ridecamp@endurance.net: [endurance] NATRC Ride Story
[endurance] NATRC Ride Story
Lucie A. Hess (lhess01@mail.coin.missouri.edu)
Sat, 8 Jun 1996 00:24:27 -0500 (CDT)
The NATRC REG. 6 Border Classic was held on Memorial weekend, in La Cygne,
Kansas.
La
Cygne is due south of Kansas City right on the state line,( M0. and KS.)
I believe it is near the site of the Marie de Cygne Massacre which was
during the Civil War, for you Civil War Buffs. There were 61 horses that
started and I believe all but 2 completed the ride. We had a great time,
even if it did rain, hail and have striking Lightning for 2 hours during
Check-In on Friday. The rest of the weekend was usual Mo./Ks. Weather,
Hot and muggy on Sat. and Cool and Muggy on Sun. The ride was run at
5.25 mph for open and 4mph for novice/cp. Open went 29 miles on Sat,.
and 24 on Sun. I'm sorry I can't remember the novice/cp mileage.
This was a first time ride manager, He learned alot about putting on a
ride by the end of the weekend. I think he was suprised about the
little details. We had alot of experienced help which was a great
benefit. The trails were well marked and the maps very clear. Any thing
can be forgiven when you've got great trails!
The best part was swimming
with the horses on Sat and Sun after the ride. The ride is situated on a
lake site and it is a very shallow lake with a good bottom. We just rode
the horses out into the lake until they started to swim. I had never
done this before and let me tell you, it was a riot! There were a large
group of us out there, adults and kids, Playing in the water, laughing,
yelling and just having a great time. The wonderful part was that we
didn't have to wash off the horses and the cool water was good on their
legs. The horses that did swim seemed to enjoy it and would swim around
and around even tho' there was a bottom to stand on just a little bit
closer to shore. My horse really seemed to enjoy the swim. Now that's
trail riding.
Until next time,
Lucie Hess
Columbia, Missouri
Chief Black Arrow -retired Appy
Moonhill Dandi -current mount- 7/8 Arab