I had a really big learning curve on this ride -see, I'm still riding
Embers, Samm's horse except this time he came with me from home - the other
two rides I just showed up and rode him - Samm, Lance, & Co. took care of
all the *details* like setting up for the vet check, having all the
buckets, water, electrolytes, blankets, food, etc. ready. Boy, was I
*spoiled*!!! Linda is right - a good crew is worth its weight in gold!!
I got lots to learn about water containers, what really needs to be at the
check, how much beet pulp to make so you'll have some for each check,
etc....Again, I had Samm, Lance & Co. as well as Rae Bolton's husband, Rob,
to help us since we were all kind of camping together so that was nice. I
figure another 10 rides and I'll know what the heck I'm doing <VBG>!
The best part was coming across the finish line at a full gallop - see, I
had to walk the first couple of miles out of camp on the last loop cause I
had a momentary lapse of smarts and let Embers stand too long at the last
vet check in the chilly rain. So when I went to go out he was a little
stiff in his hind end (*major* lesson there!). I almost pulled but decided
to go on out since the first part was flat and easy and see how it went
till I had to go in the woods nad mud. We took the first half of that loop
really, really slow till I was sure everything was okay. BTW, the HRM was
really handy then to know if all systems were okay or if there was real
trouble brewing.
So, to come off that loop so strong was a real thrill for me. The picture
shows it all - all four feet off the ground (boy, did the photographer
catch that just right), ears forward - looking like he hadn't even been
around the block, blasting over the top of the hill.
Got to meet several "netters", buy some tack, meet Roger R. of HRM fame
:->, and see the castle from horseback in the early morning mist and
sunshine.
Yep, all in all a good weekend!
Anyone else going to MERA Memorial Day weekend?
Tina and crew
hickst@nichols.com
Huntsville, AL