While a LQ trailer is nice, it
isn't a necessity. When I bought my last trailer, it was a 2-horse
gooseneck with a large dressing room which was insulated and paneled.
Totally empty. I had a mattress up on the gooseneck, added a table, some
folding chairs, some storage cabinets (from wal-mart or costco), used a camp
stove for cooking, port-o-potty in the horse box, and a Mr. Heater if it
got really cold. It was certainly much more comfortable and protected
than a tent. Once the trailer was paid for, I had full living quarters put
in. Now its REALLY comfortable, but I managed quite nicely without for a
few years. Call me a wuss, but now that I'm in my 60's, a little comfort
is appreciated.
Before the gooseneck, I hauled
bumper pulls for years with a van. The van was great for camping in.
I could set up a cot inside and be quite comfortable. It was a cargo van
with only two front seats - the rest empty except for all the junk I carried
around. It also worked great for dog showing.
I looked at the campers you put in
the bed of your truck, but I'd have to take it out after every ride and it
seemed like too much effort.
I agree with much of what you're saying, Jonni, even though this is my
first year of endurance, and I don't have a long personal history of the
sport, I can compare with only what I've read. I'm very fortunate to
live where I do, where most of the rides are in areas where you can do
one 50 mile loop, or two loops, rather than a series of small loops
coming back into camp. One thing that I really don't like is having a
lot of vet holds. I prefer having one vet hold (like the Duck has for
his rides). I have never had a crew, so when the vet hold is in camp
that's convenient for me, but I sure don't bask in AC, I'm usually in a
tent or in the back of my Bronco, not exactly "wussified" camping for me.
<G> No showers, either. Have to confess, I would love a hot
shower after a few days... ! Baby wipes and wet paper towels just aren't
the same.
I just got back from the Grand Canyon XP, I finished Day 1 and Day 2, and
regretfully left to come home yesterday morning. The change in the
weather was a big factor for me, because I was in a tent. The wind
literally whipped that tent all night Thursday night.
Exhausting. I have to say, I REALLY wish I had a LQ trailer or at least
a camper, because trying to sleep in a tent with high winds whipping it all
night - well, it's impossible. Yesterday morning, with a raging headache
and aching body (I felt like I had the flu!), I knew there was no way I
could ride another 50 miles. I did finish two days and I'm just sick
that I couldn't keep going. But I knew it was too much for me, and
didn't want to punish my horse by riding like a sack of potatos on his
back!
In short, some "improvements" like LQ trailers and meals cooked for the
riders in camp are GREAT. Annie always has lunch on the trail for
everyone, and has a hot meal after the ride, every night. On a
multi-day, that's so wonderful. Coming in late, like I do <G>, I
really appreciate having a ready-made dinner. I'd probably go to bed
hungry if I had to fix something.
The Grand Canyon XP trails are gorgeous, and I fully intend to
return next year. I'm so proud of my horse, Khid, in his and
my first year of endurance, we're up to 610 miles now - 300 of those
miles are from the Duck's rides. If I could, I'd go to all of
his rides, that's another one of my goals, to be a Gold XP Rider. I
just need a camper for my truck! <G>
