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Re: [RC] [RC] OLD DOMINION!! - Elyse CarrenoAngie-Last year we came up with the process of getting off and fast walking down some of the trail and ripping up horse food as we walked (believe me, it really makes a HUGE difference in how good you feel, stretches muscles and works different ones for a little while). Some of the trail is so slow that you get tired of just sitting there, so it is a relief to both the horse and your muscles to get off and feel like you're doing something. I have bad knees too, and it actually makes them feel a lot better. We started pulling up grasses and leaves and holding them behind us for the horses to grab. My mare quickly learned and she would give me some time to rip stuff up, and then I would hold it behind me while walking, and she would catch up, take it from me, and slow up to let me get more. (All of this of course, while very quickly walking down the trail b/c of the slope. Who knew that a 5'1" person could have a 5 foot long stride? lol) I'll probably also shove carrots into anything that can hold a carrot for a quick horse snack without having to get off. I think Flora does this too. I'm attempting the 50 again this year (I say attempt because last year we got pulled at Liberty Hall at 46 miles!), and will probably at least start the ride with Jen (who knows if we'll be able to put up with each other after 30some miles of rocks, and may have to separate to prevent world war III ;-) ) Although the trail has this huge reputation, it's really beautiful out there, very rewarding, and I've been counting down the days till we get there! -Elyse in Va
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