A Snapshot of our Maine Trip:
1. A memorable moment/ experience. Tiki and I did
not go out for our second loop on our first 25 mile LD. I was having tack issues and the minutes were
ticking by. I finally told Todd (whom I had ridden the first half of the ride
with) to go on without me - and he did. Just like that. No fuss, no muss. Not
only was this Todd’s first LD, it was the first time he had ridden alone for
any extended distance. He trusted his horse, and he trusted himself - so he
went. He really inspired me – I hope that when my turn comes “to go on”, I will
do it just like him.
2. Someone interesting you met. I had the
chance to chat with Garnet Gallant. Loved it. Of course I was totally
unprepared and had no life altering questions for him – but it was great to
have the chance to talk with someone who has so much experience with endurance
riding.
3. Something awesome you
learned. That true friends are gold. Let’s face it –
everybody gets testy when you are hot, tired, and stressed. But when the
feelings and wellbeing of others are put before your own – no matter where your
headspace is – that is true friendship, and we have that in spades.
4. Something you did not expect. I did not
expect the work to be never-ending. There was always something that needed to
be done. The only time I sat down was at supper time ... and sometimes at the
ride meetings.
5. Something funny that happened.
This
trip to Maine was not only our first time at an AERC ride, it was the first
time for all of our horses. The first night, we tucked them all in stalls – and
a row of 6 heads were constantly hanging out over the Dutch doors – taking in
all of the sights and sounds. Every once and a while, they would all look at
each other – as if to say – Man! Did you see THAT!! (I don’t think they got a
wink of sleep). By the end of the week - They all had their heads down in their
hay piles, and life outside when on – unobserved.
6. Something you learned about
yourself. I SO have to learn to RELAX!
7. Something you would like to
forget. I would really like to forget my first shower. (NO hot water). It was FREEZING COLD – not enjoyable. At that
point I was really wishing I had packed my cowboy shower.
8. Something you would do differently
next time. I would try to give my horse enough room to properly roll in his temporary
paddock – he caught his hoof in the electric fencing – twice.
9. Favorite experience or spot
on the trail. We (Tiki & I) were out on our first 25 mile ride with Todd
& Ali. Ali leads because Tiki is young and inexperienced, and when Tiki
leads, he travels very slowly. We came off a short stretch of road onto “the
potato fields” and onto a beautiful, wide, dirt road which wrapped along the
outskirts of the fields. Tiki decides that Ali wasn’t going fast enough, so he
casually comes up along side of him and passes him – no coxing from me! Tiki
opens up into this awesome 11 mph extended trot – and just flies down the road.
He is nice and smooth and rhythmic, and you can tell he is really enjoying
himself! Ah – a glimpse of what will be!
10. Something you found
challenging. Even I found the heat challenging this time around – and I LOVE the
HEAT! WOW! It was smoking hot.
11. A piece of advice you got. Keep your
horse wet. If he doesn’t have to sweat to keep cool – he won’t lose
electrolytes and it will be easier to keep him hydrated. I knew it was
important to pour water on your horse to cool him – I just never connected it
to the electrolyte/hydration equation before.
12. Closing comment- Maine was a
learning experience beyond compare. It was wonderful to “rub elbows” with some
wonderfully talented endurance people (and their equines), who went out of
their way to make you feel welcomed and included. For me, hopefully it is just
the start for Tiki and I – for we have many trails yet to travel down, and many
places to see.
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