Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Becky's blog is at http://feeds.endurance.net/beckyHart/

10.27.2008
More Crew!

We have some crew people in to help! Ann Crandell and Deb Bullis are  
here and do we ever need them. The riders have been handling  
everything from early and late feedings to stall cleaning and riding  
and hand walking. Jim and I pitch in to help get the chores done, but  
it is staill along day for the riders when we leave the hotel at 7:00  
ad get back around the same time in the evening. We seemed to have  
had another round of food poisoning among our group. Three of our  
group were feeing the effects today. Two were grooms, so the riders  
went out in the afternoon - high heat and humidty for another  
workout. this time they got to trot in 20 minute intervals. Grace,  
Ann and Deb went to one water point to pour water on the horses, JIm  
and I went to the other point. the was the fasted and hottest workout  
yet. Heartrates were still good, horses cooled down very fast at the  
end of the ride. JIm and I and the riders were very pleased to see  
how well the horses were able to handle it.

DeWayne Brown got in around 5:30. He will being staying the the  
luxurious "groom's room" suite at the venue. It may not have TV, but  
it does have very effective air conditioning. Now we have someone on  
site to handle the morning and evening feedings. That will be a big  
help to the riders.

For tomorrow, we have planned a long ride ride, around 20 miles. Ten  
days before the race we want to see how the horses handle a longer  
distance, assess their fitness levels, and draw blood again to  
evaluate electrolyte levels.

The riders are mentally and physically ready. They are a very close- 
knit team. They are staying focused and positive. The level of  
cooperation has really been outstanding. With the arrival of more  
grooms and extra people, the riders can now get some rest and  
concentrate on their primary purpose.

Our fun for the day: Jan's horse, Leon, is not fond of having his  
ears clipped. Jim Bryant decided to set a good example for Leon by  
sitting in his stall and letting Grace cut his hair with the  
clippers. Jim was very good - not kicking or biting at all. The fact  
the he let Grace cut his hair with horse clippers just shows how hot  
it can be here. Many pictures were taken, I'll try to get them  
posted. Leon, however, did not take the good example to heart, and  
finally Jim himself whispered in Leon's ear that the clipping would  
be for his own good. Leon listened to Jim and the job was done. Leon  
may not realize it but on the outside of the ears are many large  
veins and exposure to the air will help him cool down much more  
quickly than if we had left all the hair on.

It's 9:30pm and raining again. boy, did we pick the right night for  
the night ride! time for bed.


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