I have very much enjoyed the Tar Springs 50 in past years when it was
held in June. Because I don't clip my horses, and because I haven't
been conditioning my horse adequately lately I opted not to go this
year.
Last year I rode Castle Rock in similiar hot, humid conditions. While I
successfully completed, many very careful experienced riders did not.
So that I am better prepared next time, I have purchased a "V-Max"
temperature gauge to ride with from Roger Rittenhouse.(Roger - I hope I
spelled your name correctly!) I have been using it this past summer.
Pretty neat tool to give you insight on how hot your horse is gettting
under the saddle - and inside.
I would highly reccommend it - it wasn't expensive (around $40) or it
would be easy to make. I think it will give me the information I will
need to make the best decision for my horse's welfare on a hot ride in
the future.
Stacy Berger & Porter
Gilroy, Ca