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Fwd: [RC] Racing to finish the National Championship 50 - April&Alamahn's Story - Kassandra DiMaggio



Kassandra DiMaggio
On the run!

Begin forwarded message:

From: Kassandra DiMaggio <kassandrad@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: September 15, 2009 2:18:48 PM PDT
To: Endurance Net <ridecamp@xxxxxxxxx>
Cc: Ridecamp Alexandria <ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: [RC] Racing to finish the National Championship 50 - April&Alamahn's Story

Just for clarification to April and to those who were not there....

Riders were to only enter the pulse box/ arena to the vets when they knew their horses pulse was down to criteria, which was set all day at 64. This requirement to wait to vet your horse until its pulse is down to the set pulse is the same at all AERC rides.  The CRI requirement was for those riders finishing in the top ten wishing to show for the AERC best condition and is standard at AERC rides.

The CRI has nothing to do with FEI requirements. 

All the horses ( a short list) that were rifing FEI had an F behind their number on their rump and had 30 min to pulse down.  All of the vets and staff were very clear on this. 

I think you are confused with what the CRI is for. Our head vet Dr Rob Lydon (AERC) told all the riders at the ride meeting if you finish in the top ten and wish to present for BC you must show your horse within 15 min of your finish. This is not mandatory, riders have the choice not to show.  You exercise that choice by not bringing your horse to the arena where the pulse box/ vets are until you and your horse are ready.  

AERC riders have 1 hour from the finish to pulse down to 64bpm at the Championships.

April, it was a learning experience like you told me.  And whether you wear a helmet or not is your choice as an adult.  I don't think you owe anyone any explanation or apologies. The finish was very exciting! 

Kassandra DiMaggio
On the run!

On Sep 15, 2009, at 12:57 PM, Endurance Net <ridecamp@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Forwarded by Request:
======
From: april cyrek
Date: September 15, 2009 11:57:59 AM PDT
Subject: Racing to finish the National Championship 50

We trained all year with the championships in mind. I tested the
fitness of Alamahn and myself by going to a couple rides, but mostly
training rides.
We started in the front and coming into the first vet check Alamahns
pulse was the first to come down. I had no crew at the check and a
fellow named Brad, who I had met at a previous ride and who also won
2nd in the FEI 100 Championship, saw us alone and offered his help. He
also had a friend with him Dwayne, who was very interested in Alamahn
and his bloodlines. I was a minute or so in the lead leaving the check
but it wasn't long down the road when I hear the thunder of hooves
behind me. The pace was faster the second loop, someone with a GPS
said we averaged 19mph at times. We galloped downhill, uphill, it was
mentioned that I set a fast pace, but nobody was slowing. Closing in
on the lunch check I was the only gal in the group of three guys,
mostly them in front, we came in you could tell, it looked like I had
been running a bulldozer all day. Again, Alamahn pulsed down first
giving me a 30sec lead. He felt great! Down right amazing and I took
advantage of that........
I waited at the out timer and they counted down 5,4,3,2,1 and I left
at a trot. It wasn't long when I hear hooves crashing on the rocks,
happy to have company none the less, we discussed our situation. The
other two riders got pulled at the check so it was down to me and Ken.
" what's more important to you, first or best condition?" I ask.
" first" he says " and you?"
" best condition" I reply.
We didn't slow down but rode together and talked about our horses.
Almahan loved the pace and his horse seemed at home.
Then I start thinking, that Alamahn feels great, I trained all year,
this pace is fast but he's ready, hasn't takin a bad step, drank and
ate like always, pulling and pulling the reins of my gag bridle.
So I ask,  " How do you feel about a tie?"
I thought since we rode neck and neck all day it might be cool.
"No I want first today"  he says.
Fair enough, this is the championships.
" How about a race to the finish?" I ask
" Then I'll leave you now" he says.
Not much was said after that but he did not leave us and I knew we
were very close. I mention I thought we were close but he said
" 6 miles or so"
That's when we see Brad on the side of the trail,
He asks Brad " How close  to the finish?"
Brad, " About a mile."
That's when all hell broke lose and I made the choice to race.
We both drop our reins, he cuts in front of me right off, kicking
rocks in Alamahns face. He's yelling at his horse to go, and he's
pulling away. Then I remember the 90 degree turn off this trail to the
finish and that's when he galloped full speed past it. I rated Alamahn
and turned it like a barrel almost falling off at the creek crossing,
I guess he ran into a tree and bloodied his nose. Missed the turn or
not I hear him behind me urging his horse with his voice. The road
opens up and we are neck and neck up to the finish line.
Alamahn has always wanted to go faster then I'm comfortable and it
takes no encouraging. I look over to see his horse right with us and
that's when I did it. I squeezed him with my legs to go faster and he
did. I could here my crew screaming wildly, I knew we got it.
I don't know how Brad did it but he was there to hold Alamahn at the
finish. My amazing crew and Dwyane ( who I hardly knew) rushed to help
get Alamahns pulse down and cool him. He was very hot and excited.
Some how we were mistaken for an F.E.I rider and instead of an hour to
pulse, we had 15 mins to do a CRI ( Cardio Recovery Index).   He was
72 beats still to high for a completion which was 64 and there was
more confusion about if this was for FEI or not and I was made to trot
out. I was getting worried at this point because he wasn't getting the
cool down he needed going in and out of the arena. We take him back
out of the vetting area only to go back again a short time later, his
pulse is still 68-72. Finally got everbody straightend out that we
weren't FEI. Now we got about a 30 mins left to pulse for our
completion. Alamahns pulse would not steady it would go to 60 then
back up to 68 a good sign that he was stressed and needed
electrolytes, which I had not given that day. Amazing people came to
our aid, top riders who watched me grow up in this sport, I was out of
my league and they showed me how it's done. They settled Alamahn but
the damage was already done and with two minutes left we went to pulse
and were 68.
I love the AERC rules I have always held and respected them for they
are there to protect the horses, so I was pulled buy a panel of vets
and we lost our first place. Feeling pretty stupid at this point, my
horse is uncomfortable and shifting his weight on his feet. The vet
who saw us recommened we see the treatment vet so we head straight
there all other vitals are good but the pulse is still jumping. I
pretty much curl up into a self loathing ball at this point and cry
like the little unprepared, selfish, girl I was. He was treated in
front of everybody, IV fluids dripping into his neck for a couple
hours. His pulse finally drops to 48 which is his standard post ride
pulse and he is released. His eyes are bright again and it all sinks
in what I've done........
I've been at rides when people race to the finish and get pulled. I
considered myself better then to put the welfare of my horse on the
line to gain a win for myself. To finish IS to win and I gave that up
for my own glory which was short lived. I do feel so stupid but I come
away knowing I can change and the advice and support I received has
been taking to heart.
Alamahn you gave your heart for me and I hope I can do you justice
someday! Ed, Linda, Ginger, Travis my love, I can't begin to express
the feelings in my heart for what you all did for me. Brad, Joyce and
Dwayne I have so much to learn from you and am honored and still in
awe that I had riders of your caliber come to my aid.
To all the motherly concerned riders who care, you will never see me
at another ride without a helmet! I pledge, I promise to always learn
from my mistakes and we live to ride another day!