In general, we took things pretty
slow, knowing there was always lots more terrain coming – and of course,
the rocks!Kit is an amazing
drinker.She might not drink at the
first couple opportunities, but once she starts, she doesn’t miss even a
mud puddle.I think she drinks more
volume than any horse I’ve ever seen, including our mustangs.Of course I had visions of a ruptured
stomach after all the recent conversations on Ridecamp, but I let her do what
she needed to do with eating and drinking and she always looked good.
The third day gets us into the slick
rock area where all the stories of the outlaws and Morman
pioneers abound.To get there, you
have to ride over more rocks than you’d otherwise see in a lifetime, but
the horses handled it really well.We led a lot.I was happy
that I had easyboots on in the slickrock
area – much grippier than shoes.Kit wanted to really move except in the
deep sand, she didn’t like that at all.
But some of the other things about
this ride that are really nice is that at the ride meeting every night,
Crockett tells stories about his experiences in the area and the history
he’s kicked up.There were
several people with other stories to add.And many of the riders had done this ride many times so it was really
nice wandering around talking to people.Sharon and Crockett are so great – they know every riders name and
find something special to say and unique awards for everyone.And in general, everyone that did this
ride was really great to talk to or ride with.
I think this ride is also an amazing
bonding experience between horse and rider.I’m sure many multi-days have that
effect.But it is just amazing to
see what your horse is really capable of getting you through – and then
still wanting more.I think Cody
got LDBC 2 days and
in the end tied with another horse for overall LDBC.Stace got a
gorgeous picture of a horse and falcon that I’m going to have to steal
some day.
So for those of you that
haven’t done this ride, take any opportunity you can to dowhatever ride Sharon and
Crockett put on – you’ll have memories to last a lifetime.
