The morning of the ride! Butch was up ahead of me, feeding Farah & going down to watch John & Diane start in the 100. I finished putting my stuff on the saddle & Butch returned to help saddle up. Lounging is next - the gold girl likes to buck & stretch herself out. I stepped into the stirrup & we walked down to the starting line area. Many riders were already warming their horses up & the usual tension was in the air.
Waiting to go~
I was happy Farah started grazing - but it wasn't long until she saw horses coming by - in the direction of last years start. This year it was moved to the main road. We wouldn't loop around the top of camp, but cut across it. Butch filmed the start. Once the trail was open - Farah let loose with a small buck - but nothing compared to last years antics. I moved her forward - trying to avoid the other hyper horses.
With about six riders ahead of us, Farah was All business! I was so proud of her! A couple of the young FEI riders were in the lead - on the single track trail. Within a mile or two, we were asking for trail. Farah moved past several horses, along with Brittany on her gray mare & the rider on the paint.
By the time we'd reached the first Vet Check for the 100's - at ten-miles - Brittany had missed trail turns a couple times. The VC was a busy place. I called to Max - who responded to my query. Our Snow King loop continued on, directly across from where we came in. Farah - soon took the lead & missed the same turn as last year. She realized her mistake as Brittany cut us off & whipped onto the trail. Our first clue, we were in a horse race.
Coming into camp at 7:39 a.m.
To say we were flying - would be an understatement... Finishing the 15-mile loop faster than last year - one-hour 9 min. Post~ Farah pulsed down just slightly slower, but ahead of the gray. Butch vetted her through - with a different vet & had no issues with her kicking out. We followed our usual routine & were ready to leave after the 30-min. hold.
8:14 & ready to leave~
To this point, the paint had been staying with us, but now dropped back. Gotchen is my favorite loop - someday I'd like to come back when I have time to enjoy the scenery. :-) The burn area had changed, birds pecking holes in the burned trees, tops blown off & fallen to the ground. (Many thanks to the great crew who worked on all the chain-saw clean-up!) With Brittany in the lead, we took another wrong turn & ran head-on into a pile of slash. No fun, neither horse hurt. I apologized for Farah being too close. I'd been holding her back every stride. The two mares were - as Brittany said; "loving the competition".
9:43 a.m. - finished with Gotchen - at 31-miles
Farah took just a couple minutes longer this time than the gray, to pulse down. She also wasn't drinking as much as I expect her too - but again vetted with all A's. Gut sounds were up to a B, from a B- the first loop. I told Butch I'd take however much time necessary & he assured me she was totally eating & drinking normally.
10:37 a.m. We leave on Ghost Loop~
I didn't know it, but our in/out times were very close to the timeline we'd established in last years ride. I left a few minutes behind my out time, we'd watched Brittany galloping her mare out a few minutes earlier. The weather was really changeable, from cold to drizzle, some wind, to sunshine that warmed things up in seconds. It seemed very humid too & I wasn't comfortable with the two-horse race.
Our next loop has several short, steep climbs. I new Farah would do well, she loves tackling hills. We dropped back to a comfortable pace & kept on truckin'. We did start coming up on riders in the 30-mile again. I'd ask for trail & most riders were so courteous. Farah took a couple of the hills with leaps so smooth - her athleticism is just amazing. I swear she used less energy bounding up - than if I'd asked her to take it slower. When we'd stop for water or to leave our number with a radio operator - she would listen to see if anyone was coming up behind us :-) If they had been, I'm sure our little 8.9 to 9.5 trot would have zipped right back up into the double digits :-) For being on our own - no competition Farah was aware of - she was motoring right along.
12:13 p.m. 45-miles gone - we return from Ghost!
Both of us were feeling fine at this point. (Just minutes different from last year.) Farah still not drinking as much as I would have liked - but as Butch kept reminding me - it was substantially cooler than in other years & her vet scores had stayed consistently A's.
12:50 p.m. Morrison - 10-miles to go!
Farah was not happy to that we were leaving on our own... I felt sorry for her - since she does enjoy a race so much :-) I was happy - we had not seen the front-runner again & I didn't attempt to catch her. (I had a plan in the back of my mind :-) I knew we'd probably opened a decent gap behind us & the rest of the riders - from our morning speed. When Butch again sent us off with; "Get out there & don't waste any time"... That's what we did.
We both know Morrison loop well by now, Farah was in cruise control. I hadn't taken my stick, it was the final loop after all. :-) The heart monitor was displaying low, lackadaisical readings - so I probably should have :-) Arriving at the last water tank, we met Tani & a friend heading out. I asked if there were any 55-mile riders in front of us? She replied; "No one"! "Get OUT of here!" :-)
2:05 p.m. We Finish!
As we approached camp, the trail around the edge was congested with 30-mile riders. Even so, we held the trot to within a few feet of the finish line. Farah appreciates knowing when we're done & I like to finish with a flourish! (Butch tried to video our finish - but his camera didn't record.) Our ride time was a little slower than last years - but Farah was totally cool & dry. She felt like we could have gone on forever.
John & Diane were there to see us finish - help with tack & guide me to the scale. Butch took Farah back to camp & started grooming her for Best Condition judging. John offered to trot Farah out for the Vet & Butch gratefully accepted :-) Butch had his hands full all day - keeping the Head Veterinarian happy with red ribbons in Farah's tail. She'd taken a dislike to him early on - while none of the other Vets had any issue with her.
3:05 p.m. John takes Farah~
I should have taken a video of John trotting Farah. He did a super job & the gold girl - I'm sure - was surprised a human could run so fast! :-) She looked so good & trotted so sound after our fast 55-miles.
Farah with John~
We did wish the trotting area had been out in the big field, rather than the space across the road. It was short on room & fringed on the crew/pulsing area. Not ideal - but John's experience make it look easy!
Wowing the onlookers :-)
Farah's scores were wonderful, she looked amazing & I felt like I'd accomplished my goal of finishing with a healthy, happy horse!
Results~
Sunday morning, at the ride meeting, Farah was awarded Best Condition! My plan had paid off & Farah was so deserving.
American Gothic - Endurance Style!
Butch will hang the pitch fork we received for our award - in a place of honor in the barn. A good friend - known for her sewing talents - has offered to make something for Farah - to commemorate our accomplishment. :-)
I ended up with a busy week of riding! First with Dena - who I ride with so seldom, then with Joyce - who I hope will be spending More
time in the saddle. Today I'd planned to head south & meet-up with Lynn & Amanda - who had scheduled a
Saddle-Up ride from the Redmond Watershed. I'm not keen on parking
there - after hearing of the break-in's. The trailer area is surrounded
by trees & secluded enough that it makes it a little easier for
thieves than the wide-open parking at KTP. It was too late for Amanda
to change the venue - so she left on the Tuscany Loop from there,
while Lynn & I left from KTP. We figured that if we started the
loop in reverse - that we'd Have to find Amanda!
Cato greets Farah~
Farah was in the lead - we were trotting right along - when around a corner came Cato! Farah hit the breaks & recognized him right away! It's been a while since these two friends have seen each other - but that didn't stop them from saying; "Hi"!~ Amazingly enough - Farah didn't strike or squeal, very polite howdy do by both!
A new friend - Jan, with Amanda on Kato~
As it warmed up out in the sun, we stuck to the nice shaded trails & admired the incredible fresh green growth of the ferns, smell of the fresh air & beauty of another picture perfect day. We all rode together to the spot where Amanda needed to make the turn back to the Redmond Watershed & Lynn directed us the other direction to finish out a loop & head back.
Welcome Lake
We ambled through the Lake of the Woods housing area - admiring the Rhody's all in full bloom & so beautiful! Once back at Kathryn Taylor we climbed the hill to see if it was clear enough to see Seattle. Not quite - but the Olympics were out!
View from the Top~
Now... We're taking a few days off so I can catch up at home! After our weekend at Mt. Adams, we've traveled another 40+ miles on trail. Friends asked why I didn't give Farah time off? Short answer - she didn't need it! For so many years when I was working full time & more - I had to rush to find time to ride. I never really had a horse in the kind of shape that they should have been - in for the way I like to ride. Doing Endurance was a strain on them & on me - but hind sight is always 20/20.
I feel so lucky now, to be at this place in time - able to enjoy the trails with Farah - who has only gotten stronger & enjoys her work. Having the time to ride makes the difference. I truly felt done with Endurance, but after bringing Farah on for almost three-years now, I was curious to know if she had what it takes. I've discovered that there's a huge difference between riding a horse
that is marginally fit & one that actually is. For one thing - it's easier on us both. Farah has made it plain that she does enjoy the competition & of course I still do too, especially with her! I try to keep my plans fluid & hope in the future to do a few of the rides that have been on my bucket list for years. We'll see where the trails lead~
The morning was cold, but not as cold as it has been! I was driving down to ride with Lynn & two new to me friends - Mary & Susan! By the time I pulled in, even though we were in the shade of the tall trees - the day was Warming! Two of the horses with us were both just getting back on the trails after different issues they're recovered from. With the trails still very slippery in places, we set a reasonable pace.
Beautiful Home
We'd ridden past this home last week & today I had to take a photo. Such a beautiful place with the covered parking for an auto on the front. Something like carriages used to pull under while their passengers disembarked in the past.
Before long, the day warmed enough that I actually felt warm for the first time in days! The jacket came off & the temperature was perfect! We decided to do the four-mile loop on Redmond Ridge & found the trails there in Great shape - perfect for some good trotting!
15-miles of loops
Just as we were returning to the start of the loop, we were jumped by at least 8 to 10 dogs - all off leash! A lady was with them - obviously someone being Paid to dog-sit. She was yelling for the dogs, trying to get through the brush that separated the trail we were on - from the clearing around the drainage basin. These dogs had No Clue & were barking & one big poodle type actually tried to run right at Farah - who was in the lead. Luckily for us, all three horses were dog savvy & didn't kick out.
After I was done yelling at the woman for her stupidity - I did wonder what the dogs owners would think - if they were returned with broken bones from a well placed & well deserved kick! Once we came into the open, I rode up to see where the dogs had gone & watched as they were quickly loaded into a van parked by the back of an industrial building.
The day seemed to fly by - Lynn had to remind us that we hardly had time to get back to the trailers before dusk. I wouldn't want to cross those busy roads in the dark! We covered 15-miles again & felt very lucky to be getting in such good riding so late in November!
It seems with days like these, that anyone with a horse would be either riding, or wishing they were! I'm one of the lucky ones, I rode. Joyce & I again planned to get out & on the trail to take full advantage of the sunshine & last of the longer days that will soon be shortened not only by the tilt of the earth, but by the time change too. Since the mornings take longer to warm now, with the sun moving south in the sky - we've been meeting late morning & riding into the early afternoon. Perfect!
Target & Joyce at the Tin Bridge
Today we went on the Whitehorse out of Arlington, just incredibly beautiful along the river & Targets first time over the Tin Bridge. The water was the lowest I can ever remember seeing it~
The Stillaquamish
We caught the scent of rotten Salmon too, but didn't see them. I'm still not a fan of the galvanized chain link. Do think that painting it either black or green would be a better option. Will see what's up with that at the next trail committee meeting.
The east end of the trail for now~
Two gentlemen had just finished flying their electric, remote controlled planes as we rode up. Really big wing spans & one only weighted 8 oz. They'd had to quit for the day, due to the breeze that had come up.
It was so beautiful riding with the leaves filling the air in front of us! In places they were so deep that it was almost like trotting through snow - but the sound & smell was even better!
With all the debate & discussions that occur on our local endurance riders Facebook page, I can't help but wonder what all these people did before the advent of electronic media? Where do they find the time to ride? Or are all their horses exercised on hot walkers, going round & round? No, probably just those of the "semi-pros" with more horses than they can ride.
Regardless, if you want to find out what works for your horse, the best way to do that is to ride the horse! A horse will tell you when he's fit, when he's sore, even why he's sore if your eyes are open to see & your ears open to listen & your seat able to feel. I've seen a horse or two lately who look as if their spirit was broken by owners/riders who's ego's seem to supersede the well-being of their horses & all that implies.
Of course age has mellowed me, I see things differently than I did even a few years ago. Off the soap box now - I guess if there was one piece of advice I'd give to anyone who rides, or wants to ride - it would be to just take the time to listen. That's always a learning experience in itself & you don't need a computer! :-)
Five weeks to the day & the barium nail head on the outside edge heel is worn even with the shoe. Justin & I both think they are the only thing keeping the shoes on her feet! The view from the side, shows just how much steel is gone from the shoe.
Right rear
Justin suggested I might try Cutting with Farah? As you can tell from the next photo & I can certainly tell when riding her - she uses & works off her rear end! It's her ability to carry herself on the rear that gives her that cat like quality on the trail that I appreciate so much. She's by far the lightest on her feet of any horse I've owned.
After 159 miles
Farah's point of break-over is just to the outside on all four feet. Center is ideal, but if you can't have that - it's better than having the break-over to the inside, which you sometimes see with horses who "paddle" or are base narrow. (I was so spoiled with Khari, her break-over & feet were as close to perfect as it gets.) I'm told that Farah's narrow shaped rear feet are a Saddlebred trait?
I'm not complaining! Sound is my favorite word when spoken by a Equine Professional. Regardless of whether you prefer your horse barefoot, booted or shod. Here in western WA when it's so wet most of the year, if you ride, you have to have some type of hoof protection. Farah doesn't have contracted heels, they're nice & wide open - plenty of support. Justin also said that being ridden regularly, contributes to strong tendons & with strong tendons, the heel tends to stay in the proper position, neither too low or too high.
Speaking of protection, riding on all the rock roads we do & as hot & dry as it's been this summer I did leave pads on the front. With them off now, the frogs look good & her sole should have a few more weeks of decent weather to toughen back up.
One horse, One rider, One Thousand Miles to date! February of this year - when I joined the Distance Derby& started logging our miles - it seemed like a very lofty goal. With the companionship & support of my long-time riding partner Joyce - Farah & I attained that goal on today's ride! What a thrill!
The blue hole!
I've managed to maintain our position of fifth place on the leaderboard for a few weeks now, but can't help but be impressed with the riders who've been nipping at our heels! There are only a couple of us riding one horse in the race & it's a real commitment to keep any horse sound as the miles continue to add up. Shoeing has been a real issue for me, even at five week intervals, I didn't think we'd get through today's ride with all four shoes still on! Justin is coming tomorrow & it's sure not soon enough!
Between heaven & earth~
Yesterday, I was looking for some distance. I knew how close we were & wanted to be riding with Joyce when the Garmin locked down those last few miles. With a ride planned for today - even though it was raining, even though we had to start early & even though Farah's shoes were literally held on with a wing & a prayer - we were determined to get the deed done! Before the end of the month, before the end of Summer & before my closest competition! :-)
It was such an incredible day! Which just goes to show that even if you start out with a purpose, you can be surprised at the beauty nature can throw your way! It was Really Something to see! The video above shows a little of how we felt somehow suspended both in space & in time...
Kitt's Trail + some exploring!
Now, back home - Farah gets a much deserved warm bath & tomorrow new shoes. She's opinionated, bossy & classy too - but what means the most to me is her grit & determination. Nothing phases her, she does her best to keep me topside & she's always eager to trot on!
No, it's not AERC miles, nor Limited Distance miles, but they're Our miles & we've enjoyed each & every one! I'm sure this is the most I've ever ridden in any given year & with the year far from over, we both love heading back out to see what's over that next mountain!
Butch trots Farah out for BC (Photo by Jessica Anderson)
I've asked myself a million times what it is that keeps drawing me back to this sport? The challenge, the trail, the lure of the miles? It's always a learning experience, no two rides are ever alike & present their own challenges.
Pulling into ride camp after several grueling hours of watching Butch maneuver us safely through lots & lots of traffic, we looked for a place to park. With a lot of riders expected, many had arrived early to save spots for their team. Butch was jockeying here/there - to find a spot not already spoken for. We ended up in the middle of the field within shouting distance of Anne-Marie & Lisa - who welcomed us to the neighborhood! No longer on a team - we fend for ourselves :-)
Farah enjoys lunch after the ride~
We woke on Sat. to a cool & overcast morning. There were so few in the 50-mile distance that the actual start was pretty quiet. More than 50 riders had signed up for the 30-mile Limited Distance. Everyone was busy getting themselves & their horses ready for the 6:30 a.m. start. Butch helped me get Farah saddled, I mounted & we started down the field to warm up. As I asked her to turn back in the direction of we'd come - the rodeo started! Threats to buck, tossing her head - coming Up & Under that saddle! Once I had her at the area of the start - the antics stopped, I felt her take a deep breath & she dropped her head. We were where she wanted to be & she was all business. What a good memory this mare has.
Starting up front is a interesting position - of course you have a lot of excited horses & riders - behind you... We swept Into the woods, out at the north end of the field & over to the water puddle that's between camp & the trails. Just as we came to the edge - Farah hesitated a split second & in the next - a horse had raced around us on the outside, jumped in & was across in two strides - headed up the trail! Farah was so shocked it took her a second to realize what had happened :-) She leaped across & headed up the trail bucking, tossing herself around & having a fit! :-) Once I got her head up & she actually looked up - she realized that we weren't gaining any ground & quickly galloped to catch up!
Before too long, I could hear a horse coming up behind us. Within a mile two - we made introductions. It became obvious that the three horses were all fit & we'd be traveling together on the trail. Marking ribbons were easy to follow, the footing was good, but dry & hard. In places loose rock demanded our attention. Arriving at the first of the water tanks I was surprised when the front runner said he was passing up the water & asked if that "OK"? No - not really - but I told him to go ahead. Most riders always offer water when it comes up. We did catch up & ride side my side for a while, but the pace was faster than I wanted to do.
I was riding with a heart monitor for the first time & could see that Farah was traveling well within the parameters that I'd read were in the "normal" range. When we reached the Vet Check, it was wonderful to have Butch there to take the reins & we both worked at cooling her down. She pulsed two-minutes behind the horse behind us. Farah takes a little longer than what I was used to with Khari. I'd forgotten the stomach buffer that I use with Farah's electrolytes, but she was eating well & was drinking fine. The pace was a little faster than I would have liked, so it was nice to leave the Vet Check on our own. Farah settled into her pace & we were having our best time of the day.
It wasn't long before we caught up to the second place rider & began seeing bikes & hikers on the trail. We were polite, but some of these other trail users seemed irritated that we were there at all... Farah took over her favored lead position.
Bare Bones 30-mi. My 310XT tract
We trotted right up to the finish! Yippee! Butch hadn't made it back down from the out-check - so I had tack to strip on my own & hustled with a sponge & water! Farah surprised us by coming down quickly - but just a heartbeat slower than the gelding - putting us in third place! As we approached for our completion exam, Dr. Root asked me if we'd completed the entire course? I showed him the face of my 310 - it had recorded 29+ miles.
Butch got back just as I was heading to our camp to clean Farah up for BC judging. We both worked the hour grooming her - while she happily consumed her mash & hay.
Farah & Butch
I was very proud of her! We'd gone faster than we'd trained - but her scores were super. In retrospect - I felt like I'd been watching the heart monitor a little too much. I'd have ridden smarter by backing off the pace & setting our own.
Farah did it all, did it well & gave me another amazing ride! Big heartfelt THANK YOU to the amazing man I married! I wouldn't & couldn't do it without YOU!
It was a Spring to be remembered... We were hit hard & hit twice. Things turned south at the Home On The Range Ride the end of March. After an uneventful drive over to Potholes, we met-up with our friends & set up camp. Jas & Khitty were VBF & always enjoyed seeing each other at rides. We'd had weeks of rain, so when we looked over & saw Jas laying down, at first we just thought she was enjoying the sun.
Khitty & Jas
But that was not the case. Within minutes of this photo, she got up, we saddled up & headed out for a short ride. When I asked for a trot & didn't get it, I knew something was WRONG! We turned back, went to find the Vet & ended up with the treatment Vet that was instrumental in saving Jas's life. A Very Long story, but we asked Dean Essex, DVM of Granite Falls Thoroughbred Farm, to help us... Working day & night for over a week, Dean was a one-man-band, orchestrating her treatment & care. The times I was ready to give-up, he gave me the strength to keep on. Jas became one of the few, very lucky horses who have survived Anterior Enteritis. The top photo was taken on the day we took Jas home! (Ben never lost his faith in Jas - he knew - that "his girl" would be "fine".)
Next, I was thrown in our own backyard! Below is one of the only photos that I saved of the mare who did the deed. She doesn't look too scary in the photo, but believe me - she was a true nut case.
Jas & Bonnie grazing
Of course in the clarity of retrospect, she was insecure, green broke & was in a full dripping body sweat when we unloaded her after a ten-mile trailer ride home. While riding her in the lounging circle you can see, (It was 90 degrees that day!) a friend holding the other end - she reared. I thought she was going over backwards, (she'd done that before) I grabbed mane. She dropped back down - but started bucking like a bronco. About the second or third buck she dislodged me & I knew before I hit the ground that it was going to be bad.
Jas & Connie
I laid on the ground a while & tried to roll over to regain my feet, before I realized that I wasn't going anywhere without help. Our yard was full of emergency vehicles by the time Butch raced home. (Luckily he was working in Mt. Vernon.) The helicopter ride to Harbor View took about 15-min. I went directly into surgery that lasted over four-hours - to re-attach the top of my femur. I also had broken ribs & a lung that wasn't in very good shape. I'm quick though! In three-days - I was on my way home. My gray mare was there for me.
Time moves on... Jas & I went back to HOTR range in 04 - wondering if she or I either one would be up to the task. Our friends were pulled early on, we finished the fifty at a gallop, but didn't get completion - "Grade One Lame." One of those decisions that has remained a sore spot even after all these years. She was 100% sound a hour later & had I known then what I know now...
We're the white spot!
I'd been trying to retire Jas from endurance since 2000, but hadn't found the horse that could even come close to replacing her & been hurt for my efforts. I DID - absolutely - want to finish her ten-year career with a completion at fifty! We dropped back to an LD & completed it top-ten, before the end of the year.
NW Labor Day Ride
Jas's feet had always been her weak-link, she was getting joint injections by now. I'd been told that if I wanted her to retire sound to ride, I only had - maybe - one more fifty in our bag-of-tricks. We decided on Klickitat 05. Perfect trails, soft footing - if she couldn't do it there, she couldn't do it anywhere... With help from our friends & the crewing/support of "Dad" - we Finished! The final completion of her career.
For those of you who are just starting out, or maybe even been playing at it for a while... Here's a visual reminder of what, this sport is all about. You can talk the talk, walk the walk, but what you really need to do is; "Ride Like You've Never Been Bucked Off!"
It was Aug. 31, 1996 - our second year of endurance. I'd had a pull on Jas in her second 50 - so decided to drop back in distance & see how she did. Khaz was old enough finally - so Butch was riding too! Did we ever have fun! The Bully Wully was one tough sucker of a ride. Even the Canadians would complain that it was too tough to finish in time.
Finally, last week - here came my Limited Distance patch from the AERC with my first 250-mile chevron! It took Jas, Khaz, Khari & now Farah to earn those miles for me... & sixteen years! :-) The only time I usually rode LD's was to see if Jas's feet would hold together, to get Khaz out for Butch, or in Khari's case - just to see if she was ready for more. Farah, on the other hand, I knew was ready! With good weather to burn & the luxury of not working - I had plenty of time to put in the miles. Friends asked me yesterday - "Aren't you going to ride Farah in Endurance?! She could do it easy?!" (They don't read my blog :-) Yes, she could - but with my increasing maturity has also come - I like to think anyway - a bit of wisdom. Good horses are few & far between, most horseman are lucky to be blessed with one in a lifetime - that special one of mine is pictured above.
I've had a couple of rides lately - when I think - then knock-on-wood - that I just might be that lucky person who will have another. If so - the last thing I want to do is ride her hard & fast both - at least not too often :-)
The ride routes have changed over the years, with the loss of available open space. It's easier too - to flag a ride with a ATV & stick to the logging roads, with a stretch of nice trail thrown in here & there. I don't think many ride managers now, actually ride their routes on horseback to do the flagging, but there are notable exceptions :-) Those are the rides I may still attend from time to time & enjoy some nice Limited Distance riding! (Maybe a 50 thrown in here & there :-)
We arrived in ride camp about 1:30 p.m. on Fri., after a long drive through a lot of Sea Fair traffic. Found a spot next to Amanda to set up & had plenty of time before vet-in. Good to see & visit with friends old & new. Farah showed well for Dick Root DVM, & vetted in with one A- in gut sounds, after the four hour drive down. The distance for this ride had been changed from 25, to 30 - then back to 25-miles. At registration, there were 50 riders in the 25, 25 & in the 50.
Who is that masked mare? :-)
At the pre-ride meeting, the start times for the rides were moved up an hour to allow us to try to beat the heat. Our start time was 6:30 a.m. - almost like doing a 50 :-) I was up early & we had Farah saddled & moving 30-min. early. Originally - I'd wanted to start her on her own, but after speaking to Amanda, found out that most of the trail was single track - limiting places to pass. Farah made it plain that she knew her riding partner was there, so Amanda kindly allowed us to accompany her. We left just behind the front runners at a nice trot, then pulled aside at the first clearing for riders to pass. At the far end of the field, those riders were bunched up in a knot - no one's horse wanting to cross the muddy puddle of water that was between the field & the trails.
Cato leads the way, Farah follows~
Amanda asked for space & Cato crossed with Farah right behind him. Once on the trail, Cato moved into his big ground covering trot & Farah was not going to be left behind! We cruised the first loop, but started slowing down before coming in to camp. I had to remind myself that it was heart-rate, that determined our placement. Farah was high - but came down to criteria quickly, maintaining our place.
During the 45-min. hold - she ate everything Butch put in front of her & was drinking well. Again, Amanda & I left together. Bringing up the rear was no fun, Farah fighting every stride to stay too close. We were passed by a small group just over mid-way through the loop. The day was heating up, it seemed a long haul to water - once there Farah tried out all four barrels & took a good drink from each. We enjoyed every stretch of trail through the woods - trying to absorb the cool. Coming off the top of the Orange/Yellow loop we arrived at an intersection with many ribbons! I decided to call Butch & see if I could get some clarification on the correct path back to camp after meeting a couple riders who'd already been lost. Nice to have the connection when you need it. Just over a mile further on - we were back! Farah pulsed down quickly & completed 7th place. Butch stripped her tack & she vetted through with great scores.
At the finish - pulsing down - photo compliments of Heather
Dr. Root told us to bring her
back for BC judging. She showed incredibly well - but was so
excited & full of herself that her CRI's were relatively high. Dick
just smiled & said that was the trade-off on a mare who was so fit, young & excited :-) My last 25-mile ride was in 2006, Khari's first ride at Renegade. Now, all these years later - I've finally earned the AERC 250-mi. Limited Distance patch :-)
Butch trotting Farah out for her completion
Ride stats rough; 52 riders in the LD, only 24 completed - 13 over time. The heat made it tough this year, the mud / rain last year :-) It was a couple days after the ride when I learned that Farah was awarded High Vet Score!
Through our Saddle-Up group, I've been lucky enough to meet some really wonderful people & been invited to ride with them on the eastside. Avid horse people, they were interested in Endurance Riding & most had attended at least a ride or two. It came up in conversation how difficult they were finding it to acquire useful information on what to expect at a ride. Going into a Ride Camp for the first few times can be an intimidating experience, especially if you have no mentor to guide you.
Amanda was gracious enough to offer to host a evening gathering & pot luck so that I could share what knowledge I've learned in twenty + years of competitive riding. The venue was absolutely the nicest ever! A perfect spring day, added to the ambiance :-) Butch, decided to set up his usual "pit-crew" area- so that these "newbies" could get a "feel" of what a efficient set-up included. I think he stole the show! :-)
We had planned two hours, but with the yummy pot-luck food, such comfy surroundings & Butch's display - all were reluctant to leave! It was fun for us to share what we've learned & we really appreciated the great questions & interest in the sport! We left for home feeling like we'd made some Great new friends & hope to see them put their new found knowledge to good use soon!
Friday the sun appeared! Since Farah is spending a few days on Dean's farm, I decided to ride Khari down to visit her. Khari was happy to be going & doing - set her usual unmotivated walk pace of about 3.5 mph. Our route isn't the safest. It's a narrow rode with several blind curves & no shoulder in many places - guard rail too. Butch insists that I wear a bright green safety vest - so most cars that come by slow down.
Once on the farm, we have all the space in the world to ride! Polito saddled Farah & for the first time I had both mares under saddle together! What fun to see Farah with a rider & riding Khari along side :-) When we arrived at the small pasture on the hill, it was dry enough for Polito to show me what he'd been working on with Farah. Mexican's ride differently- they like the horses head up! Oh No! Farah - did her best - as usual to accommodate those raised reins & higher hands.
Farah & Polito
She did some beautiful side-passing, Polito has also taught her to slide up to heavy rod-iron farm gate, so that he can open & close it from the saddle!The scratches on her high hind sock were still not under control, so she's staying stalled & getting ridden a couple times a day until Dean has her at 100%. His stalls are so much bigger than ours, she's certainly more comfortable & her leg can stay dry long enough to heal.(Farah had her vaccinations over a week ago, Khari now has hers.)
Both mares seemed to enjoy the ride, Khari didn't mind a bit when we left Farah & headed home. Since Farah has been gone - Khari is as sweet as can be! Go figure! First she HAD to have company, we brought Farah home - Khari was thrilled - for about two-weeks. Then she decided to pull the "boss-mare" thing & has tried to make Farah miserable. Farah really doesn't care much for Khari now either - after all who wants a "witch with a B" for a friend?
I'm trying to assess just what my future horse plans might be. I really would like to do trail classes with Farah. Having a trainer like Mark Bolender in our state makes it tempting, too bad he's so far away... Don't know how much more endurance I really want to do... Starting to get that "been there, done that" feel when I think of continuing with the sport. Have Home On the Rangeon my radar again - then will see how I feel.
.jpg)
