I'm working on it...

OK, I realize I've been totally slacking when it comes to posting this week. I've got several trains of thought that are duking it out.

We'll see which one prevails over the weekend.

Until then, TGIF...

Putting the race before the horse...

My newest post on Horse Nation here. Enjoy :)

I'm sore...

Talk about a crazy weekend. But in a good way...

I decided to take Friday off from work so I would have plenty of time to pack and get to the ride camp for the endurance race this past weekend. Good thing I did. I wasn't really ready to leave until after 3pm. Then I had to go and gas up the truck. We sat at the gas station for what felt like hours. That place was busy!!

Once we got to ride camp, Rebel set up camp and I went about getting Flash and I (well, just Flash actually) vetted in. The vets could care less what the humans look like... you could be bleeding out of every pore. Just as long as the horse is fit and ready to continue.

We had some downtime, so I decided to get Flash braided up for optimum cooling...

Flash was happy to get braided. He think he looks like a princess...

But, of course, he is a princess...

A few of us wandered down to the main part of camp to attend the ride meeting, where I got my first surprise of the weekend. The first loop (the orange loop) was going to be 22 miles long. Say what?!? Holy crap. That's a hell of a first loop for our very first ride of the season and in 7 years. Plus there was going to be a water crossing... not Flash's favorite thing.

After that, we settled in for dinner and I tried my best not to be too nervous (yeah, right). I spent most of the night tossing and turning and dreaming about all of the things that I could do wrong the next day. Needless to say, I was up pretty early. 5ish, if I had to guess. I got some breakfast and watched the 75's and the 50's leave. We were only doing 30 so our start time didn't come until 8am.

But when it did come, we were ready to go...

Time to go, mom!!

Do we have everything? Boy, I hope so. See you in 22 miles...

We headed out in about the 3rd wave of 30 milers and about 25 of us all together. I wanted to start in the middle to back of the pack but Flash had other ideas. He wanted to be in front, like now!! And it wasn't that he just wanted to catch up with whoever was in front of us. He would pass them and then keep yanking on my arms to go faster and catch up with the next group. It was a miserable first 9 to 10 miles. Flash was running way too fast and it was starting to get really hot, really quick. I was afraid he would be spent before we even finished the first loop. The other problem is that he was so excited that he refused to drink at the first 3 watering holes. Not good. Not good at all...

Then we hit the first hill.

 OK, mom. I think I'm ready to slow down and walk now...

View of our back trail about 14-15 miles in...

View from the top of the first big butte looking West...

There were a lot of riders who were actually trotting up those hills. We decided to walk up everything and do a light trot on the downhill stuff. Unfortunately, at about mile 15 we got lost. There was a hairpin turn that about 14 of us missed. We were all cruising down this 2-track road when about a 1/2 mile in I realized we hadn't seen any markers. Oops...

On our way back we picked up a bunch of other riders that had also missed the turn. But, in our defense, it was a tough turn to see. You came off an elevated trail along a fence line to a split that went about 6 ways. There were markers in the trees on the back side of the fence that lined the elevated trail we were on, but it just looked like it was marking the trail we were already on. However, you were supposed to come around that fence, make a u-turn (basically) and follow the trail on the bottom side of the fence. It was deceptive and took the bunch of us about 5 minutes to figure it out. Plus it was getting really hot at this point so none of us was thinking that clearly.

Once we got back on the trail, Flash was looking for water. Unfortunately none was forthcoming any time soon. We had to go another 2 to 3 miles before we hit the stream crossing.

Now, typically my horse is a complete water wimp. I always have to convince him that it is not going to eat him and it usually takes a few minutes to get him to cross... not this time. As soon as he saw the water he charged right in and started drinking. And kept drinking. And drinking. For like 5 minutes. That boy was thirsty!! There were 2 other horses at the stream at the same time we were there so I had Flash wait until they were done drinking and across too. Well, that was the plan anyway. One of the horses refused to get in the water. So the guy dismounted and decided to lead his horse across. At this point, Flash and I decided it was time to go and as we were climbing the hill away from the stream I saw the guy's horse leap onto him in the middle of the steam (completely knocking him over) and then drag him out of the stream on the same side they started on. D'oh. It might have been worth the dunking if the horse had come out on the side they needed to be on. They were still trying to cross when we rode out of sight.

After that, it was a pretty easy ride back to camp. Flash was running good but I was definitely starting to feel the miles. It seemed like that loop went on forever!! But we made it. Flash pulsed down and vetted in great. Bow was helping at the vet check and helped me out too. Rebel took care of Flash while I ate a little and drank. And then I sat down... big mistake.

Sooner than I was ready, it was time to go again. Rebel threw me up in the saddle and sent Flash and I on our way. The 2nd loop was only 10 miles and I was grateful. By that time I was hurting pretty badly.

We met up with a nice lady and just cruised with them for the 2nd loop. Flash was feeling good and had plenty in the tank. We figured we were somewhere in the back of the pack so didn't rush to get back. It was a beautiful loop with lovely views (that I didn't take pictures of *sad face*) and in no time we were wandering back into ride camp. As we came in we were told we were 9th and 10th. Say what?!? Apparently a bunch of horses were pulled at the first vet check. Out of 25ish riders, only 12 completed. At that point I was very proud of Flash. He still looked pretty good and vetted out fine. We also got to present for Best Condition (which we were no where close to getting) but I was still really proud of my boy. 

Both very sweaty and very tired...

After it was over, I couldn't find the wine or the Advil fast enough. Both were much needed. On Sunday, I could barely walk. Flash was feeling pretty perky by then...

We had a good time and can't wait to do it again. Next up, 25 miles in 3 weeks... I was thinking about trying a 50 but I need a few more weeks of conditioning for myself before I'm ready for that little adventure.

(thanks to Bow for the great photos... you can find her blog here)

There's no such thing as overpacking...

Head on over to Horse Nation and check out my new post here.

(again, how cool is it that I get to write once a week for an awesome blog like that?)

Holy carp!! I missed my anniversary...

(well, actually I'm not talking about an uber-religious fish. It just got typed out that way)

Anyway, yesterday was my 3 year anniversary of writing (hacking? stumbling through? butchering?) this blog!!

Yay, me :)

If I were any type of real blogger, I would go back and read all the previous posts and then expound upon how much I've grown and blah, blah, blah.

*gag*

Chances are, I'm still just as much of an idiot when it comes to life as I was back in April '09 when I started this little adventure.

Who needs growth? I just want chocolate... and a suitable partner for the Zombie Apocalypse.

So, assuming the world doesn't actually explode on 12.21.12 I will see you again next year to celebrate. Same time, same place...

Don't blame it on me...

I've posted before about Bow's horse search. Let me just say that after this past week that I'm glad I'm not in the market for an additional mouth to feed. Egads... crazy seller are crazy!! Seriously.

Cray-zee...

So, long story short: Bow found a really nice Arab gelding for sale. She called and talked to the owner. Owner described the horse a bit, Bow described her riding skills and desires for the horse a bit and an appointment to see the horse at the trainer's barn was made.

So far so good, right? Right.

Bow shows up at the barn and even though the horse proves to be quite sane (and actually bored with the whole thing) Bow doesn't get to ride because it's windy out. OK, whatever. Weather happens and I guess the buyer wants to be careful. But still... a tad on the weird side. Bow makes another appointment to see the horse and actually ride the horse this time.

First ride on perfectly sane horse goes fine. Bow makes a second appointment to ride the horse on the trail later in the week and invites Flash and I along for the ride. I tell her no problem, we'll be there with bells (or at least a saddle) on.

So far so good, right? Maybe.

In the few days between the first ride and the trail ride, CrazyLady keeps emailing Bow about all of these weird conditions she wants to put on the sale. Now, I understand about wanting a good home for a horse that you've had in your possession... just ask Heard. I made her jump through some hoops to get Aspen (aka Zoe). However, CrazyLady kept adding to the list: she has to approve the boarding situation (OK, I get that... don't want said horse standing in fetlock deep mud), horse has to have a stall and turnout (really? horses don't "have" to have a stall... in fact, most horses just prefer to hang out with some buds but still, I kinda get that), horse has to stay in training with the trainer for a month (um, now I'm starting to get an icky feeling... has to stay in training? why? horse seems sane... it's just the owner I'm wondering about now), Bow has to take lessons with the trainer (shouldn't Bow be the one to decide who she'd like to train with?) and horse has to be boarded at trainer's place for a month (now we're just into the ridiculous).

At this point, I was cautioning against the CrazyLady but Bow really liked the horse and didn't mind jumping through a few hoops because the price was good and the horse was sane. So, we were still on for the trail ride later in the week.

So far so good, right? Starting to wonder.

So, I show up at the trainer's barn with Flash in tow. I brush my horse, I saddle up and I try to start a conversation with the CrazyLady (figuring it would be good to try to play nice... no good deed goes unpunished). I mention to CrazyLady that I do endurance with my horse. CrazyLady then mentions to me that someone wanted to take sane horse and have him racing a 50 mile endurance race in 6 weeks. My jaw dropped. And I mentioned that you could maybe be ready for an easy 25 LD in 2 months but 50 in 6 weeks seemed excessive. Keep this little convo in mind. It'll become pertinent in a moment.

Bow and I (and trainer) head out for our trail ride. Minus a little spook at a car zooming by, sane horse proves himself to be, well, sane. Bow is very interested now. I'm on board because they seem like a good fit. When we arrive back at the barn Bow lets CrazyLady know that she is interested and CrazyLady pushes for a vet check like now. So Bow sets everything up for a few days later... barn visit (where sane horse would eventually live) and vet check.

So far so good, right? Not so fast.

*this short story isn't that short, is it? anywho... moving on*

The day before the vet and barn visit, CrazyLady emails Bow that she can't do the day she decided on and can she rearrange all the appointments. Bow scrambles around calling hither and yon trying to get the appointments rescheduled to accommodate the bitch, I mean CrazyLady. After going through all of that, CrazyLady then emails her this:

Hi Bow,
I just sent you an email but I don't think it went through so I'm sending this again.
I'm not sure you and sane horse are the best match. It has nothing to do with you personally, my concern is over the woman who you have mentoring you (that would be me, in case you were wondering). Since I placed my ad I have read a lot, talked to and emailed with quite a few people who are long term endurance riders. Without going into too much detail I can tell you they are not in agreement with any trainer who says they can condition a horse properly for a 25 mile ride in two months-something she said she could do (true, I did say it could be done... didn't say I was going to or have anyone asking me for advice do so either). Since your goal is 25(or 50?) mile ride by the end of the summer I think you would be better served finding a horse that already has months of conditioning on him (months? how many months do you think it takes you batshit crazy moron?). Sane horse isn't there yet (he's been in regular work for a month, so he could be ready in 2 months) and I don't want her influencing you by telling you she thinks he can do it (already explained what I said but it still pisses me off). It's likely he could, but the damage to his tendons and soft joints would likely show up down the road (yeah, because all of us endurance people don't have to vet in or out at every race... and multiple times in between *rolls eyes*).
I have a lifetime of experience with owning, breeding and showing my horses(with trainers) to national wins (I actually looked for a show record under her name... not much there. hmmmm). I understand conditioning for long term use (really? you mentioned you really didn't ride and didn't show your own horses. hmmmm). I've seen horses badly damaged/used up by people who pushed them too hard and too fast. I don't want that for any of my horses.
I wish you the best in your search. I am sorry to disappoint you but unless you were willing to take lessons with someone I know and condition sane horse according to AERC guidelines (which I have done, just for the record) I think I will continue to look for another buyer.
Thanks, Fucking Bitch (oops... I mean CrazyLady)

Let me just say that AERC thinks that any fit horse with a couple months of conditioning can do an easy 25 or 30 LD. It's all over their damn website.

*gets huffy*

The woman is off her fucking rocker (sorry for the language... a bit pissed off here). Plus I feel really bad that I opened my mouth up at all and said anything to this woman and ruined what might have been a good match between sane horse and Bow.

*serious growling*

So, poor Bow has to start the search all over again.

I wonder if I'll be asked to consult again? Can't blame her if she leaves me at home next time...

More camping...

As I mentioned in my last post, I decided to go horse camping again this weekend. My weather app was assuring me it would be good weather, so I figured what the heck.

Unfortunately, I paid more attention to how Saturday and Sunday were looking and neglected to pay attention to the weather Friday night.

Big mistake. Huge.

Um, excuse me? What is this?

Not quite the weather I was anticipating. Not even a little bit. And to make matters worse, the heavy snow pointed out some leaky spots in the camper... 

*sigh*

But at least they got fixed before my next outing... which is race weekend!! (yeah, I'm a little excited... just go with it)

However, Saturday turned out the way it was supposed to and Flash and I got a really good training ride in... complete with views.

Is there a better view than between a horses ears?

Flash thought all of the burned trees were hiding evil demons...

Instead they were just hiding good views of the surrounding mountains...

Although they *do* look a little wicked...

We also got some good road riding in...

We went about 15 miles and Flash was still feeling really good when we were done. I, on the other hand, wanted Advil and a nap. Next weekend is going to be brutal but I think the ankle will hold up just fine. It felt pretty good after we were done.

Saturday night, Jewel and Mr. Mustache ended up at our campsite and stayed around to chat. I hadn't seen Jewel in quite a while so it was good to catch up.

Sunday, it was time to pack it up and head home. After cleaning up the camper a bit some friends hauled over to the house and Shield's friend decided to give Storm a try (the friend is thinking about leasing out Storm for the summer). It was a great match and they both had a good time.

Once that was done, Hutch and I headed out for another 10 mile training ride. Flash ran really good. I tried to work out all the stiff muscles from the day before.

But we had a good time...

All in all, a really good weekend. I can't wait for race day...