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I was proud of all three of them. Andrew stayed in good spirits throughout
and was great company. He seemed really eager to learn about what he was
doing. He quickly grasped the purpose of our many breaks and controlled pace
for his and Skjoldur's sake. His first thought at every stop was care of the
horses. Twice we wandered off trail and both times Andrew noticed before I
did. He displayed more common sense and horsemanship in his first ride than I
did in my first year of riding.
Remington was a babysitter nonpareil for the two novices. Although he never
stands still for me to mount, he patiently waited for Andrew every time. He
never stumbled once while carrying Andrew, even in the steep rocky washes
where I normally get off and walk. Every time Andrew would rub his sore
muscles near the end of the ride, Remington would ease the pace so Andrew
could regain his balance. People sometimes ask me why I bother with my nasty
little pony. Having an animal to safeguard the most precious thing I've got
seems like one good reason.
Skjoldur convinced me that other Icelandics can do endurance also. He doesn't
have Rem's "I own the world" attitude, but may have better recoveries and is
stronger up hills. When we came into the one vet check at 25+ miles out, the
lady taking p&r couldn't find his heartbeat so she sent us over to the vet.
Skjoldur was at 13. He's a super smooth ride. He didn't seem any more tired
at the end of the ride than he does at the end of one of our longer weekend
conditioning rides.
Claire and Peggy were well organized, friendly and supportive, as always. Ride
awards were varied and imaginative. Barney takes good care of the horses and
encourages the riders at the same time. We enjoyed getting to know ridecamp's
own Stephanie and John for the first time and visiting w/ other friends.
This is what it's all about for me.
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