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Starting in the Fog at the Emirates Championship This is really about Endurance Racing. There are many other things that go on, lots of fixing and puttering and eating and seeing stuff and meeting people....but its really about Endurance Racing. |
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First Vet Check Its the same the world over. Ride your own Ride. Do the best you can for your mount. Be ready for the unexpected.....and don't do anything that will push things over the edge... |
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Waiting and Watching Its a bit more of a spectator sport here tho. Lots more people watching and waiting. Lots more media coverage. Pretty big to-do if you know what I mean |
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Some things are different tho... It is a bit unusual for us to see the race so up close and personal unless we're riding in it. this was more of a "be with your team all the way" kind of experience |
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And there are Camels It is a different environment. Lots of sand and few bushes. But there are LOTS of camels. |
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And there is a City Dubai is a beautiful mix of old and new. These are (from 5 miles away) a signature skyline. |
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And there are Lots of Camels Every day, off to the camel track to practice for the camel races.... |
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And there is an exotic City A "Creek" running through the center of the City - the "old town" surrounds the banks... |
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And there are Lots and Lots of Camels Everywhere you go, they pop up to remind you that you're not in Kansas anymore... |
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Training Rides The training rides aclimate the rider and horse to the local environment |
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More Training.... There is also the Spice Souk....Things to learn....pace yourself:) |
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And there are Lots and Lots and Lots of Camels They are EVERYWHERE it seems. The beast of burden that is a symbol of the culture. |
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And more Training Rides Every day. Mornings for 4 hours alternated with afternoons for 4 hours. Quarantine for the rest of the month. (and Oh yeh, did I mention there are Camels?) |
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And there are LOTS of Camels Camel racing is a BIG deal (I know...its not endurance racing....but hey, they ARE pretty neat:) |
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And its Hurry Up and Wait Ok, back to the main Topic - Tom keeping watch on the barn... |