The ride was fast, with the leaders hitting the lunch check at 22 miles in
90 minutes. There was some griping from the leaders about some mix-up with
riders missing part of the course. The only other problem with the ride
happened at the lunch vet check. 250 plus riders, 4 vets? Thats 62.5
riders per vet. Lets see- 5 minutes per check, 312 minutes, about 5 hours
of checks per vet? It was obviously not that bad, but most riders spent
their entire lunch hour in line. Judy was in the check for 75 minutes. I
fed Warpaint his mash and hay while he waited to see the vet. Definitely a
good ride to be in the top ten.
I don't even know the names of the winners, or BC or anything. Maybe
someone can help me out on this one. The winning time was a hair under 4
hours, about 30 minutes slower than the record, held by Judith Ogus and Al
Marah Tamarand. (I think this is correct. By the way, Tam was sold to one
of our internet buddies, and I can't think of her name) The first horse
was a gray, I think. Then some bays? Pathetic. I will do better next
time.
There were a few netters in attendance. My wife Judy rode Warpaint the
wonder Appy in his first ride back since his stifle injury last November.
Boy, he looked good! They started out at the back of the pack, and
finished up around 90th or so, taking it real easy in about 7 hours. Pat
Gay was there, riding a nice 4 year old dappley looking Arab in the 25.
They finished in fine shape, and after looking at him post ride, they
should have no trouble doing longer rides in the near future. Karen
Sullivan was there, riding the 25 with her daughter and their pony. This
was her daughters first ride, and they did just fine and finished. I was
looking for Dorothy Beebe to let her demo my Zes saddle, but did not run
into her. Sorry if I missed anyone else.
There were quite a few pulls, mostly for lost shoes and lameness. There were
no serious problems, and the head vet congratulated everyone for an
excellent ride. 250 horses is a lot of horses in one place at one time. A
heart rate monitor was raffled to raise money for the "save the no hands
bridge" fund, a very good cause.
Next race for Judy- the Oakland Hills 50, then TEVIS! I will be sure to do
an official long story on the Tevis, since I will be crewing once again. (
I WILL get to ride it, someday)
Nick Warhol
Hayward, Ca.
Shatta the recovering Arabian monster
Rowan the retired wonderful special perfect old sweetheart Arab gelding