We just happened to set up camp next to the gals from Auburn - Samm,
Cathy, and Alex.
Great horse people.. everyone of them!
I tried Sabian in his bosal after we set up camp and did our vet check
in and Lordy Lordy what happened to my gentle, loving, responsive
arab??? Sooooo I found his kimberwicke and readied it for the morning
tackup.
The night was cold and neither of us slept well at all. (We should have
brought our dog.)
I was asked to sponsor a junior who needed a sponsor who was planning to
go around5-6mph like I had guessed our first ride pace should be. I was
fearful of the start, but we decided to start in the middle of the 75
riders and maintain a controlled trot for a few miles.
Since I've only been riding for 2 years, the kind of power I experienced
from my guy simply awed me. This horse who I've ridden since green-broke
had turned into a raging competitor! This horse who requires max leg to
go twice in canter around our arena was now trying to gallop the entire
ride if I let him. What an attitude change! He loved it!
About five miles before the 17mile vet check we came upon our friends
from Auburn, Cathy and Alex, so we rode and chatted together until the
vet check.
Sabian did great at the vet check, didn't lose any time dropping pulse
down. I was so glad to have Jerry there to take him and do the trot out
for me. I've never been in 2point for so long in my life. Sabian was so
intense, he wasn't interested in water or food and normally he'll munch
as much as I'll let him during training.
The last 8 miles went quickly as we picked up the pace a bit from the
first leg. As we neared the last mile two of the front running 50 mlers
galloped by us almost neck-n-neck. What a way to end a ride! One of them
finished the 50 under 4 hours!!!!
We came in at a controlled trot at 4 hr and 10 mins and went straight to
vet in. He had a CIR of 42 and looked as if he could have done another
25 easily (with another rider).
The only trouble we had during the ride was that I noticed some shoe
clicking during extended trots. After the ride I checked what damage
might be there and saw marks high on the hind hoof wall, half to an inch
from the coronary band where the front shoe nicked the front face of the
hind hoof. Is this scalping? Is it serious or is it just something the
farrier has to balance out?
Anyway, all I can say is thanks to all you endurance veterans who helped
prepare me for the ride . Everyone at the ride was so friendly, our
entire family truly enjoyed the ridecamp experience and look forward to
my next 25 in about 7 weeks.
Happy Tails
Susan & Sabian from the Emerald Coast of NW Florida