This past weekend was an endurance ride and I wanted to go check things out! The weather turned off ugly...we missed the early morning departure but heard that it was storming, hailing, lots of lightning...just ugly out! But those tough riders went out anyways! We got there about 10:30 and it was pouring rain. We did not know anybody there....we were crashing the party! I asked Brian if he wanted to go check it out with me and I got a big fat NO WAY! Ha ha! He thinks they are crazy for riding 25 or 50 miles in that stuff. And when he saw the age differences...young to not so young...he was even more amazed!
I got out and stood around a while, then started chatting with people. I wish I could have stayed the whole weekend, but we were not prepared to camp out in weather like that. Here are just a few of the pictures I took....I think I would have just as much fun being a photographer for a ride as I would as a rider.
I got to see horse/rider teams go thru their vet checks, come in and get heart rates taken, new groups going out after mandatory rest periods, and other groups coming in....I loved it!!!
This was the warmest place on the grounds!
This horse reminded me of an Arab I had a long time ago...he had a canter like no other I have ridden and he had a heart of gold. I miss him.
Nothing but rain coats, helmet covers and blankets for the horses...very cold and windy!
Check out this rig! I am likin' it! LOTS!
This fellow was quite tall!
I love all the bright colors. I would go broke getting one of each! :-)
The little gray sticking his head out is Echo. Echo was saddled and ready to go this morning when his person decided that she would crew for her friend instead. She is one I chatted with for quite a while. How I wish I could have stuck around for more riding stories! Echo was not happy to see the other horses going out without him.
The heart rate taker is Echo's Mom.
I never did talk to this guy, and I wish I would have. Everyone was so busy taking care of their horses and I did not want to disturb them. I am sure I will see him at another ride. I loved his camo/hunter orange rump rug for his horse, plus I just think he is cute!
Loved when he smiled and waved as he went by. I think some thought I was the official ride photographer...I posted all my pictures to Facebook on their site, so hopefully enough of the riders see them and share.
This is my favorite one of the fellow....love the colors and the mystery of a lone rider going into the woods on a trail unknown...
Riders coming in from an 8 mile loop. The 50 miles had to do this loop twice. I am not sure how long the other loops were or how many there were.
I did get to hold a couple of horses...this one was more than happy to do self portraits! :-) The browband on the bridle almost looks like little goggles pushed up. Ha!
Wish I would have seen this saddle pad sooner. I don't know if she was a 25 or a 50 miler. Either way...that is a long way in weather like that on a pad.
These horses were very vocal about being left behind. Some riders chose to stay in on Saturday and ride only Sunday. I have not heard how the Sunday weather was. Radar showed snow.
After my two hours of horsey fun, we headed to Brian's bee seminar that was only 10 miles away. They had 4 cancellations so I got to sit in. It was a very fun full day! I can't wait to go to the next one! I really want to do this, and the big joke now is I have to learn how to ride a horse again! Ha ha! Seeing as I have turned scaredy cat, I am thinking that riding 1 mile out of 25 would not be so much fun. HA HA!!! No worries....I am working on it....and time will heal.
Until later....Karen and Tripp who says that Wyoming would be better at this than him. :-)
1 comment:
Move to FL. We'll train together. ;)
All kidding aside, you can do it. It's a fun sport, and the people are great. Just remember, "to finish is to win!"
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