Day VII
Bom dia Ya`ll,
Well the adventure continues. As mentioned before, there are to be two races held at the Universidad this weekend. Sat. is a 75 KM (approx. 45 miles) & Sunday a 35, (approx. 25 mi.). Our group had dinner with the ride manager last night & I was asking ride procedure particulars & found out, much to my surprise, (cause I thought they ran there rides very much like the US), that this group was disgusted with people riding too fast and had come up with some new criteria. Now, take a seat if you`re standing kids. Pulse 56 in 15 minutes at each vet check and the finish, or you are pulled. If you bust your check, say at 5 minutes into the 15, your penalty is the full 15 minutes. Had a great discussion with the RM on the pros & cons of this method, which I won`t go into, cause I can hear all your little heads spinning with the same arguments, but I think it will be an interesting race, (but how could it be --- of one has to recover to 56 in 15 minutes at the finish.) It should accomplish their desired slowing of riders though.... shouldn`t it???
Oh well, I can remember when the pulse first went below 72, then later recovery to 64 in 30 min. We always managed to make it a race somehow.... and my favorite saying once again applies.... as long as it is an equal playing field... the competition will be a competition.
Now for a description of the preparation here. For those of you who have been to the Race of Champions or an International Competition, imagine all the banners, signs, survey ribbon perimeters, stages, tents, etc. This ride is on par with a plain ole, vanilla, regional back yard ride, yet these Brazilians have their own style. It looks like the Rolex Jumping event at the Kentucky Horse Park. Sylvia took me to set up our crew area today & I`m not sure I put that much effort into building my house. :-) We staked it out, with metal stakes, nylon ropes & parking cones...., set up a tent, moved her wooden 4/2` tack box in, chairs, 6 30 gallon barrels,(to hold the water) 2 20 gallon tubs for the horses to drink out of, & misc. buckets & other stuff. Now mind you, this is just for Sylvia & I in the 75 KM on Sat. & 4 horses competing on Sunday.
Management has 20 100 gallon water tanks set up a short way from us to service all of the horses. They have commercial, (meaning professionally painted and color coordinated) signs for everything, including the "baby ride". You are going to love this.... a parent leads a toddler around on a 1 Km ride. The RM joked.... then the pulse of the father is taken for the winner.
I guess they have been seriously influenced by the eventing and jumping world with all the foo foo. I must admit, it does look nice, and even a foreigner knows where I`m going, (at least most of the time.)
Sharon & I got to survey the trail today as well. That was a neat experience as I assumed it would be pretty tame since we were going in a small truck. NOTTTTT!!! It was put in by motorcycle & there was at least one spot where we flat chickened out going down & two spots where I walked ahead on foot to make sure it was safe. Have I mentioned how pretty the country is!?!? BTW, they have professional Trail Putter Inners too. Honestly, a guy named Tattoooo, (no kin to the short one, this guy is a 6`4" blond Dutchman), is paid by different rides to go out & find the trail, (sometimes in partnership with a local rider), check the mileage, mark the trail, & supervise it, (making sure ribbons stay up) & fixing problems on ride day. As a past RM I would have hated somebody putting in trail for me, (I loved that part), but maintaining it at the end sounds like a great idea.
There trail marking is a lot like ours with just a few minor differences. Good & bad.... Good: They use a lot of colored signs with big black arrows. Long, big colored ribbons & spray painted circles and arrows in strategic spots. Bad: Ribbons are alternated on both sides instead of being primarily on one side, & sharp turns could be either marked a bit better or other way limed across.
Not really a bunch of difference, so hopefully I won`t get too lost tomorrow. The stallion I`m riding seems to be in pretty good shape, but he hasn`t had anything but little short rides this week on our training outs, & did not get ridden at all today or yesterday. hmmm.... As I said.... should be a very interesting day, hope there`s no mares near during that 56 requirement!!!!
I was really looking forward to riding with Sylvia on Saturday, however, as soon as we returned from the trail preview, Sylvia met us with the bad news that her horse was lame... this was particular bad as this was her #3 back up horse, (her son`s in fact), both #1 & #2 were lame when I got to Brazil. Evidently the horse had been turned out in a small paddock for exercise & probably got to running & bucking, (as they will) hit some concrete or loose dirt, fell & popped himself pretty good. He was grade 3/4 lame in the back left. Whole left hindquarter was swollen. They had already treated with banamine when we arrived, so we used the magboys awhile, & 45 min. later he had progress to a grade 2 at a walk... didn`t dare trot him. Told Sylvia that`s what we call Snake Bit in Texas.... don`t know if it translated or not. So now, I actually get another crew person, but I really feel bad, `cause nothing is worse than having a ride in your own backyard practically & having nothing to ride. She does have a gorgeous young stallion she will be riding on Sunday.
Will explain more about the horse`s prerequisites to run the longer distances in a day or two. Not real sure I understand it yet. Also met the owner of one of the ranches we are crossing. He is building a 33 room hotel overlooking this gorgeous valley. My brain is ticking.... anybody interested in taking a riding vacation down here next summer???? Bom dia Ya`ll, Well the adventure continues. As mentioned before, there are to be two races held at the Universidad this weekend. Sat. is a 75 KM (approx. 45 miles) & Sunday a 35, (approx. 25 mi.). Our group had dinner with the ride manager last night & I was asking ride procedure particulars & found out, much to my surprise, (cause I thought they ran there rides very much like the US), that this group was disgusted with people riding too fast and had come up with some new criteria. Now, take a seat if you`re standing kids. Pulse 56 in 15 minutes at each vet check and the finish, or you are pulled. If you bust your check, say at 5 minutes into the 15, your penalty is the full 15 minutes. Had a great discussion with the RM on the pros & cons of this method, which I won`t go into, cause I can hear all your little heads spinning with the same arguments, but I think it will be an interesting race, (but how could it be --- of one has to recover to 56 in 15 minutes at the finish.) It should accomplish their desired slowing of riders though.... shouldn`t it???
Oh well, I can remember when the pulse first went below 72, then later recovery to 64 in 30 min. We always managed to make it a race somehow.... and my favorite saying once again applies.... as long as it is an equal playing field... the competition will be a competition.
Now for a description of the preparation here. For those of you who have been to the Race of Champions or an International Competition, imagine all the banners, signs, survey ribbon perimeters, stages, tents, etc. This ride is on par with a plain ole, vanilla, regional back yard ride, yet these Brazilians have their own style. It looks like the Rolex Jumping event at the Kentucky Horse Park. Sylvia took me to set up our crew area today & I`m not sure I put that much effort into building my house. :-) We staked it out, with metal stakes, nylon ropes & parking cones...., set up a tent, moved her wooden 4/2` tack box in, chairs, 6 30 gallon barrels,(to hold the water) 2 20 gallon tubs for the horses to drink out of, & misc. buckets & other stuff. Now mind you, this is just for Sylvia & I in the 75 KM on Sat. & 4 horses competing on Sunday.
Management has 20 100 gallon water tanks set up a short way from us to service all of the horses. They have commercial, (meaning professionally painted and color coordinated) signs for everything, including the "baby ride". You are going to love this.... a parent leads a toddler around on a 1 Km ride. The RM joked.... then the pulse of the father is taken for the winner.
I guess they have been seriously influenced by the eventing and jumping world with all the foo foo. I must admit, it does look nice, and even a foreigner knows where I`m going, (at least most of the time.)
Sharon & I got to survey the trail today as well. That was a neat experience as I assumed it would be pretty tame since we were going in a small truck. NOTTTTT!!! It was put in by motorcycle & there was at least one spot where we flat chickened out going down & two spots where I walked ahead on foot to make sure it was safe. Have I mentioned how pretty the country is!?!? BTW, they have professional Trail Putter Inners too. Honestly, a guy named Tattoooo, (no kin to the short one, this guy is a 6`4" blond Dutchman), is paid by different rides to go out & find the trail, (sometimes in partnership with a local rider), check the mileage, mark the trail, & supervise it, (making sure ribbons stay up) & fixing problems on ride day. As a past RM I would have hated somebody putting in trail for me, (I loved that part), but maintaining it at the end sounds like a great idea.
There trail marking is a lot like ours with just a few minor differences. Good & bad.... Good: They use a lot of colored signs with big black arrows. Long, big colored ribbons & spray painted circles and arrows in strategic spots. Bad: Ribbons are alternated on both sides instead of being primarily on one side, & sharp turns could be either marked a bit better or other way limed across.
Not really a bunch of difference, so hopefully I won`t get too lost tomorrow. The stallion I`m riding seems to be in pretty good shape, but he hasn`t had anything but little short rides this week on our training outs, & did not get ridden at all today or yesterday. hmmm.... As I said.... should be a very interesting day, hope there`s no mares near during that 56 requirement!!!!
I was really looking forward to riding with Sylvia on Saturday, however, as soon as we returned from the trail preview, Sylvia met us with the bad news that her horse was lame... this was particular bad as this was her #3 back up horse, (her son`s in fact), both #1 & #2 were lame when I got to Brazil. Evidently the horse had been turned out in a small paddock for exercise & probably got to running & bucking, (as they will) hit some concrete or loose dirt, fell & popped himself pretty good. He was grade 3/4 lame in the back left. Whole left hindquarter was swollen. They had already treated with banamine when we arrived, so we used the magboys awhile, & 45 min. later he had progress to a grade 2 at a walk... didn`t dare trot him. Told Sylvia that`s what we call Snake Bit in Texas.... don`t know if it translated or not. So now, I actually get another crew person, but I really feel bad, `cause nothing is worse than having a ride in your own backyard practically & having nothing to ride. She does have a gorgeous young stallion she will be riding on Sunday.
Will explain more about the horse`s prerequisites to run the longer distances in a day or two. Not real sure I understand it yet. Also met the owner of one of the ranches we are crossing. He is building a 33 room hotel overlooking this gorgeous valley. My brain is ticking.... anybody interested in taking a riding vacation down here next summer????
Last highlight of the day was visiting a local bakery.... you can`t believe this place... had a little snack bar with Cappuccino choc d`oro that made you roll on the floor & rub your tummy. Bought all sorts of breads & bread rolls with meat & cheese and that was dinner. mmmmm Will have race news tomorrow... wish me luck!!
Chow!!!
Darolyn
Day XIII and IX
Race day at last!!!! Sylvia & I were up at the crack of dawn, made & packed sandwiches, (just like home), hopped in her rig & off to ride site. Found my big red boy waiting in the stall, needed to go to pre vet check but couldn`t brush him `cause all the brushes were still locked up in Tack Room. Kinda wiped him off with the rope, then off I went to the Vet. Got my vet card from management & a cute little sack containing the usual stuff, plus a number vest. Headed toward the vet check & had made the first stop when asked for my health papers.... duh!!!! Then here came Sylvia running with them. This hadn`t even crossed my mind.
He had a resting pulse in the high 30`s, I`m pretty impressed with this old campaigner!!! And not at all bad on the ground (or mounted) for a stallion. He & I only had a couple of chats the whole week. Now back to the stable, ahh... can get to brushes, AND my saddle now. Filled up water bottles, checked fanny pack, decided I wanted to use the running martingale, but no where in this well stocked tack room was one pair of loose guards. They were all built in to each of the English Bridles that were there.
With the polo & 3 day event influence, everything is Quite, Quite, proper.... got some real funny looks at my hornless Sharon Saare, & the stable hands, (your gonna love this), who help you tack and untack, aren`t real sure how to do it on a western saddle. Gave up on the keepers... (maybe he`ll be good.) Got my camera bag mounted on my fanny pack, yes... I intended to take pictures... carried same little camera up & down Tevis this year. Lets see.. extra film???? No... left it in my room at Sylvia`s, maybe 24 shots will last me. Ran to truck to take a vitamin before I took off, one fell out, looked and looked, could not find... oh well, poured another out & took it. (Remember this 4 later.)
Mounted, race started, amid as much whoopla, & music & announcers as any "Grand Event" you`ve ever been too. Actually teared up a bit.... even after 18,000 miles, those starts still get me! Now this AM when we arrived, the dressage arena had all been staked off, as Sylvia & I had done the day before. I wish I could show you pics. Just wouldn`t believe it. You thought we brought a lot of stuff in.... They have full size, metal feed troughs, horse chest high, so they don`t have to bend down. And (your gonna love this too), a water truck that keeps circling the crew area & filling up EVERYONE`S tubs & barrels. I just about fell over when I saw that at the 1st Vet check.
Well, back to the race.... we left in a very civilized manner, however, I was really glad I had ridden the area that previous week, & really glad I had reviewed the trail by wheels the day before. As I said, it was pretty well marked, but I had fearful visions of me being at a farm house, being very lost, & asking a Portuguese speaking person for help.
The pace was similar to a medium 50 or fast 100. We were averaging about 10-11 mph. I was occasionally riding with one lady who spoke a little English, but I really didn`t miss the chatting. The countryside here truly fascinates me. The rolling & forested hills, (they have to leave 20% of the natural Forest when they do their agricultural cutting), the small residential homes, then the palatial mansions and ranches parked right next to them. Old Volkswagens, weird farm trucks, & "pTown Cars", careening down the narrow roads. Yes, the cars go a little fast for my comfort, but my steed was steady & had less of a problem with them than I did. Not too far into the ride, I noted a pretty sharp achey pain in my right index finger. Hmmm... arthritus??? Did I hit it & bruise it... couldn`t think of a thing. Oh well.... who`s going to complain about a litle finger pain??? Long story short... at about 10 miles kinda rubbed my finger (thru the glove) to make it feel better. Heh... something in there... The Lost Vitamin!!! Another first... vitamins can cause injury!!!! Had one near fall about a mile out of 1st check, stumbled in an irragation ditch... almost went down... looks ok... carry on.
Slowed way back coming into the first check. My crew met me at the timer. For someone who didn`t even know if I would have a crew, I couldn`t believe it.... Sylvia, Aluisio, Migelle, 2 or 3 of the stable hands & occasionally Sharon Saare... (she split her time watching our booth... which they had so graciously offered for both of our wares.)
Now you know they have all this water, but they have the neatest little flower watering cans, you know, like Mary Mary Quite Contrary watered her flowers with. They really work great, you take off the sprinkler part & you get a great direct spurt of water. Gets the water exactly where you want it and yet conserves the water too. I`m going to bring some back or try to find some like these at home. Really liked them.
Made it into the check in about 5 minutes or so with a pulse of 45.. his CRI was 42/40, which BTW, they still call a Ridgeway Trot down here. Cooled a few more minutes & back on trail. Lost my sponge ... darn it. Actually, Sylvia`s sponge, (can you believe I didn`t bring my personal sponge down here?), faulty snap, and poor management. Oh... I know,,, just like I say at the clinic... I`ll take my extra banada & use it!
More pretty country & a neatly stacked woodpile that was at least a 1/4 of a mile long. Now that did upset Larma... couldn`t get too close to that. Day was heating up... slowed down a bit. Into the 2nd check. Same ritual, but he hung a bit longer than he did the 1st time. Not worried, we`d been around 23 miles... not too surprise, but his CRI warned me a bit... something was a bit off... 51 to 59. The vets didn`t seem to be too concerned, but backed off more the next loop. Had some Pro-Burst with me, forgot to give it to him... duh!!! So as soon as I entered check on 3rd loop I zapped him. Knowing it would only help back out on trail, not in check, (takes almost an hour two get in their system. The back off didn`t help... when I came in this time, he not only hung, he was fluctuating up and down. Out we went, really disappointed. I think he might have strained something, (like in the cajones area), when we almost fell, he was kinda drawn up there, And of course, after an hour, the pulse was down and steady, but too little too late. Curious, had the Pro Burst set in? I`m stil in the evaluation stage with that stuff.
Spent the rest of the afternoon watching the sights and visiting with old friends. Was delighted to see Enrique Garcia, (one of Brazil`s World Riders), he had lived and ridden with us about a month last Thanksgiving after finishing a course in Oklahoma. He is a young up and comer. It will be fun watching him. I was impressed with his riding in Texas... Brazil must have been too. Another attractive Brazian young lady whom I rode with at the Cosequine Challenge, and the wonderful funny Lika, (another Brazilian team member -- riding On A High in Dubai) that rhymes... was there as well. And several of the people & vets I had competed with in the World Nature Games a year ago. It was great to see them all.
More horses were now arriving for Sunday`s competition. Over 100 in fact. Now this double size dressage ring started really filling up. Pasqual , the RM, furnished me with Littigator, a low level campaigner, (explained shortly). There were some vet ins, but most wait until Sunday morning. Now folks.... we may be doing this all wrong up north. Here`s how it works here. You don`t haul your own horse, Your horse is picked up in a horse van & carted to the ride for you. You don`t stay in a tent, camper,....but the local hotel, or if close enough... drive in Sunday morning. Where... your horse has been fed, groomed and probably tacked by your own stable hand, One does have to take the horse thru the pre vet, but that`s pretty much it. At the end, same horse is lead away to be cared for and cleaned by someone other than yourself. I swear, it happened to me, today, in Brazil.
Now... I am telling the truth.. but don`t anyone dare flame me on this, because I know none of us would want it any other way than we have it now.... right? Right??
Now Sunday was Limited Distance, and as I told the Brazilians, I thought I came to teach, but I did learn as well. As I rode and began to understand their L.D. concept, it made a heck of a lot of sense. Now, don`t flame me here either... I can`t see ours ever changing this much.. but to describe it, would be like having a NATRC ride, without Horsemanship judging. The riders leave staggered, you are given a suggested MPH with correlating KM markers to make sure the rider is on target, there is still one vet check in the middle, (criteria 64), then at your completion, after you recover of course, in :30, you are judged as if for B.C. I found myself really riding agains the trail, (which you should always be anyway.) Strategizing to make time on the flat surfaces, so I could go slow on the ups and downs, and stop for water, etc. Then, arrange your time so you come in exactly at the appointed time. Now, like NATRC, one has to keep moving forward the last KM. The pace was not a slouch either. I had to keep moving pretty doggone steadily.
Now, here comes the zinger... Horse A, has to do 4 low level competitions (approx. 35 km), before he can do longer mileage, then 3 of level II, then 3 of level III, before one can do the equivalent of a 50 miler. Then a similar requirement of 50`s, 75`s, before you can do the equivalent to the 100 miler. Now this is well and good, really!!!, But, IMHO, this is one reason Brazil had only 3 qualified 100 milers to go to Dubai, (they leased the other 3 from USA), It just takes too doggone long to get there, and there just aren``t enough 100 milers around. They absolutely have the horses.... incredible horses & good riders. The 75 k, (45 miles), was won in about 4 hours, (with criteria of 56 at each ck. & the finish) and it wasn`t a cool day.
On with the party... trophies galore, divisions galore, fanfare music, and a professional announcer really did make this a ta-dahhhhh affair. They were sweet enough to give Sharon and I our own little trophys and a beautiful arrangement of locally grown violets, (in fact the Trailmaster`s livilhood, when not marking trail). I could go on, but I`ve probably blown out this ride camp already. Sorry so long. I`m leaving tomorrow and doubt if I will touch a computer for a week since, when I return to Texas, I`m going to play in my flood mess for a day or two and be off to another ride.... can you believe it? I`m sure you can, and best of all, my friend and host Sylvia is coming back with me for the ride. Hopefully some of you can meet one of the very nicest Brazilians of all. (No fair grading spelling, or grammer... ridden two rides in two days & its 1:30 AM)
I`ll keep you posted if we do an organized trip down here, as ground plans are being laid as I write. ;-)))
Darolyn
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