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I have several photos of me and my horse (of that particular day) climbing Cougar Rock.  In each one, I have a look of absolute concentration and some fear on my face.  I treasure these photos.  I don't think I would do it again.  After seeing some of the horses' reactions to the obstacle (in the video), I just gasped.  I had a nasty fall once, had the horse land on top of me, broke 4 ribs, lost a tooth and cracked some others.  I think were I to approach Cougar Rock again, I would take the detour.  But then, I'm a bit of a chicken when it comes to falling.  My worst nightmare....

 

Barbara

----- Original Message -----

From: Cunningham, Marci

To: 'ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx'

Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 10:46 AM

Subject: [RC] Cougar Rock

My first climb over Cougar Rock was during the old Capital to Capital ride in 1987.  I expected a much longer climb but it was over before I realized it.  In 1992 I attempted my first Tevis and one of my goals was to get a good Cougar Rock picture.  Before anyone criticizes someone for attempting to climb the rock you have to realize that the most coveted picture for most endurance riders is one going over Cougar Rock.  In 1992 I got a great Cougar Rock picture even though I didn?t get a buckle.  I came back in 1993 and got both a picture and a buckle.  My heart was pounding for both pictures and there was no bypass in those days.  In 2001 I won an entry and went back to Tevis.  The bypass was available and I took it but got pulled at Dusty Corners, the same place I was pulled in 1992, and I didn?t get a picture or a buckle.  I can see the reason for offering the bypass but going over Cougar Rock is part of the Tevis mystic.  Would Wendell Robie be turning over in his grave if he knew about the bypass?

 

Marci Cunningham