I hadn't heard much about the ride near Cleburne,
TX at the Six-O Ranch called "Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch" but it wasn't too
far from us so I talked my group into going. I had crewed for everyone at TX
Grasslands a couple weeks before, and taken Rosie to learn to camp and also rode
out for a couple miles each day to "train" (some of you may have seen her airs
above the ground whilst I was trying to ride her out of RC Sat
afternoon).
We had a terrible 16 mile training rode the
Saturday before MBATR, and a really good 10 miler the Wed before. Still not sure
she was ready for a 25 but what the hey. I was worried about her feet and the
rocky terrain [she has been barefoot for some time but the roads at Grasslands
were uncomfortable for her so I had shoes put on her] and even with shoes I
was worried.
At the ride meeting, we heard about the
horse-chasing cows, the herd of 100 feral swine, the trails that seem great but
then turn slick as wet sheet rock, the treacherous mountain climb and ensuing
sheer cliff to get back down, and the 2 CareFlights from last year where even
the EMTs needed oxygen. Oh, and some parts of the trail put the 25s & the
50s together but headed towards each other on trail that was only 6" wide. What
in the HELL are we doing here?!?! What, no vampire bats, man & horse
eating pack of wolves, or guaranteed lightening strikes??
Rosie & and I settled in behind Steph &
Earl at a good pace about 10 mins after our start time. Not as rocky
as we thought, in most places it was pretty reasonable, and we were instantly
delighted with the trail. The cows stared and ignored us. The swine stayed home.
The mountain was manageable. The trails through the trees were awesome. The
views were fantastic & the trail was well marked. We finished our first 15
mile loop in 1:45, quicker than my projected 2:00. We have to work on getting
Rosie to criteria as she doesn't drop as quickly as I'd like, but with more VC
experience I think she will settle down. VCs were a bit crowded as they had
almost 140 horses entered (vs. about 90 in the past) but still just fine.
My friends & their horses were pulled for lameness, but Rosie & I
went on and did the last loop (11.3 miles) and had a great time. Rosie was
very game the whole way and easy to manage, and drank & ate well throughout.
I think we ended up coming in about 30th out of almost 70 starters so not at all
bad for her first 25. She looked good that evening and was totally sound when we
turned her out on Sunday. Looks like she's got a new career!! Go
Rosie!!
I can say I highly recommend this ride but
pre-register next year because it seems to be getting more
popular!!
