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. :-)
Frosty morning! Very! Cold, crisp fresh air & sunshine again! Such an incredible place to enjoy such a day. It wasn't long before we'd saddled up & were riding out to check the trails~
Through camp~
The start had been changed, to go right through the middle of camp - so that's the way we went. With all the moisture, I was amazed at how dusty the roads in camp were.
On our way~
It's hard to believe the number of years that have gone by since I was on a trail with these two! We wanted to see the trail markings to the north & to the south. John soon left us - he'd already been out, so Diane & I continued on. We rode the three-miles to the first water tank, then a little further. Last year there had been many wildflowers blooming in the woods. This season I really didn't see any - except of course the dogwood trees in full flower.
Diane & Titan check out the map~
Soon, we found out that the trails were dusty too, but such soft footing feels so nice when you've been used to rock logging roads. We had to check out the big tree :-)
It was hard to have to turn back, but it was getting close to lunch. The plan was to get registered early & try to get through the pre-ride vetting before the lines got too long. Well, of course we weren't the only ones with that idea :-)
Registration line~
I had sent my paperwork in early, but there was only one line. It was really no surprise how quickly we moved forward. Anna - as usual had things totally under control! It was going to be a huge ride, there were more rigs already in on Thursday, than there usually are on Friday! It seemed there were so many new faces that we didn't recognize. Always fun to catch up with old friends we only see at rides. Since we go so seldom - there's always lots of news :-)
Butch trots Farah~
I'd brushed Farah & she was in her usual rare form for the trot-out! Butch had his hands full! It's a good thing that he feeds her - because she looked ready to rip! She was so excited to be here - she knows that it's the place that she gets to GO!
Coming back~
No lack of impulsion! She also didn't like the way Mike had approached her & kicked out! That had never happened before & we didn't like it at all. No excuse for bad behavior. She pulsed in low & had her usual A's. Mike said that he wanted a red ribbon in her tail~
More socializing - then back to our camp for dinner & bed. I was concerned that the new pad would stay in place & hopeful that we wouldn't be riding in rain! Trying new? At a ride? No, I haven't learned that yet :-) To be Continued~ Next - Ride Day!
We'd spent our first night on the road back at the Modesto Fairgrounds. A great place to stop-overnight with clean restrooms that include showers! You do have to bed your own stalls & clean-up after, but for the small charge, well worth it. What we did find out later the morning we left, was that with the river dried up, homeless are digging holes/caves in the side of the riverbank & living there.
Outside Sacramento
Anxious to see Diane, after fueling up - we made great time toward Sacramento. When we hit the six-lane freeways, we were glad that we were well ahead of the afternoon traffic. Soon, we were out in the countryside around the town & the sprawl of new developments went on for miles...
Before long, we were entering Lincoln - a beautiful smaller town that has done a nice job of complimenting the older historic buildings (most renovated) with new modern construction. Diane had given us good directions & I recognized that we were getting close from the photos she'd sent.
We've arrived!
It was Wonderful to see Diane on her ATV - waiting for us at the bottom of the driveway! There were beautiful large pastures waiting for both Farah & Freebie! After days on the road & pipe corrals, both mares were so happy to be out & free! Fresh green grass everywhere!
John & Justice, Diane & Kisses
Soon John was home & we'd already been in Diane's sewing shop - admiring all the amazing fabrics & prints & tights! Both of us had to order more! I wish I'd taken a photo - so rich in colors that it was better than being in a candy shop!
Living on the top of one of the taller rolling hills - the views all around the property were breathtaking! Then - time to meet & greet the horses!
John & Fonzie
John has an amazing way with his horses - now with more time to devote to them & the sport of endurance - he is excelling with high vet scores & BC's to his credit! As we girls sat in the shade, he turned the horses loose in the yard!
Farah thought she should join in!
Fonzie kept buzzing by Farah & she found him very attractive too! Too fast for me to catch with a photo! John saddled up for an evening work - there's plenty of forward here!
John & Fonzie
Soon, the sun was low on the horizon - John is famous for his steaks & we ate to excess & topped dinner off with triple distilled blueberry moonshine! It was so quite - we went to sleep with the sound of the crickets chirping.
Cowboy - my favorite Jack Russell :-)
I know Cowboy remembered me - (I'd saved him from drowning, way back when :-) I wish I'd gotten a photo of Elation - who also remembered me, because she was always fond of putting her jaw on top of my head :-) (She's now mentoring her own filly & Kisses filly too, while looking half her age!)
Diane & Connie
All too soon, it was time to hit the road again... Another long drive ahead of us to reach our destination of Roseburg, OR before nightfall. Always tough to say goodbye to good friends - but it was good to know that they have found their perfect place & are living the good life. Soon - John will have to add a trophy room to the house :-)
Thank you John & Diane - for your amazing hospitality!
It was hard to stay home from one of our favorite rides, but all in all - following Linda's advice & seeing a Chiropractor has set me on a new path that at this point is working well for both me & Farah. My shoulder has finally moved back into the vicinity it belongs, low enough that people can see my ear again!
Dr. Jay rides a mountain bike & does a lot of hiking - so he understands people who want to keep on doing what they love to do. He agreed that we could continue on - just not at the rate/speed/distance that going to a ride would entail. He is also very good at turning some of my comments back at me! Like when I mentioned that I'm one of those "type A's" always about how fast I can get it done. When I complained that I'd have to come in yet another day - he said; "I thought you were the one that's all about speed?" If I keep up with the schedule - my neck will improve quicker.
Farah waits for her adjustment
On Thursday, I walked Farah down the sidewalk on 172nd & you should have seen four lanes of traffic freak out at the sight! :-) She helped with yard work while we waited :-) Watching while Jay was working on her - it was obvious that
something was happenning. She'd had one spot up by her poll on the off
side that she's been snarky about since I bought her. No longer! The difference in her today was readily apparent.
With yet another new pad~
As much as we've both liked Linda's saddle, it has been making "waves" on her withers - especially when we do a lot of up/down hill which we do a lot of anyway. I'd tried foam inserts in the Woolback - but she didn't like that. We went shopping to buy a crupper - but couldn't find one locally. Instead - since Everett had mentioned a pad he bought that worked well to keep the saddle in place - I found one of those at Bony Pony - a Tucker "Tacky Tack" pad.
Morning fog~
Linda wanted to head out early to beat the heat & it was a good thing we did. The ride was Great, cool & beautiful - we saw two deer. When you ride with Linda - you ride trail & we did plenty - up/down & all around! The saddle stayed in place & by the Monument I took it off to see what things looked like. Farah's back looked great - not as sweaty as usual under the Woolback & the waves actually looked a little better!
Linda & Count!
Linda is smiling in this photo - because she enjoys torturing me! Enjoys it! :-) More than once over our years of riding together - one or the other of us has had to work through stuff & there's no one better than Linda to work you through it! Each ride - my confidence is improving - Farah still taking a second look at the small bridges we cross!
Fog burning off, Sun coming out Hot!
By the time we headed back - the sun had burned through & the temperature went up about 15 degrees in 5 minutes! We have plans to clear trail tomorrow morning - we've picked the trail & we're hoping for another foggy morning!
My new Crazy Legs!
Diane wanted a photo of me in my new tights - so here it is! I removed my half chaps to better show off the pattern on the tights & yes - I removed my helmet too! The cotton works perfectly for me & good thing - since Di mentioned something about... if THEY were too hot - I'd be riding naked! NOT!
We'd all been trying to figure out a way to meet-up for a ride! Having discussed different places, then the holiday traffic that will be clogging the roads, I got lucky! Amanda, Beth & Lynn all agreed to come up this way! Bracken seemed a good idea & a lot of other riders must have thought the same thing - since the trailer parking was almost full when we arrived!
Decorations for the Forth?
When we came to the water tank, the cedar next to it was decorated with these tiny clip on ornaments! Cute & festive too :-) Some were so high in the tree - that someone had to stand on their saddle to get them up there! Even Amanda on Cato couldn't reach the highest ones! We had no particular agenda - except to have a nice ride & catch up on all the news.
Over Tin Bridge we go!
Mid 60's sure felt nice to me! I wore my new Crazy Leg Tights that Diane made especially for me out of a cotton blend are the lightest, coolest ever! The fit is perfect & I LOVE them! They are the most comfortable Ever! The padding at the inside of the knee is just perfect! We rode out to the "Emerald Valley" & had our lunch. The horses Love the grazing & would have happily spent the day being horses...
Break time!
The sky turned gray with big, dark clouds rolling in just as we decided to head back. It sprinkled on us - but nothing like the rain that those clouds looked like they might unleash! Farah - who was very unhappy that Cato brought Kate - finally decided to settle down & walked almost decently along side Kate on the way back - Beth & I had a chance to chat too :-)
I can't thank everyone enough for coming up to ride with me! Now that my schedule has to revolve around my 3 X's weekly visits to the Chiropractor - for the next TEN weeks... It's more challenging to figure out my rides. I did get up this morning to less pain that I've had since our fall - that was really nice. It lasted until I was in the saddle & Farah wanted to be challenging... We both have an appointment later today! Maybe Dr. Jay will show me a button to relax her! :-)
