a good walk that
limbered me up, probably helping with any soreness. We took the dog along
for company.

After that, I decided I wanted to take Serts on a ride since he'd been
cooped up for the whole day. I jumped on him bareback and ponied Tanna.
Daniel suggested we take Serts to weigh him. 950 pounds. Needs to slim down!
Then I rode out toward the stables, but didn't even get as far as that
before heading back. I didn't want to miss the awards.

I met Daniel on the way back and he walked with me to our camper. I made
sure Tanna had plenty of food and water, threw some more hay to Serts, and
we joined the group around the management tent. Most of them were eating or
finishing eating. We set our chairs near K&K and chatted until the awards.

Sure enough, I was the last to come in on the 30 miler. Since they started
with 30 milers and started with last place, I was the first to get my award.
Completion awards were nice wood picture frames with the BSF ride logo
carved into it. I also received a turtle award for coming in last. A tube of
Desitin and a pair of padded riding underwear! LOL.

I have no idea who won that ride, but I do remember Betsy Knight won the 50
miler, and came in second for BC. Also, Howard was pulled in the 50. Boy,
I'm full of info, huh? ;-)

After the awards, Daniel and I went back to our camper to make preparations
to leave the next day. Just as we were going to retire for the night, a
truck and trailer coming in for the Saturday ride, got stuck in the field
near our camper. So we watched that for awhile. Daniel offered the use of
his tow strap if they needed it.

Then Kelly came up with Zeke and said one of the vets had been looking at
her horse and her saddle using a thermal imaging digital camera. The vet
said her saddle didn't fit well, based on the heat pattern on the saddle
after running Zeke around a little with the saddle. She said somebody had
suggested to look at an Abetta. I said, "that's what I have." "Really, can I
see it?" I dragged out Daniel's saddle because it didn't have all the stuff
attached it  like mine does. Then she asked if we could put it on Zeke and
get the vet to check the fit. Sure. I grabbed my woolback pad and Kelly put
the saddle on Zeke, then I cinched him up.

The vet had Kelly run Zeke around a minute, then quickly took the saddle off
and took a picture with the camera. Verdict? The Abetta fit Zeke a lot
better than the saddle Kelly already had. There was more contact. More
contact means the weight and pressure is spread over a wider portion of the
back.

It was way cool. The vet let Daniel play with the camera some. That was
great!

Finally we headed back to our camper. We went to bed at 10. It had been 2
hours since we'd first said we were going to bed! LOL.

SABBATH

In the morning, I leisurely got up and then glanced out the window at Tanna.
I didn't see him, but I did see his corral panel open! I freaked out and
jerked open the door. Whew, there was Tanna, just out of sight of the
window, still in his pen, standing by Serts. I went outside and pulled the
panel back into position. Gonna have to secure that! Daniel said Serts
must've walked the panel around by pushing on the ratchet straps in the
middle of the night. Good thing Tanna didn't feel like going for a walk!!

We packed up in good time and Daniel pulled the truck and trailer out onto
the gravel road before loading the horses to spare them any rough riding
through the field if he had to go a bit fast to keep from getting stuck. No
problems.   The horses loaded well, and we were off.

What a great ride! I had the BEST time! I met some really nice people and
thoroughly enjoyed myself. Thanks to the ride management and all the
volunteers that worked to get this ride on. It was perfect weather, too!
Thanks!

April
Nashville, TN


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