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Miguel and I finished this ride, with a few adventures along the way, with
turtle ride times of around 6:50. Considering the deep sand and high heat
and humidity, this would have been a respectable mid-pack finish in the US.
They really do ride faster here in Argentina.

We had a fun day though. All of the Pavlovsky horses were stabled at Susana
Lima's place, around 8km from the Hippocampo (where the ride takes place).
Susana was also in Dubai for the WEC, it was fun to see her here on her home
turf. She and Mercedes Tapia rode the 120km ride together, I suspect they
had a lot to talk about. The experiences that riders share at the Big events
are very significant. I've noticed that horses that do 100 mile rides
together remember each other for life. I think it's similar with riders.
(not that we'd ever actually forget each other, but the friendships and
acquaintances take on a new level).

The 80km distance was scheduled to begin at 7AM - one hour after the 120's
left. To arrive here with the horse, from Susana's place, would mean being
at the stable before 5am, saddling up, and ponying or riding the horses to
the Hippocampo. I've had a persistent cold the past week, fairly tired and
whiney in general. Miguel took pity on me and offered to bring my horse
over, I could meet them at the Hippocampo. A short hesitation... and a
grateful thankyou! An extra hour of sleep would be wonderful. Miguel is an
extrodinarily dedicated, hard-working, focused individual. His generosity
never ceases to amaze me, in many ways.

John and I drove over from the hotel (10 minute drive) and met up with the
horses and crew. Pinney's were handed out, vet cards arranged, crewing area
set up (a formidable vetting area for so many Pavlovsky horses and riders).
I would ride Miguel's mare Mora Afamada - a very tall, very strong,
beautiful gray mare. She had only recently been brought back from extended
rest (a minor tendon injury 1 1/2 yrs ago) and was a little plump still, a
little anxious about being out in the big world, and a little hard to
mount... but once on board a wonderful ride. Very nice mare - big strong
steady gaits, a ride that is easy on the body. Miguel was riding a gelding
from the farm that was fairly inexperienced, so we planned on a conservative
ride (by Argentine standards...). Pablo, Miguel's son-in-law would ride Mora
Furiosa - a feisty gray mare with a lot of drive. She had had a series of
mishaps in the previous months (halter moments) so her debut kept getting
extended. Hopefully this would be a good ride for her.  There were 8
Mora/Moro horses entered in total - plus the 4 grandchildren and Andie (one
of Miguel's sons) doing the children's ride with Susana's horses. Everybody
here pitches in and helps though - when not riding, you're helping. Just
like home. It's quite the event.

The first loop was pure heaven. Although I kept thinking, as we were
galloping along, 'this is conservative??', I had the luxury of being the
guest, being a happy follower, not to worry, just ride and enjoy. We hit the
beach around 5km from camp, and then 20 km of galloping along the coastline.
10km out to a check point, and then a 10km return. On the way out the horses
were a little worried about the waves, skittering out when a wave broke
long - plus the stray beach comber, fisherman, dog, crabnets - it was fun.
We passed under a pier at one point, 7 horses galloping together, and 7
horses coming to a screeching halt, a reiner's move, when just as we were
ready to ride under the pier walkway, a man and fishing pole made his
appearance above. It made great tracks in the sand :)

We started spreading out a little along the coastline, those intent on a
competetive ride stretching out their lead. After the checkpoint and water,
we headed back down the coast, repeating the trail back to camp. This time
the horses were loving the water, choosing to gallop in the shallow waves. I
think the water was cool and fresh, and maybe a little fun. For the riders,
for me, it was definitely fun!!

Back to camp, a decent pulse down, though my plump mare took a little
longer. Fun doing vet stuff in a different language... I can understand most
of it, especially when discussing vet scores, but still have to leave a
little to faith.

The second loop was a little more eventful. The horses still felt strong,
and I still thought (this is conservative???) but had faith in Miguel and
his horses. But around 5km out, the stirrup leather on Miguel's saddle
broke. He tried to fix it, ended up tieing the stirrup on with the single
strap of the leather and hooking the buckle on to the saddle stirrup leather
hanger. Less then optimum, but it seemed that it might work. But it didn't.
We made it to the beach again, for another stretch along the coast, but just
as we hit the sand the leather broke again. There was nothing left to patch
at this point.

A small voice from a nearby pickup emerged, a friendly face, an exchange in
Spanish between Miguel and the voice, and our guardian angel appeared. Marta
Acunado, with an extra stirrup leather and stirrup came to the rescue. What
luck! She was parked there waiting for her friend who was riding just in
front of us, and just happened to have extra tack!  Not only luck, but again
life in full circle. While Miguel struggled with attaching the new stirrup
leather onto his saddle (not designed for easy exchange) Marta and I
blithely chatted away. Her English is perfect, having spent many years as an
Argentine ex-pat. She competes in Show Jumping, and for her Endurance is for
fun - for relief - for the experience of participating in a sport where
humans and equines are so closely bound - where everybody counts and
everybody cares. The riders, trainers, ride managers, helpers, grooms, all
are important, and all willing to help each other.

Marta also took the opportunity to tell me how closely she had been
following the events in Dubai and Abu Dhabi - how much she appreciated the
coverage and stories that we provide on Endurance Net. She said  "I've been
meaning to send you email, thanking you for the 'real-life' adventures, but
I guess I'll thank you in person instead!" What fun, what a cool thing to be
standing there, on the coast of Argentina, talking of horses and Dubai and
comraderie (while Miguel was still grunting and sweating over his saddle and
stirrup leather...).

Finally, we were ready to ride again. The new stirrup leather wasn't exactly
the right length, but ok to go. Another loverly, but shorter, ride along the
coast and back, this time 'my' mare was really seeking the water, so lots of
splashing. We made it back to camp, a little more relaxed, at this point
confirmed tail-enders. It was really really hot now - humid, and no air. The
feeling before a storm - Miguel said they call it 'pesado' which translates
to 'heavy'. And it was hot and heavy. The horses took longer to pulse down
this time, especially my chubby mare. But vetted ok, not perfect - a little
dehydrated - but good to go.

By now the crewing area had transformed into a small lake. Team Pavlovsky
had two home-made water cooling pumping things set up - a water pump hooked
to a car battery - pumping cold water out of big tanks, with hoses and
nozzles to cool the horses. The tanks are covered with spray-on foam for
insulation - interesting design, slightly resembling a large fungus- and
capable of rapidly cooling the horses. With 8 horses to cool, in a fairly
small area, and a very enthusastic crewing team, things were getting pretty
wet. We waded through the hold, sorting through saddle racks, tack, crew and
small children (more grandchildren than horses) and headed out on the next
loop.

This loop was through town - to the outskirts of Pinamar - dirt roads
winding through the neighborhoods where the 'regular' folk live. Old men
sitting outside their houses, children playing games in the road, folks on
bicycles and scooters, ponies tied in the back yards, laundry hanging
between trees, smells of fried food, and the ubiquitous barking chasing
dogs. Dogs everywhere! It was actually fun riding these roads, lots to look
at, lots of friendly smiles and waves and questions from the big-eyed kids.
And a smile and wave always got a smile and wave in return.

Miguel and I were pretty relaxed by now - walking, trotting, some cantering,
and lots of talking. No hurry. 'If you can't win, you might as well make a
pretty good showing at being last'. Marta's friend was riding either in
front or behind most of the day, and she was always there to tell us when we
missed a turn (too much talking :) . Back to camp, the lake was getting
larger, vetting through, and then one more short 10km loop. Relaxed and
pleasant. It was really hot and heavy still but the horses felt strong. I
think 'my' mare, Mora Afamada is quite good - even with minimal conditioning
and a lot of extra weight, she was strong all day - lots of impulsion, great
attitude. Very nice horse.

We finished with a nice trot - tried to tie for last place, but Miguel's
horse spooked at the finish gate. The grandkids had been threatening to
throw the last finisher in the water tank all day - so I knew I was safe at
this point! But determined to help save Miguel from the soggy fate.

By now the little lake was a huge lake. And all the other 80km riders had
finished (we had been looped by the others) so all pitched in to help.
Pulsed the horses down with what was left of the water (in the tanks) and
vet and trot for completion. Finished! All of the Mora/Moro horse had
finished except Mora Furiosa - eliminated at the last check, front end
lameness. Probably still sore in the shoulder from the wreck she a month
ago - panicking from a rope which she caught under her belly, and tightened
the rope under her arm. I felt bad for Pablo, he's still fairly new to the
sport, but already loves it - and totally enthusiastic. He had a good ride,
but it sure is nice to have a good finish too!

We had a nice dinner and closing ceremony at one of the beach restaurants
that night (starting at 9:30 - the Argentines have late dinners compared to
the US!). Very friendly affair, lots of support and cheering. I have a
lovely little plate enscripted with the ride name, date and placing. Nice.

Steph



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