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[RC] Shore to Shore...a must do - Tracy BlueI wanted to share with everyone my wonderful experience at the Michigan Shore to Shore ride this year. This is my third year to do the ride. The first year I did all five days without a crew.
The second year I did all five days with a crew. This year I took a junior with me and we did four of the days and my husband crewed....he was GREAT!!
Before doing the ride for the first time, many people warned me about the difficulties of a point to point ride and about the sand. Some said they wouldn't "subject" their horse to that type of ride. Always one not to completely trust the opinions of others, I decided to check it out for myself. I loaded up my 10 year old QH Bud and made for Michigan.
Yes, there was sand. But, not as much as one would think. Lots of absolutely beautiful wooded trails, sandy trails, some roads, water crossings and beautiful campsites. The most magnificent part of the ride was the people. The ride manager and vets were wonderful and riders and crews were always there to lend a helping hand.
Year two I just had to return. I felt like I was going to a family reunion and couldn't wait to see the friends I had made. Again, it was magical.
This year, I took with me a thirteen year old junior, Dani, who had only done one other endurance ride, and aside from a dozen or so lessons over two years had only started trail riding several months ago. I entrusted her to my 8 year old QH Arbus, who himself, had never done more than a 50 mile ride during any one weekend. We rode Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday morning found Arbus off in the rear and unable to go. We took the day off and rode again on Friday. To sum it all up, at the finish on Friday, Dani asked if she could do it again next year! She had the best time, made many new friends and smiled ear-to-ear for the entire week. Both horses came in to every vet check pulsed down to the required 60 bpm and neither one was given any electrolytes.
This ride may not happen in the future if it doesn't get more riders. Please, please treat yourself to this experience!! You can ride all five days, all seven days, or one or two or whatever you want. Everyone is accomodating and you can always find someone to help you through. The trail is marked extremely well and the scenery is amazing. The terrain is not as tough as some would suggest and except for a couple 'gnat clouds' one day there were no bugs. You also get the added bonus of several rides for one gas price! Please consider doing this ride next year, I promise you'll want to come back every year following.
Thanks Wayne, Rae, Barney and especially my friend and inspiration; Joe. I love you all!!
Tracy Blue
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