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Very encouraging thank you Katee.  Will you be doing the ride this year?

 

D'Arcy

On Thu, Jun 26, 2008 at 11:21 AM, Advantage Saddles <owensall@xxxxxxx> wrote:

I have ridden the Fireworks ride many times over the years including its very first year.  I  personally love this ride, including the start.  It should be mentioned that the start is controlled, single file, on a narrow trail cut into the hill which winds downhill, crosses a small creek and then goes directly uphill from there.  Some horses that are not experienced at crossing water, or are not good at being in a tight situation at the start of a ride while they are still wound up, can misbehave.  If one horse gets to the water crossing and refuses, it holds up the entire rest of the group as there is no way around, unless they are so kind as to move to the right and let others by.
The only other part that I would say is a possible issue is the San Lorenzo river crossing, much wider but not very deep, several miles later.  There are boulders to negotiate, not difficult, but again, on a horse that is not accustomed to water crossings it might be a challenge.  There is a picture of us crossing it on my webpage if anyone cares to see.
I would not take a horse that has issues with crossing water, unless you want to make it a good training ride and not hold up everyone else.  I suggest you preride the trail the day before and go across both water crossings to negotiate the best place to cross and to show your horse that it is no big deal.  That way you'll have no difficulty the day of the ride.
The scenery is absolutely gorgeous and the weather is normally quite mild, especially compared to any inland location.  Redwoods and ferns are everywhere in the morning, and there are ocean views during the middle section of the trail.  The food is marvelous and the ride management is very experienced so things tend to go rather smoothly.  One of my favorite rides ever!
Katee

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D'Arcy L. Demianoff-Thompson
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