You know how it is....you look at EN or the ECTRA newsletter, you tingle at
the anticipation of all those rides, some you've never done before. And for
once, just once, you have a couple sound horses in the barn, eager, rarin'
to go. So you sign up for a couple, then a couple more, one weekend after
another. After all, you just bought this wonderful new rig (oh, the awning
is fabulous, being out of the weather heaven-sent), you have to use it....
So weekend after wonderful weekend you drive/compete/drive, do washload
after washload of horse/human laundry, pack up and go again. And it's going
so well, the horses are sound and happy, you've placed rather well in all
your rides...but then ride management duties beckon, the deluge begins, the
phone calls, the endless worry, the what-if's. But it's a
success--again--how did we pull it off this time?
And then we crashed, Kevin and I. The Gov. of PA came to our lab and I was
able to invoke perhaps the most unique excuse for not attending a ride in
all of ECTRA history...Gov. Ridge was coming to the lab and I simply had no
time for anything else! And golly it felt good to withdraw. A weekend
home....so we rode (so shoot me) but it was a glorious day, we didn't have
to, we WALKED for almost 2.5 hours and Kasey thought it was the coolest
thing ever. Munch 'n move, a little trot to blow off Sir Helicopter Fly,
and back to the barn for copious treats and a nice bath. Took in TWO
movies, even did a little painting on the deck, best yet...didn't cook (well
I don't anyway, but darn it I didn't feel guilty this time!).
So those of you with your hands on your hips, tapping your toes, saying
"Well, this isn't an endurance topic" (best said with a nasal tone of voice
and nose scrunched up), think again. It's about revitalization, refreshing
yourself and not taking it all quite so seriously. My horse was having a
good time...and we can get back to the almost serious business of planning
our next adventure.
We'll be sending out entry forms for the Bucks County Fall Festival 25/50
this week sometime. If you would like an entry form email us. We have two
gorgeous, original works of art from renowned folk artist Mary Rogowski as
best condition awards. Please join us--we have a "gentle" trail, especially
good for novices but it also "rides well" for the more experienced competitor.
Diane @ Safe Haven (no, I did not get to shake Gov. Ridge's hand but the CEO
of Air Products came over and chatted with me...he signs my check so guess
who was more interesting for me to meet up close and personal)