Endurance Challenge produces athletes

Rough Riders on the Big Horn Trail 2006 - Tom Noll

Tom Noll

Greetings,

There is a story about the Tour de France that the founder, Henri Desgrange,
wanted to make the tour so demanding that there would be one lone finisher,
the winner.

I went to the Big Horn in 2006 with the idea that I needed to be better
prepared and have a faster horse than last year. Frank, my best horse, 2003
Big Horn winner and BC horse, would be my teammate on the trails this year.
2004 and 2005 were not particularly good years for me and in 2006 I stepped
up my running, worked to regain some focus, and get my head back on the
trail. I wanted to be able to run or walk all of the significant downhill
trail sections if necessary. Frank and I can put together a pretty strong
"power walk" on the downhill but he can kick my butt on the uphill sections.
Frank and I had planned to follow Big Horn with Tevis, but only if the Big
Horn outcome was satisfactory.

We left SW Idaho early on Wednesday morning and followed a cold front across
the desert and mountains of Idaho east to Wyoming. We had cool showery
weather for our trip from the Boise area to the rodeo grounds in Dubois
Wyoming. We passed by the Tetons shrouded in clouds, climbed and descended
Togwotee Pass to Dubois Wyoming. On Thursday we got up early, left Dubois,
and arrived at the Trapper Creek Ranch campsite around noon.

Immediately I made contact with some old friends, Tracy Blue and Max
Merlich. I met Saula and Tom Sherwood and Dave Rabe at the camp, along with
Steph Teeter, Bev Grey, Chris Yost, Kara Yost, Lucky and her beautiful
Appaloosa stud, and many others. Tracy, Max and I formed a pact and decided
that we would ride together and that we would run a conservative ride with
the focus on completing with two sound horses and one sound mule. The
weather forecast was for hot dry weather; the type of weather that could
dehydrate a horse in only a few miles. Again, my brother Willi came up from
Colorado and he, Lisa, and Dan coordinated the crew activities which saved
our horses as we traversed the Big Horn trails. A crew is not necessary at
most endurance rides, but a crew is critical at Big Horn. Just like Tevis,
the Big Horn ride managers do not have the ability to ferry your equipment
from place to place and you will have to arrange for your own supplies.

We knew that there would be some trail changes on the portion from Antelope
Butte to Jacks Creek but we were confident that the changes would be
consistent with the six miles of trail along Shell Creek that had been
eliminated.

I was up at 2:45 in the morning, I prepared a grain mash for Frank, met with
Max and Tracy, and the three of us saddled up and headed to the start.
Frank and I had trained for this ride and I arranged a two-week taper for
him prior to starting. Frank was beside himself dancing and turning with
untamed energy at the start. The other horses took off and Frank remembered
that his place on the Big Horn trail was at the front of the herd. It took
some walking, but we got everything under control and headed on up the
trail.

We set a steady quick pace across the desert badlands. The leaders were
nowhere to be seen. Our group talked that the day was already hot and we
were worried that the leaders might be setting too fast of a pace and
pulling others along. Our pace was just slightly off my splits from 2003
and 2004 and we were planning on a 1:00 AM to 2:30 AM finish for the 100.
Early on we joined with Teresa VanHowe and the four of us rode together for
many miles.

We arrived at Hudson Falls around 7:45; a 3:45 25-mile run. The Big Horn is
a tough course and we hoped to build a little time cushion in the first 25
miles. I had a great breakfast of yogurt, fruit, and granola that Willi
made, Frank and the others ate hay and grain, Frank polished off a Powerbar,
and we were off after a 45 minute hold.

The next 15 miles are a tough trip through the canyons. We headed up the
Dugway trail bypassing one of my favorite sections along Cedar Canyon. At
the top of the Dugway the markings were not too distinct. I knew the trail
and my horse knows the trail, but I wanted to test him anyway. For the last
100 yards to the trail junction I set the reins across the saddle and just
let Frank choose his own route. Sure enough, we came to the trail junction
and he turned right with no hesitation. The horse memory is amazing and he
led us into the canyons.

The canyons are my favorite section of the Big Horn Trail. Actually, my
favorite section is the 80 or so miles from the creek below Hudson Falls to
just after Jack Creek, or even the entire 100 miles, but the canyons are
especially nice. The flies were troublesome but our group just kept on
trucking up and down through the canyons and across the saddles.

We arrived at Horse Creek and we saw the first evidence that some of the
horses may have been going too fast. One horse showed signs of colic at the
Horse Creek vet check. Riders and vets got the horse up and standing.
Later I heard that a dose on Banamine led the horse to a quick recovery.
Two other horses were not so fortunate.

>From Horse Creek we followed Dave Rabe and Tom and Saula Sherwood across the
swales and onto to Antelope Butte. The high alpine area was dry this year
and I deeply missed seeing the small blue forget-me-nots in the high
meadows. Those flowers have special meaning for me. The hot dry weather
continued and I was consuming almost all of the water in my 70-ounce
Camelback between every vet check.

We had an hour hold at Antelope Butte and our out-time was scheduled to be
about 3:45. We were still on schedule and I took the time at Antelope Butte
to unsaddle Frank and hose him off. I also had a very nice conversation
with Bob and Nance, an older couple from Greybull who owned Frank at one
point in his past. A big part of returning to the Big Horn 100 is renewing
friendships with people like Bob and Nance and others like Kathy Arnold that
I only see once a year. I took the opportunity to have a hamburger and talk
with some of the other riders. Kara Yost's horse was pulled from lameness
and Chris would be joining us for the last fifty miles of the ride.

We set off from Antelope Butte at about 3:45. The trail climbs back to the
Big Horn Plateau and then descends to Shell Creek. We walked the descent to
Shell Creek and stopped to look for access to the creek water but the bank
was too steep. Usually the trail heads east at Shell Creek for about six
miles to Adelaide Lake but this year the trail climbed out of Shell Creek to
almost 10,000 feet, then descended and climbed through a series of saddles
and passes to Shell Reservoir, and then climbed back to Adelaide Lake where
it joins with the historical trail. As we climbed out of Shell Creek we
passed one rider whose horse had given up. Later we caught two other riders
who were slowing down and considering their options. We continued on
through Snowshoe Junction and then descended down to Shell Reservoir. Frank
has done three other Big Horn 100s and he was confused on this section. I
could feel his concern that we were not on the right trail. Still, he kept
on, trusting that I knew where we were going. The new trail section took
considerably longer than the traditional six-mile trail to Adelaide Lake and
the new section had considerably more elevation gain and loss. It did not
look like we were going get to Jack Creek before dark like I had planned.
Leaving Jack Creek before full darkness is a key milestone leading to a
successful Big Horn 100.

At the creek crossings after Adelaide Lake we decided to give the animals a
fifteen-minute rest stop. They had been out all day and it had been a long
time since the Antelope Butte vet check. The four horses were just mowing
grass at the creek crossing. Reluctantly we took them away from the grass
and headed on up the trail in the rapidly diminishing twilight. It was just
about full darkness when we reached the top and began our descent on the
Shag Nasty. Trail markings were scarce and we made a slight mistake and
began to head west down the wrong trail. We quickly corrected that mistake
and headed across the valley to the correct trails on the south ridge. It
was very dark. I had my GPS with the tracklogs from the previous years as
well as my knowledge of the track. Heading across to the trail I commented
that my companions must really trust me because there was no trail and no
trail markers and no discussion and it was dark. They responded; "We have
no other choice." I carry a red LED light which is good enough to adjust
tack and read trail signs but not quite bright enough to see the trail. I
was leading Frank at the time and usually I could feel the trail surface
with my feet or barely see it in the dark. At times I would call out to
Tracy for a "trail scan" with her flashlight so we could be sure that we
were on the trail. Every so often we would come to a wall of impenetrable
black trees. In the daylight it would be easy to see the trail, but at
night it looked like a dark thicket. Tracy would shine her flashlight and
we would find a way through. I was leading Frank and the others were
mounted and the tree branches and limbs were a real hazard to both riders
and horses. Both Max and Tracy took some real stabs and I could tell that
Tracy's hurt by the tone in her voice. We saw no trail markers and went
quite slow on this section because of the hazards. Max Merlich estimates
that the Shag Nasty section cost us at least two extra hours. We came out
exactly where we should on the road and trotted the two miles or so into
Jack Creek.

At Jack Creek, there was concern about the riders still out on the trail.
Looking at the ride records it appeared that there were two, or perhaps
three, riders still out on the trail. It was obvious that they would be
spending a night out in the woods and we hoped all was ok. We focused on
taking care of our horses. Tracy Blue decided that she had enough for one
day and encouraged us to go on without her. Max and I were disappointed
because we had ridden with Tracy from the start and we wanted to ride back
into camp with her later in the day.

Chris, Max, and I made our preparations to go. We knew that we were over
time and we could see no real reason to hurry. We lost our time in the dark
on the Shag Nasty and from here on in to camp we decided to take it slow and
preserve the animals. We walked and led down to camp. We passed the creek
and the two water holes. Our horses were famished and they were searching
and stretching for every blade of dry grass on the trail. We stopped at
each of the water crossings to let them drink and graze for a few minutes.
The day had been hot and we were no longer in any real hurry. We were
confident that we would finish and that the finish time would exceed
24-hours.

The sky was getting light by the time we reached Black Mountain. We passed
the rock ledges, continued down through the dust, did the final dogleg trail
section and ambled on in to the finish. About 100 feet before the finish
Max's mule Junior picked up a stone in one of his horseshoes and Max made a
final stop just shy of the finish line to remove the stone. We met Patti at
the finish and we let the horses and the mule graze on some Flitner grass
after a long 100 miles on the trail. Even though we were overtime, we
finished the whole trail with sound horses that were ready, willing, and
able to continue, and Max mentioned the AERC motto.

Looking back, I rode the 2006 Big Horn 100 with three of the toughest
individuals that I have ever met - Tracy Blue, Max Merlich, and Chris Yost.
Tracy, Max, and I made a commitment to ride together at camp on Thursday and
we followed through with that commitment on Saturday. Through my various
adventures I have met a number of tough people. If I am ever in trouble and
I need to cross some rough trail in a difficult situation, then I can think
of no others who would be better companions and no better horses and a mule
that would get us through. At a gas station in SE Idaho on my way to Shell
Wyoming, I heard a Tom Petty song and the lyrics of that song come to mind
when I think of my trail companions last week: "You can stand me up at the
gates of hell but I won't back down." Thoughts of my companions, thoughts
of their horses, and the memories of our experiences on the Big Horn trails
still bring a tear to my eyes. Sitting here at work, I wish that I could be
back out on the Big Horn trails with Frank and my friends.

Best Regards,

Tom Noll

SW Idaho

Big Horn 100 Stories

Vermont 100 - The Whole Story

Bill Rice
Well since you asked...here's the whole story.

For those of you that do not know me, let me preface this tome with a little background. Two years ago I was a happy Ultrarunner who thought my wife's horses were very nice and yes I would feed them if she couldn't but who otherwise did not have a lot of use for a horse. Then while taking a little stroll through the hills of Vermont lo and behold here come horses riding the same course as I was running and surprise the riders and horses were also having fun. Well I finished that little stroll in the woods, went home and informed my wife that I had finally found a use for a horse, that you could wear running clothes, that I wanted to learn how to ride and needed to buy myself some horses and that I was going back to Vermont to ride the course.

My wife is the most wonderful person on this planet and has to be one of the most understanding people I know, but even she was not quite prepared for that announcement. After the shock had subsided and she realized that like many of my crazy undertakings, I was serious about this she wholeheartedly agreed to help me. I of course had no idea what I was in for, I mean after all you get on the horse and ride, just like running they say go, you put one foot in front of the other for 100 miles and someone tells you to stop and you fall down, moan in pain and proclaim how much fun it all is! Needless to say it was not quite that simple...first I had to learn how to ride...a painful endeavor if there ever was one. Then I had to buy a horse, again my gratitude to my wife for knowing which horse I really needed, instead of which horse I thought I needed! Then the riding had to proceed...enter here the numerous and wonderful people of CTR/Endurance...how can I thank you all for what you have given? Irving, Tom, Kathy, Janet, Sharon, Traci, Liz the list goes on and on. Not only did you all suffer from my numerous questions, laugh at my feeble attempts to stay on the horse, but you encouraged and supported and realized that I had a goal and was committed.

So two short years later here I was back on the ground in Vermont, surrounded by all my running friends (who while insane...figured I was really insane for being on a horse). Along side were Kathy, Liz on Darby and a host of others I have had the pleasure of meeting over the last two years and most importantly of all, my beautiful wife smiling and wishing me a good ride! Trails open and Liz and I were off, not dead last but definitely back of the pack...a nice leisurely start and a good beginning. The sun was painting the eastern sky and the birds were singing, the horses were having so much fun, I think I was the only one worried...after all 100 miles is a 100 miles. Soon enough the lady's horse in front of me tripped and over the reins she went..no harm and she jumped right back on, both Liz and I were impressed to say the least. Away she sped...and we too picked up the pace a little as our first fly by was at 10 miles and we only had 1 hour and 45 minutes to get there.

Now one good thing about running a course is you get to know it REAL well, I mean in intimate detail. So I was able to describe to Liz when we could go fast and where the runner's aid stations would be and how soon we would catch the runners (they get a one hour head start). And right on the predictions we came to the aid stations and caught the back of the pack runners. We also came to the second runner's station at mile 10.1 and looked everywhere for the fly by. Oh no, we missed it or did we and where in the heck is it if not at 10 miles? Keep going, but if we do we will cross the river and then will be at 12.7 miles and time was running out...we had planned to take at least 1 hour and 30 minutes and had only 15 minutes to spare. Time to go a little faster Summer you magnificent goober! By the aid station and around the bend, there is Stephanie smiling and waving and yes the fly by but at mile 13 not 10, still made 1 hour and 45 minutes but wow!

Eat Summer, drink Summer, have an electrolyte Summer, we are outta' here...first hold still down the road but now the time was going to work in our favor providing the mileage was right (and it was). We continued to trot up the hills and down. Liz and Darby were having fun and Summer and I continued our dance with them. So many runners and all having fun and telling me to give them a lift and what was I doing up on that horse...you runners are so awesome, how well I remember the climb that just keeps going up and the drive to keep moving...somehow on Summer it was surreal and yet so real. Hey Liz just up here we get to a clear cut be sure and look back over your shoulder...what a view...fantastic, and yes that is Mt. Ascutney...we will be down there later today. Into the first hold and both Summer and Darby sail though...cleared back on trail. Yippee we get to pass the runners again. How is it going all? Yep good day, life is good, yes I love my horse and no you cannot be towed :-) River coming up, take the ford but Liz, we go slow by the next aid station (the famous chocolate chip runners station). Hi, I know we are not runners but will you kindly share a couple of your cookies with us riders? You will, my thanks to you all! Yum yum were they good...of course the photographer is just ahead and both Liz and I had a mouth full of cookies when he said smile!

On to the second hold, the miles are starting to add up and the day is getting hotter and more humid, but right on schedule there it is and so is Steph...what a joy to see her smiling face and know Summer was going to be taken care of so well. Once again Summer and Darby sail through...how can one ever thank the vets and volunteers enough? Back on course and now the famous back loop out of Camp 10 Bear and the also famous climb from hell, two actually, first it is Agony Hill (Summer agreed) and then the real climb from hell it just never ends! But yes it does end after all and the view back over one's shoulder is worth the price of admission! Third hold coming up...pulse is good, but Doug our good vet says, that horse is going a little funny, come back when you are tacked up. Time to panic..is Summer off or is he being Summer (this boy travels funny for sure). Tack up and trot down and back...here's your card, Summer has all A's for metabolics is eating and drinking and peeing up a storm so you can proceed. Back down to 10 Bear then up the gulch from hell (I always hated that climb when afoot especially since it was always dark when afoot). Finally the top and Liz comments on the beautiful home on the right...told her I had never seen it in the daylight before! Into the hold and Summer does well. Meg Sleeper gives Summer a good going over and clears us onward...yippee 70 miles gone and even though we are in last place Liz and I can proceed. Ah the best laid plans of mice and men! Poor Liz is not feeling well and pulls herself...Summer and Darby look at each other and nod, Liz's health is more important. Well Summer looks like it is going to be you and me. Say what? You crazy human all the other horses are gone, it is getting dark and why are you putting on running shoes? Lani and Kathy, Summer says next time please wait or at least leave your horses behind! Steph looks at me and says, well you have been here before, you know what you have to do your horse knows what he has to do so go out and do it! Got it!

Out of the hold and the daylight is fading fast. Good some runners ahead we are still on course and still moving. Soon enough it is dark, and I mean DARK. Now everyone told me to not blind the horse, so I put a couple glow sticks on his breast collar and they are blinding me. I was using my red LED but that was just about worthless. Guess I will trust the horse even more. And so the miles were slipping by. Look Summer another glow stick ahead lets go that way and yes those are runners do not run over them. Kept getting nice comments...wow a horse, haven't seen one of those for hours...thanks! Keep moving, what is that noise? Screeching...the hair is standing up on the back of my neck and Summer is saying no damn way! Come on buddy lets go, it won't hurt us...I still do not know what was up in those trees nor do I want to! More screeching only this time it is a peacock...go back to sleep it is only Summer and I. Another pit stop and there is Steph, still smiling and still crewing...we both owe her so much! Eat up Summer miles to go before we sleep. About 7 miles to next and final hold, okay be there in a while. Back into the darkness and once again all alone, no runners, no horses just Summer and I. Down behind Rojeks house and all of sudden we are crashing through the woods. Whoa Summer, what is going on? I am turning on my light I need to see what is the problem...holy moly they have jumps set up out here...good boy I am glad you went around that instead of over it! Guess I will leave the light on for a while! Lets go! The miles continue to pass, thank goodness for runners aid stations as they have mile markers and good food too! Shouldn't be too far to the hold, couple of miles time to run big guy so on the ground I go and don't you know, at this point I am faster than Summer. Crazy humans he thinks! We jog right to the hold, surprise no other horses but he vets immediately...trot a little funny, what's that? Major pee...oh he had to pee, great color, you been on foot? Yep. Doug says we are both fit to continue see you at the end. Thanks. Okay Steph, only 12 miles to go, can you meet us one more time? Good we are off. Ride a ways then back on my feet too..need to climb these darn hills faster and without my weight he can.

Time starts to drag and we are all alone, haven't seen a runner in an hour. Summer starts to question his rider's mentality...you must be going the wrong way, there is no one out here. How about this farm they have horses, we can stop here! Finally two runners coming, look Summer lets follow them. Okay Dad! Not to worry runners we are going to drag off of you for a while, Summer needs a guide dog! Pace actually picks up as they are shooting for sub 24 hours running and we only have a few miles to go. Up ahead Steph's smiling face once again! Tom is there too...what a great group they all are. Eat up Summer, 4.7 miles to go. Steph meet us at the end and skip the last pit crew stop we are coming home! Two more runners racing the 4 AM time cutoff for 24 hours. Nice guys, one older than the other. He is tired, very tired, Summer is getting excited as we had ridden part of this course on Friday. The runner keeps asking how are we doing? I tell him he can do it, get in front of the horse and keep moving, we have to climb Blood Hill (twice actually) and then the final shoot. 3:45 AM how far he says, I tell him he can make it but he needs to push and push hard...I know the struggle going on...he has been running for 23 hours and 45 minutes, his brain is screaming go, go, go, and his body is yelling make it stop please! I get off the horse and start chasing them on foot...Summer says huh?

Down the final shoot, there is the finish line. Damn 4:06 AM, he finished but missed the cutoff (a plaque not a buckle)...but such is the life of an ultra runner or rider! He comes over as I am untacking Summer and shakes my hand and says thanks for letting him go first and for the wonderful horse pushing him onward. Our pleasure I reply. Steph takes my vet card and goes into the almost empty tent and announces 106 arriving! Nick and Meg are waiting, pins and needles time. Is Summer okay, is he a little stiff, I know damn well he is tired, but he has been so magnificent what else can I say. Meg and Nick confer and Meg turns to me and says Completion. What? Completion! Yahoo, a big hug from Meg a handshake from Nick, Lani comes in and gives us all bear hugs. I hug Summer and Steph. It is over, we had done it! What can one say? As we headed up the hill it was getting light in the east once again. The runners were still coming in and the world was good. A quick nap and then up again to make sure Summer was okay...feed me he said, so I did! Awards ceremony...everyone keeps asking did you make it! The smile alone told the story! Sue calls out the 50 mile finishers and then gets to the 100s. Yep Turbo Turtle for sure..we paid for 24 hours and by golly we got 24 hours. Art King shakes my hand and his head...Sue shakes my hand as do countless others...it is like a dream. I sit back down holding that buckle in my hand and can't stop smiling...guess I need to buy a belt! Kathy gets her buckle too! So many are there, Irving, Tom, Kathy, Steph and so many others.

Sorry this is so long but it had to be told. If I did not make it clear from the beginning I owe so much to my wonderful wife Stephanie and to my fabulous horse Summer (thanks Nancy and Julie for selling him to me). Dreams and goals are such a part of a persons life and the ability to go after one's dreams are so important. My thanks to any and all that shared our journey, we will see you on the trails for sure.

And if you are wondering, yes it is much easier to run 100 miles (maybe physically tougher) than it is to ride 100 miles, but I must say riding a wonderful horse is pretty close to bliss! Bill and Summer

Endurance - The Beginning - Vic Anderson

by Vic Anderson

My Stupidest Day - Susan Evans

by Susan Evans

2006 Bighorn 100 - Kerry Greear

by Kerry Greear

OD 25 - Alyssa's First Ride - Alyssa Cowan

by Alyssa Cowan

PineTree 50 - Sharon Levasseur

by Sharon Levasseur

The Ride - The Future of Mexican Endurance? - Ana Trucha

by Ana Trucha

The Ride - A touch of Mexico - Ann Troutner

THE Ride

by Ann Troutner

I want to share with you my story, involving my renewed horse passion, with
the purchase of this pinto.

I now live in Mexico, after Arizona. Bernardo has been my albacil
(construction worker), now maintenance man and gardener, for the past 14
years. Lidia is his wife. El Rodeo is the rancho where he lives, 20 minutes
(~30 miles) from Guanajuato Mexico.

---

Well, we did it! I was on the horse for ~13 hours and ended with no pain. I
was in 7th heaven and smiling all day. It was a great day! El Dia de La
Cueva, every July 31st, the entire town of Guanajuato Mexico is up in the
hills, picnicing and celebrating the rains, by holding a mass in the cave.
What a crowd and all out in nature, on the most beautiful day. It was sunny
and the hills were GREEN from the rains that have already come.

Bernardo had traded for a new horse, just on Friday. He was a dangerous
(unknown) black stud. The man who sold it to Bernardo was actually on
crutches because of some accident with that horse. The first night, my El
Pinto, a stud, had broken his halter to go over and stomp the new stud, when
Dani or Bernardo heard the commotion to go out and stop it.

Saturday I went
out to Rodeo, to wash El Pinto, and to meet the new guy and see how "wild"
he is. Bernardo would ride him for the first time on Sunday, with the idea
that he very likely would have to turn back, if his horse was acting up with
people or cars or other horses, etc. You get the idea.
His new horse was
fine all day. This is THE horse of Bernardo's dreams that he wants to keep
for a long time, to ride, and not race. He was smiling all day, too.

Bernardo, Dani, his 11 year old son, and I got a late start. Everyone else
from Rodeo had left for town. So we trotted on out for the first couple of
hours. I had no trouble to keep up and we made good time. We were on the
highway with cars and buses and our horses were fine. We cut through the
mountains. It was rough turain, and again I kept up with no problem. We were
even sliding on slick rocky surface, in climbing some steep parts.

We got to the Pipila area where many people were gathering for their
picnics, etc. So far, we were the only horses that we have seen, since the
rest were all gathered where they were supposed to be. So, Bernardo asked
the police where the horse parade was at that moment, who radioed to ask.
They had just left the train station. So we went to meet up with them. We
rode down Callejon Tecolote, the original cobble stone ~500 years old
street, in and out of Guanajuato. Then we turned and rode on the streets,
where I always walk: by Plazuela San Francisco, Teatro Juarez, Jardin de
Union, and stopped in Plaza La Paz in front of the Basilica, to wait. Again,
we are the only horses seen at this point.

Then you could hear the hooves and the drum/trumpet band coming. We watched
everyone go by, meaning we saw all the horses and equipment and outfits and
cowboys before we entered the line in the back. I enjoyed that. There were
five of us women that day. I didn't know any of them and only saw two of
them.

We rode through town with the 300 horses to Presa de La Olla, up into
the hills, to La Cueva and the Bufa. It was interesting to watch all the
horses and keep mine under control. And Bernardo was so pleased that his
unknown went well all day. He will keep it, and likes it so much, like me
with mine. Then the next hours were riding in line, up to the hills. After
the mass was held in the cave, for every year since 1650, we spent the
afternoon watching cowboys on horses, doing things with chickens to
entertain us. You see, we are still on our horses, but standing in rows to
watch the entertainment. What a cultural scene it was.

So, now it is time to ride back to Rodeo. We meet up with the Rodeo crowd to
return. That was a different route with other riders, namely Bernardo's
brother, Jose. The next day Bernardo told me that his brother told him, that
he now believes it is true, that Ana Trucha (me) does know how to ride, and
can be trusted to do so. Bernardo had told his brother about our route
through the mountains to get to Guanajuato, which Jose knows how rough it
was, and how I was still fine on my horse, trotting home on the way back,
after hours of being on the horse already.

Bernardo can be proud of me. I made a good impression on everyone (who might
care). I am proud to have been bareback, on such a beautiful pinto stud.
Also when some guy would ask me where I had ridden from, and I would answer,
Rodeo, they knew what that meant and took another look.

On the ride back to Rodeo, we were letting the horses drink in a stream. El
Pinto's knees slowly collapsed under him and I was in the water up to my
neck. I found 1 cup of sand in my pockets and shoes. There was still enough
sun and daylight to dry off and not feel cold. The joke was how I had gotten
completely wet, after being well prepared to stay dry in a rain. I have a
small pack, tied on my "sillin" (bareback pad) that I ride with all the
time. It has a rain poncho, because you don't know when it will rain
suddenly, and it usually does. But very funny for others to watch this kind
of thing that happens. Bernardo was kind enough to remind me of the ride we
were on a year ago, where he swung his leg over the saddle to mount, but he
went completely over to the other side, and onto the ground on his butt. It
was a tall horse and he overshot. Very funny for others to watch.

The next Sunday I went riding with Bernardo, along the river at Rodeo, and
to a little store in Tejaban, to buy cold drinks. We then turned home for
chicken mole dinner and Lidia's fresh tortillas. On the way back Bernardo
asked, "Ana, would you like to try my horse?" I was honored and, yes, I did
want to ride Santanas. He was so big, and so strong, and so alive. I
galloped him, sliding to a stop a couple of times, to try him out, and to
let Bernardo see his horse run. You see, when you are on your own horse, you
don't get to enjoy how it looks, like the other riders do.

I hung back and happily chatted with Bernardo the rest of the way home.
Close to his house came Jose, his brother, with Adan, his 15 year son,
riding their horses to Tejaban. Santanas got very excited, and reared up
three or four times, with me calmly trying to pull him down and move him
away from Jose's mare, and on home. Well, Bernardo commented that now
nothing more needs to be said to his brother about my abilities, since Jose
could see right in front of him.

Actually, I have never been on a rearing horse before. I am surprised at how
easy it was. Now, I want to train El Pinto to rear on command. And of
coarse, I am looking forward to be a part of this tradition again.

OD Adventure - Jody Rogers-Buttram

Jody Rogers-Buttram
<p>
Well, I won't bore you to death with all the minute by minute details. But, will put together how it went.

We stayed Weds. night on the way up at a great KOA camp in Wytheville, VA. It was 2:30 am when we pulled in. Marie and Majik and their crew person Zoe had been there since early in the evening. Some of us have to work, so that was why I was much later. :)) Marie and Majik were very happy to see Rose and Cash....well maybe not Cash.. Majik had fretted being there all alone. But he soon settled down. They all (and us too) rested and slept. Left out of there at 8:00am on Thursday evening. Pulled into camp at about 12:30...but on the way up when we got close enough to the mountains where the trail would be, I would call Maire on the cell phone and say, "If you look out of the truck to the right, you will see Edinburg Gap. " or " at mile marker 272 should be about the southern most section of the trail. " It was kinda like a pilot on a plane pointing out the geographical points of interest. But, then again, I am a geographer, and mapping is what I do.
<p>
So, into camp we come, drive around to the back where the 100's are parked. There is Tom Sites already there and waiting on us. Joel, who has never talked to, emailed or seen Tom, says to me, " There is Tom Sites, your buddy !". He said he had no problem picking him out....just from what he had heard. Got the horses, camp and all set up and settled. Then set up for the pool party!!! In the mean time, Laurie Underwood and her dad, Walt pull in and a bit later, my very good friend from Michigan, Dr. Tom Dombroski rides Ebony, his Harley up to our camp. WOW, the gangs all here. The swimming pool is filled (and that was a story there), the snakes, frogs, lizards, duckies, spiders and water guns and balloons are filled and ready. Tom Sites and others began preparing our meal....and it was SO good. Tom Sites, is an excellent cook. That evening he stuffed us with the best Mexican meal, salad to die for, soft or hard shell tacos with beef/pork meat with hot peppers. OH so good. I ate plenty of it...along with Marie's Coronas and lime !!!! We did have a few visitors that came up to the "Grits" camp to see our setup.
<p>
One small problem that Thursday evening was Cash Pony, he was fascinated with the hillside...and stood in a trance. But, he didn't like the soccer game. He ran thru the fence not once, but twice. Doing so, he cut the inside of his back leg above the hock. Nothing bad, but it scraped the hide off. He swelled some, so on Friday, the Grits team vet, Dr. Tom looked him over, watched him trot, and then said he would be fine. Man, it was sure nice to have our very own Vet !!!!
<p>
Friday came, all three horses got their massage from Karen Zelinsky, and I think they really like that too. We saddled up and rode just a couple miles, and then it was time for riders meeting and going to bed. Well, before I could go to bed, we (Joel, Dr. Tom, Laurie and her dad) had to load all this STUFF onto the bed of the old grey truck. Now, let me say this, to take everything that you need, or that you might need, or that you might want, for two horses, two riders, and three crew people....TAKES A LOT of truck bed !!!!!!!! My truck looked like Jed Clampetts. Finally to bed at around 11:00pm.
<p>
We wake to music, very irritating music at 3:30. But, up we are, feed, and tack up . Ride down to the warm up ring, and then out of the ring and onto the trail at 5:00am. We have officially started the OD !!!! Now, how far can we get. Marie, Joni and I are riding along and talking about the trail, and how there are no rocks, no big hills and this is a piece of cake. Cross the river at 12.5 and into a 20 mins. hold at McCoy's. No crews there, but you didn't need one. Plenty of grass. At this VC, we are telling them what we thought so far, and they (ride workers) laugh at us. Oh, you are fixin to see the first climb and rocks, they tell us. So, out we go and in a bit, we did start up a hill. Nothing great at first, but it got worse and worse as you went. Finally, we are not dissappointed !!!! We see the ROCKS !!!. Over the top and down the other side to VC 2, where are crews are waiting. Time wise, we are right on predicted schedule, about 3:45 to do 25 miles. Horses are doing great, cool temps and no humidity makes Rose a very good girl. Marie was shocked that she was trotting along with a pulse under 100. And she did that nearly all day !!! Rose is not known for having a low pulse, she is 1/2 Paint horse. Out of McCoys and onto the best trail of ride, we felt like we were back home. Great moving trail, and move we did. Came into Foster's Landing (43 Miles). Again, all three horses doing wonderful. Left there for a 10.3 mile loop. Tom Sites said, this has the biggest climb. And it did. I took my GPS unit on the ride, didn't really use the mileage, but the elevation feature was priceless. We climbed from around 600 ft. to a little over 2300 !!!! And Rocks, I have never seen such rocks. Joni and I were off tailing most of it, Marie was off some I think, and then on the top riding the ridge, Marie would say, "Oh, look at that beautiful view", or "Look at these wonderful rocks". I'm thinking, I can't look at the view Marie because I am trying to watch these *&&^% @@#!*&^ROCKS !!!!!!!!! I do have some great pictures of those lovely little rocks when I get them developed. Turns out that 10.3 miles was the longest, most miserable 10 miles placed on God's green earth. It took us 3 hours to go 10.3 miles. Why??? Because you have to walk 9 out of the 10 miles !!!!! So, into Hickory Lane and 53 miles. A saddle change for Cash Pony there because he was getting a little girthy. So, the heavy Orthoflex went on him. Again, all three horses were doing fantastic...they didn't even look like they had been anywhere. Back out on the trail and onto another long loop.....it was 15 miles, but took forever. We named the next VC (Curtis Field) the MIA VC...because it was....MISSING. That leg of the trail had the most hard pack dirt road ever....riddled with, yep you guessed it...more ROCKS. And one Rattlesnake. Karen Isaacs found him, not us. It was dark when we left that VC, 7-8 more miles and we were at the foot of Sherman's Gap and Pickett Springs. Back out onto the trail and now we had company, the drag riders !!! Two really nice people on two really nice mules. Up Sherman's we head, Joni and I are off tailing, finally get to the top and we decided we are in time race to make cut off at McCoys. So, I stayed on the ground (no Crupper and another story with lots of bad words) Off I run. Joni and Marie are riding, get down off the worst of it, and I still stay off and just run. I can run fast when I have to. Marie tells me at the bottom when I stop to get on, that she was impressed, didn't think I could run that fast. Heck I didn't either....but fear of not making cutoff will do that for you. :)) We tear out down the road and get into the VC with plenty of time. In fact, we left the check right before they closed it. Now, here is the big let down of our OD adventure. We crossed the river with the most beautiful moonlight dancing on the water....and NO glowsticks in the milk jugs !!!!!!! I really wanted to see that. WE all really wanted to see it. 12.5 miles to go to the finish !!! Strong horses, so we trot on, get into Liberty Hall and it had gotten really cold then. I wrapped up in a horse blanket and just sat on the ground. Joel, Laurie vetted the horses thru, and I just sat. Marie asked me if I was OK, and I told her yes, but I just needed to sit and rest a minute. Short hold and back out on the trail for the last 4.8 miles. Again racing the clock here, but knew we were ok when we turned to the woods that bring you to the soccer field. At 4:40 am we trotted in side by side for the finish. WE DID IT !!!!!!!!!!! YIPPPEEEE !!!!!!!!!! Took the tack off, and threw on some blankets and walked down to the ring for completion check. Here we had the head vet, Dr. Melissa Ribley from California. WOW, she vetted my horse thru and I completed.... She did Majik as well and I think Dr. Art King had the little turd, Cash Pony. Poor Joel had to re-trot Cash for Dr. Ribley, because he was holding his head too tight. The reason: Cash was dragging Joel at the trot out !!! That little $150 horse was dragging him all over the place. Joel asked me if we had a chain in the trailer for him, at the finish line !!!!!!!! He had the brightest eyes, and didn't look the least bit tired. They all looked great.
<p>
So, we crawled in the bed at around 5:30 in the morning. For the first time in my life, I didn't take a shower before I went to bed after a ride. That's a trailer rule, you don't get in the bed until you take a shower. Well folks, the OD is an exception to that rule. All three of us went to bed dirty.
<p>
We had a very nice breakfast, then awards and then headed on down the road the KOA again to spend the night. I think we did pretty well at the awards, Joni took first jr. and TOP TEN, she was tenth, I won a paint horse award, and of all things, for being 11th, a free entry to the OD 100!!!! Marie got that buckle she so badly wanted, and our little team, the True Grits won the team award. We had one misfortune, one of our members, Judie Ricci lost her horse at the first VC, and didn't catch him for a couple hours, and had to pull. Hey, if that hadn't happened, we might have finished all four team members.
<p>
The ride management was great, the vet were great, the volunteers are the best, the towns people all were very encouraging, in fact at one house, there were two little girls standing in the front yard holding up a little paper sign that said, "GO HORSES". Now, that was sweet.
<p>
So, would I go back??? I have the free entry, so now, let me forget about the rocks for a few months, then I would go back. Did I learn anything??? Yep...and for the NC in Oct. I can put it to good use. One thing that I learned was, Aries didn't need to go to do that 100. She is dumb, and falls over rocks. Sorry Angie, but the truth hurts. Rose is no doubt the horse for the 100 at the NC in Oct. Cash Pony is as well. Neither horse tripped over rocks much at all, and none after dark. Plus, Rose has a bigger butt to push up hills with. :))
<p>
Well, I didn't mean for it get this long, so sorry...but I still left out a lot.
<p>
Jody, Joni and the OD ponies, Rose and Cash.

OD 25 - Alyssa's First Ride - Alissa Cowan

Alissa Cowan

Some of you know some of this saga, as I told some of it after the NAEC
at Fair Hill in October. But here's my endurance history, from start to
finish!

About 2 and a half years ago Fair Hill International asked me if I could
run the North American Endurance Championship, to be held at Fair Hill
in October 2005. I, dummy that I am, said "sure!" Dummy, because I had
only vaguely heard about endurance, and that was only because Fair Hill
ran an endurance ride in October of 2003. Which I did not attend. So,
I read the rules, had help from some great local experienced endurance
riders, had an awesome trail queen (which was key, because I ALSO didn't
know the trails at Fair Hill at all), and somehow we managed to put on a
halfway decent ride (Foxcatcher endurance and LD in April of 2004). Did
we have glitches? Absolutely! Did I have fun! Absolutely! Did my
husband think I was insane? ABSOLUTELY!!

In May of 2004 I went to Biltmore to volunteer and to see how the "big
dogs" run an FEI ride, since my ride in October was going to be FEI.
That's where I really got hooked. Not so much hooked because of the
riders (although that year Stagg finished a billion hours before anyone
else, in a thunderstorm, and THAT was impressive). But more hooked
because of the people who ran the ride and volunteered and worked their
fingers to the bone for absolutely zero money. Most, like me, probably
PAID out of their own pockets to go volunteer there. And they were
cheerful, dedicated, and happy to teach a newbie like me.

These amazing wonderful people helped me all summer with the planning
for our Fair Hill ride in October 2004 (FEI, AERC 100, and AERC 50).
Anything weather-wise that could have gone wrong, did. So - we all got
together after that ride and did some planning and made some changes so
we could put on an outstanding ride in 2005, for the North American
Endurance Championship.

So that's my endurance history. Not all that impressive, right? And
then a couple months ago I was silly enough to get involved in a
discussion on Ride Camp, when a nice person from New York was saying
that she wasn't sure she should try endurance - didn't have the right
horse, right equipment, enough time to condition. And I responded that
I was in the same boat - my current mount is a TB/Percheron cross, I
have a flat as a pancake hunt seat saddle, and not much time after work
to ride. Have to ship to trails, etc, etc. SO - my friends Cate and
Ben emailed and said - "Silly! You don't need to ride your own horse.
Ride ours! We have this cool TWH (whom I had ridden some over the
winter on training rides), we have the equipment, we have the means to
take you with us to a ride. AND - we're going to the OD in June and the
horse is already entered and needs a rider."

Sounds simple, right? But to me this was kind of like me saying "hey, I
want to climb a mountain" and a friend saying "GREAT! We're doing
Everest next month - want to come?" I've BEEN to OD before as a crew
and as a volunteer. Both times I about died of heat exhaustion, both
times I saw how many horses pulled, and both times I got lost just
DRIVING to the vet checks, which are all in the middle of nowhere. How
was I supposed to ride there?

Somehow Cate convinced me this would be FUN, and that the 25 mile ride
at OD is actually not as treacherous as some of the trails we ride at
home. I rode Zach on one last training ride on Sunday before OD, got my
arms pulled out of my sockets for the first 5 miles, and then put him in
front and had a happy wonderful horse. Ah-ha! Light bulb moment for
Alissa. Horse likes the front, and horse REALLY likes to be close to
friend Buck. Who, fortunately, was going to be on the 25 mile ride as
well, ridden by Ben.

So off we go to OD. My first ride dinner as a competitor was awesome -
great burgers and sausage, and a gazillion dish to pass dishes. I was
stuffed. Ride briefing was short and sweet. Vet in went fairly well -
Zach was a pistol and tried to run me over, and the vet was a bit
confused by his gaited horse action on the circles (hey - and you CIRCLE
for an endurance vet-in? Never seen that before!). All too soon it was
7AM on Friday morning.

Zach was lovely on Friday morning as long as his head was planted on
Buck's hip. Otherwise I has a squealing, silly little TWH. Although
riding out a TWH antics are MUCH easier than riding out a TB/Perch
antics! Controlled start up the asphalt road, then then we were
climbing up an enormous mountain, with logs for erosion control and more
rocks than I have ever seen in my life. We were riding the whole time
with Bits (mustang) and Kristin. At one point up Rock Mountain I saw
and felt what I thought was a rock fly past my head, from Bits' foot.
Then I looked more closely and realized it was one of Bits' Easy Boots.
So, our fiery mounts all had to stop while we tracked down the Easy
Boot. Lots of horses had to pass us on a narrow trail. Kristin decided
that putting boot back on was more trouble than it was worth, so both
hind boots came off. And that little mustang went the rest of the ride
(including making her way back DOWN Rock Mountain) without taking a bad
step. Tough little sucker, that one is.

Our group was a bunch of rookies - all new to the OD, limited endurance
experience. We boogied when we could. We walked probably more than we
should have. We probably didn't stop to let horses eat as much as we
should have. We marveled at the enormous, beautiful houses we passed
(where do those people WORK??). We waved to friendly folks in the
little town we passed through. The nice bulldozer guys pointed us in
the right direction. We were having a grand old time. And about the
time we got to the river, which we had to cross to get to our hold at
the halfway point, Bits and Zack both stopped pulling our arms out.
Awesome!

Crossing the Shenandoah River is amazing. Look to the left and to the
right - amazing views of mountains in both directions. I was a little
worried about Zach. Actually, a little worried about me, as Zach has a
tendency to just stop, drop, and roll in the middle of a creek. He's
done it to me before. And I didn't want to ride in wet boots the whole
way home. But all worries were for naught. Zach was awesome. Poor Ben
did have to get off in the middle of the river, though - Buck managed to
step through his reins. Smart old horse stopped as soon as he did it.

Cate, our crew person, was whooping and hollering at us as we crossed
the river - she was so excited for us! And she got some great photos,
as well. We got to the hold a little later than we wanted. Pulsed down
and vetted in. Zach was a little quiet in his gut - needed to eat
more. Think I could get the little train stopped on the way home to eat
anything? No way. That little boy wanted to go HOME.

30 minute hold - enough time to use the porta-pot, grab a drink and a
granola bar, stuff Zach full of food and water, re-tack, and we were
back on our way. Re-traced our steps - back across the river, back
through the little town (wave to nice people), back past nice bulldozer
guys, back past all the new houses (wonder how much that one costs?).
All too soon back to Rock Mountain (I am sure it has a real name, but
Rock Mountain describes it well). Actually, the trail UP is lovely
footing this direction - all well maintained stone dust trails. So the
trail was lovely, just LONG LONG LONG. Then we crossed Skyline Drive
and looked at the watch - we had about an hour to make it down Rock
Mountain (the down on this direction was the yukky part) and then a mile
down the paved road to Ride Camp and home. We stopped for our sparkling
cider and for Henry to write our arrival times on our cards at about
12:30 - we still had 30 minutes to pulse in. Might take that long to
get these big old TWH's cooled down! Zach was actually good in about 10
minutes, but we waited for our buddy Buck (who is much bigger). Pulsed
in at 12:45. Our nice friend Art vetted us out. Still a quiet gut -
needs to eat and drink some more. No problem - he'd have til Sunday to
hang out at camp and eat and drink to his hearts content. But - we
finished! And Cate reported today that Zach looks awesome.

A congrats from Art. Later, a big hug from friend Dr. Nick. Julie
Bullock said "it's about time you rode one of these rides!" And nice
Tom Timmons, who was the head vet for NAEC, was dumbfounded when he
learned this was my first ride. "You managed an NAEC and you've NEVER
ridden a ride?"

So - here's what I learned:

1) Riding a little freight train really works the abs. Hmmm. Maybe I
should schedule with Cate to ride him three times a week...

2) One must ride MUCH FASTER on the trail than I had ever imagined to
finish within time. I thought we were hustling whenever we could, and
we pulsed down with 15 minutes to spare. Lesson for Alissa - practice
trotting (or gaiting) down hills - it's not as scary as I first
thought. So - who's smarter? The horse who Alissa thought was a
freight train, or Alissa who thought we were going WAY TOO FAST and
ended up finishing ride with 15 minutes to spare? Who knows - we'll
have to test it out again!

3) The OD has a LOT more gravel and paved roads than I would have ever
thought, on the 12 miles out and back from camp. Light bulb - perhaps
this is why they've been scouting out new trails?

4) Assigned camping spots are an EXCELLENT idea if you have a good
Parking Nazi. Might have to implement that one...

5) Always, when people asked me about endurance, I told them that I
loved managing rides because I loved the people. So when friends asked
me if I ever rode an endurance ride, my response was, with a look of
horror on my face: "Are you kidding? Those people are CRAZY!!!" I
have learned, from first hand experience, that all of you are, indeed,
crazy. But, still I love you.

The bug has bitten. Darn you all. I am looking for the next place to
ride. Seeing if Cate is going to another ride where Zach needs a
rider. And seeing if perhaps my big old TB/Perch cross can handle doing
a 12 mile CTR clinic. I'm not getting too crazy yet - I have to take
the big boy back home in August, and will pick up a new, yet to be
determined, horse. So my endurance adventures on a horse of my own will
depend on whatever I bring home with me in August. But, assuming the
new horse has half a brain, look for us to be out and riding some
endurance in Spring of 2007. Oh, boy. I can't believe I just said
that!! Darn you Ride Campers for talking me in to this insanity!

Our First 50-The Bluebonnet Classic ride - Tracey Smith

Tracey Smith

Okay, better late than never right? I intended to write up this ride story MUCH sooner, but that darn job got in the way and being as both my horses and me like to eat (too much for some of us) the ride story had to wait.

Amira and I recently completed our first 50 mile at the Bluebonnet Classic last weekend up in Decatur. This was a VERY SPECIAL ride for us for several reasons. Last year the Bluebonnet was the first limited distance ride I'd completed (have done 2 years of CTR prior though) and so I guess it was well fitting that this year it was my first "REAL" endurance ride!

I have struggled quite a bit this past year with heat and fatigue getting to me on rides and my first attempt at a 50 mile ride was actually Easter Weekend at the Meanwhile Back at the Ranch ride. Mid-way through the 3rd loop I just got so nauseous I knew there was NO WAY I could complete the ride. I was truly heartbroken as I felt like I'd let my horse down (Amira was still raring to go) and also let down my friends and family who were there to support me and cheer me on. Other endurance riders told me your first 50 was a special experience and I certainly did not feel special that day. In fact I even contemplated not trying again, but I have some good friends who told it like it is and told me I could do it - BUT I was going to have to make some changes and start taking care of the RIDER as well as the horse.

So, after much thought and prayer I sent in my entry to Bluebonnet for the 50 - almost expecting to change my mind at the last minute and just do 25 instead. I pulled into camp Friday morning and parked next to my friend Robin (also riding the 50) and some other friends Patsy and Kalinda I knew from CTR who were riding the 25. After getting camp set up Robin and I decided to go out for a short "head check" ride to see how our horses were feeling. We rode the yellow trail and it was H-O-T and those nagging fears came back - would I be able to handle 50 miles in this on Saturday? I did not want to have to pull again and seriously contemplated just doing the 25 - but Robin told me we'd be fine and I reluctantly stayed with the 50.

At ride meeting that night we got the welcome news that because it was going to be hot and humid ride management had made the decision to start the 50's at 6:30 instead of 7am. I know that does not sound like much - but in Texas when it's hot that 30 minutes was a godsend as we could get as many miles under our belt as possible before it got too hot. There was lots of green grass in camp so after the meeting we took our horses out to walk and graze and we planned our strategy for Saturday. Robin and I planned to start together, but if the horses did not pace well we'd split up so as not to interfere with each others rides.

We went to bed and I attempted to get some sleep that night but I NEVER sleep well the night before a ride and this was no exception. Saturday morning was rudely announced by my cell phone alarm clock much sooner than I'd hoped so I stumbled to life and fed and tacked up and the next thing I know we are mounted and heading out on the silver trail. Silver is 25 miles and my heart skipped a beat when I heard that was our first loop - that's a long loop, but the good news is when you reach the first vet check - you are halfway done! I just hoped I'd make it that long.

The start went well, Amira can sometimes be goofy and get race head but this day she was all business and took out at a nice strong extended trot and we even loped quite a bit early on. Sometimes she's bucky if you lope her too soon but today she was all business all the way around and feeling good. Robin and I took turns leading and the mares Amira and Syrena seemed to be pacing very well together. We were making excellent time and I was feeling better about the ride as every mile went by. About 5 miles from the end of Silver Robin and I were definitely ready for our hold but our mares were still feeling strong and Robin asked how I was doing and I said I felt great. She said "see, you're going to finish this time" and that made me feel so proud - NO WAY could I pull now! We finished the first loop in just over 3 hours - and both horse and rider teams looking and feeling great.

That feeling almost ended though at the first vet check. Both horses pulsed down fast and we were in line at the vet check but when it was my turn to trot out a rider in the lane to my left trotted her horse across both her lane AND mine and it threw me and Amira off a bit. When I got back to the vet he said he wanted to see her trot in a minute and my heart sank - oh no, I was going to get pulled after just one loop. Fortune was smiling on me though, as the second trot out went just fine and the vet agreed that it must have been all the commotion that made Amira falter as she looked sound and fine now. Back at the trailer for our hold I fed Amira some soaked alfalfa cubes (she hates beet pulp) and hay while I ate and re-charged and got ready for the next loop. That hour flew by and before I knew it we were mounted up and ready to head out on the blue loop.

Now, I must confess the blue loop at the Grasslands is possibly the most boring trail I have ever ridden - also there is NO SHADE so I was a bit nervous. We started out the loop at a good trot and also continued to add in some loping to break things up and keep a good pace. About halfway though the blue loop though Amira started getting really tired and wanting to slow down. She's such a good girl she lets you know when she needs to slow down, unlike my older mare who'd run until she dropped if you would allow it.

We stopped at a stock tank and she was drinking well and eating well.she just did not want to move out as fast as before - the heat was slowing us both down. There was another lady Lori (forgot her last name but she's from Amarillo and was great to ride with) who'd been riding with us and she was starting to slow from the heat a bit too.

I finally told Robin to go on ahead as her mare Syrena is super fit and was just still wanting to go, go go - I did not want to slow her down. Because of my previous struggles and because she's a great friend and riding buddy, Robin was hesitant to leave me as she wanted to make sure I was feeling okay and would be able to finish. I assured her that I was hot, but feeling fine as I'd been taking my succeed elyte caps and drinking LOTS of water and propel and that I would finish - but I had to slow it down as Amira would not finish if we kept up that pace. She and Syrena finally trotted off and they looked strong as ever. I knew they'd do well.

Lori and I stayed together the rest of the blue loop, as our horses paced well together and she was such a joy to talk to. She'd been away from 50's for a few years, but had lots of experience and I hope I did not pick her brain too much but I enjoyed riding with her and FINALLY that never ending blue loop lead us back to camp.

Lori said she'd planned to take a few extra minutes at the hold, but I told her I'd not be moving lightning fast on the last loop so I am sure she'd catch up with me and I'd love to ride with her again.

As we were vetting in Robin and Syrena were headed out on their last loop - still looking strong as ever.I know you'll see them riding 100's soon.

My legs were jelly, but some how I was able to run straight enough and Amira made it through the second vet check just fine - the slowed pace had actually helped her as her gut sounds often are slow and get a b or sometimes c during a ride, but this time the vet said they were clearly an A as she eaten a lot on trail and you could just stand there and hear her gut! This time we only had a 30 minute hold and I barely had time to pee and re-load fresh water bottles and it was time to go!

Our last loop was red and just a 10.5 mile loop, and also mine and Amira's favorite of all the loops at the Grasslands. This was a good thing as I knew Amira was tired, but she knew this trail better than any other and that would motivate her to get back to camp! She did not seem to agree that we needed to leave camp to start red though and it took some convincing to get her across the tank dam and out on the trail. Once out there she got to business and seemed to have a bit of a second wind and we trotted and loped a bit, slowing to walk and rest when she felt she needed to. I was riding alone the first 5 miles of the red loop and it was about then I realized we were really going to finish this thing and it brought tears to my eyes.

Somewhere around this time we met up with another rider Carla from Missouri. She was riding her friends horse and it was her first 50 too (Carla's not the horse) and like myself she was getting tired from the heat. We rode together for a while and talked as at this point in the day the human interaction was a lot of what kept me going and before long Lori and her mare Spoof had caught up with us and the three of us finished red together.

Amira and I were both really tired, but it was amazing how the horse that barely wanted to trot was suddenly willing to pick up a trot and even canter when she saw the meadow approaching on red where the finish line used to be. We slowed to a trot as we got closer to the finish line, so it was not exactly a high speed race to the finish but neither myself nor Lori or Carla cared about placings - we just wanted to finish.

As we came into camp my heart soared as several of my CTR buddies and endurance friends were there cheering me on as we came in. My friend Anita was not able enter the ride but she even drop up to be there (and brought cold Smirnoff ice - what a friend) and I felt so proud, but I WOULD NOT allow anyone to congratulate us on finishing until we'd vetted out - said we had one final hurdle and then they could say Congrats!

Amira passed the vet check just fine, her gut was back to a B but all else was in good shape and while she was tired, she was certainly fit to continue and it was then I allowed folks to Congratulate me and admitted to myself we'd done it - was a long hard road to get there, but man it felt good. And, what I'd learned about taking care of myself worked too as I really felt pretty good and I'd expected to be just wiped out - I was tired, but still walking! And, those silly 50's are addicting! I am already jonesing for my next one!

So, in the end, what they say is true - your first 50 is special - it was so neat how many folks I did not even know congratulated me at the awards. We certainly did not turn in a blazing time (9 and ? hrs I think) but we finished and TO FINISH IS TO WIN, so we won big time! A lot of people really supported me in this and while I was late to write up my ride story, I made sure and let them know immediately how much I appreciated all their support.

We'll see ya'll on the trail tackling our next 50 very soon!

Tracey Smith and Amira

Bluebonnet - My First 100 - Dawn Carrie

Somehow, it seemed fitting that I would attempt my first 100 at the
Texas Bluebonnet Classic, held on the LBJ Grasslands near Decatur, TX.
I had done my very first LD at this ride back in 1999 on my mare, DC
Mackenzie. It seemed so long ago...I had started that ride thinking,
wow, 25 miles...so far...would we make it? We did, with 15 minutes to
spare, and I was hooked on a sport that would take me down so many
miles of trail, introduce me to many wonderful people, and teach me
more about horses than I ever dreamed there was to know. Even back
then, I dreamed of someday doing a 100...and eventually, Tevis.

I don't handle the heat/humidity well, so decided that the mid-80s
would be my cutoff for trying the 100. I signed up for the 50. Then
a week before the ride the forecast called for 82 degrees on ride day!
I emailed ride secretary Trish Dutton and asked her to switch me to
The Big One. And then I worried all week as the forecast crept
up...83...85...87. Then 90. I quit checking. One of my
characteristics (some consider it a virtue, others a fault LOL) is
extreme stubbornness. I refused to drop back down to the 50. I would
start the 100 and if I got sick, threw up nonstop, and passed out,
then I guess I'd have to quit, unless I revived enough to climb back
on the horse (and could evade my husband long enough to do so).

I decided to drive up on Thursday so that Bear, my 7 yr. old gelding, could have plenty of time to hang out and rest before the ride. At the last minute, Jenna Pywell decided to do the 100 as well, and ride up with me. We left around 10 Thursday morning, taking Bear, her horse Zar, and my husband's horse Diamante. Ross wasn't going to be able to ride due to work, but was coming up Saturday morning to crew. I figured that Bear was used to having Diamante along at rides, and this was not the time to change things and leave him home.

It should have been a straight-forward trip of about 5 - 5 1/2 hours. But maybe an hour or so from home, a trucker pulled up alongside us and honked, and pointed back at the trailer. I looked in the mirror, and could see tire shreds flapping. Uh-oh. I waved a thanks at the trucker, and began to slow. Luckily there was a rest area coming up, so I pulled in. The left front tire on the trailer was peeling off. It hadn't blown yet, but had to be moments away from doing so. Between the two of us, Jenna and I got the tire changed and were on the road again within maybe 30 minutes. I was uneasy about now not having a spare, but what were the odds of *another* flat, right?

Less than an hour later, we were cruising along, and suddenly "POP!!!" I muttered something unrepeatable, Jenna said, "what?" and I said, "we just blew a tire." I pulled over, and sure enough, the right rear trailer tire had blown out. Ok, this sucks. But luckily, we were less than a mile south of the exit for Fairfield. I put on my flashers and eased onward, while Jenna grabbed my cell phone and called 411 to locate a tire place. She found one and got directions. We arrived, and had to wait for the manager to get there, just to have him tell us they were out of our kind of tires. Fortunately there was another tire place...he gave us direction and we eased that way. This store looked more reputable than the last one. I told the guy that I needed a tire, preferably one that didn't have any holes and would hold air. H e joked that I sure was picky, and asked what kind. I gave him the specs. He said he'd just sold a bunch of those yesterday, but thought he had one left. He checked, came back and said yep he had two left. I said I'd take 'em both, since I needed a spare. He said it would be about 30 minutes wait...but then this older rancher spoke up and told him to go ahead and take care of me first, so that I could get back on the road with the horses. I thanked him, and went out to back the trailer in where he requested. Now, I guess the sight of a blonde woman backing a dually with a 4 horse gooseneck LQ trailer into a narrow slot between stacks of tires up to the garage door still makes men nervous, because they all stopped what they were doing to watch. The trailer behaved and went right where it was supposed to, and a swarm of 3 technicians went t o work. In about 10 minutes they were done, and with a flash of my debit card, we were on the road again.

The rest of the trip went uneventfully, and we arrived at camp around 4:30 or so. We found a really nice spot in the trees near the vet check, and got the horses settled in. Jenna set up an extra pen for Dakota Broadway's horse, who would arrive the next day with Chachi Rosvold and her horse. We drove back into Decatur for dinner and to pick up a few things, then back to camp and to bed.

Friday morning we took the horses out for a short ride. I'd been borrowing Jenna's and/or Chachi's Sport Saddle for Bear, but since they were both riding this ride, I had contacted Gail Zeck, who I knew had a Sport Saddle, to see if I could borrow it for this ride. She immediately said yes. I spent a little while getting it adjusted to Bear and the stirrups adjusted to me during our short ride. She had fitted it with a centerfire rigging, which I found I really liked, and Bear seemed happy with it as well. We spent the rest of the day puttering around camp, getting ready for the ride, visiting with people, vetting the horses in, etc. I got a call from my friend Lianne, who was indeed going to make the ride but would arrive very late, so we set up another pen for her horse Al.

I set my alarm for 4 am. I got up and fed Bear and Diamante, then returned to my trailer and went over my preparations. All was ready. At a little before 5 I went out to tack up. It was nice and cool. Bear had eaten everything. Good boy. Got tacked up and headed over to the start and checked in. I trotted Bear around to warm him up, and he threw in a few bucks...not like him at all. Could be an interesting morning. At 5:30, trail was open. Jenna and I waited till most everyone headed out, then we followed. Bear is a raving lunatic if he thinks there are horses ahead that he can pass. Not that he ever *gets* to pass them, but hope springs eternal...

It didn't take long for the horses to disappear in the dark, and we picked up a slow trot. We came upon a small group of riders with a broken stirrup. I was trying to get my flashlight out of my camelbak for them, when two other riders came along with one more easily accessible, so we went on. Bear led the way in the dark through some winding single track in the woods and out into more open trail, as we followed an occasional purple glowstick. He was actually doing very well, listening to me and not fighting too hard to go fast. Could this be the New Bear? As we continued on, it began to get light around 6 or so. Jenna and I traded off the lead now and then. My goal was to do this first 25 mile loop in 4 hours.

We played leapfrog with Bobby and Alex Wallis, who were stopping to give their horses grass breaks, then passing us again. I wanted to give Bear some grass breaks, and he did grab a few mouthfuls, but Jenna felt that Zar wouldn't eat if we stopped. At about 10 miles or so, Bobby and Alex were right behind us, and I asked if they minded if I rode with them for a while...Bobby said I was welcome to. So I told Jenna to go ahead, that was going to fall back with these guys so that Bear could eat. Their horses eat great on the trail, and would help Bear relax more. He just gets too focused on the job at hand early in the ride, and will just grab a few bites and then wants to keep moving. I fell in behind Bobby and Alex. When they stopped for grass, Bear at first figited, t hen since their horses were chowing down, decided to do the same. We followed this pattern for several miles. But then I decided to drop back, as they were doing more cantering than I do during conditioning, so I let them go on ahead. Bear was fine with this, and we trotted along alone. I stopped for grass, but he was back in travel mode. So, I hopped off him and turned my back on him, ignoring his fussing and circling. After a few minutes, he gave up and figured since he wasn't getting anywhere, he might as well eat, and chowed down. We continued on, and about 8 or 9 miles from camp, he suddenly reverted to the lunatic Bear...jigging and cantering sideways down the trail when I asked him to walk, jerking his head forward and down, nearly pulling me out of the saddle several times, constantly fig hting me to go at mach 8. I guess he remembered that he was almost at camp, from when we did this trail at Frigid Digit in February. Anyhow, those last 9 miles were a battle.

We made it to camp right on schedule (4 hours), and he pulsed down right away. One thing about him, he has great metabolics. He stood nicely for the P&R guy, but was a total snot for the vet. I don't know what got into him...perhaps he heard Ross's horse calling or something. He would not stand still. His CRI was 12/14, because he was spinning circles and trying to rear when she took the second pulse. Grrrr...he's usually a good boy. I kept apologizing profusely, and was profoundly embarassed. His vet scores were all good, and we headed back to the trailer for our hour hold. He usually doesn't eat much at the first hold, but did eat some beet pulp slurry and some hay, and a bunch of carrots.

I dawdled a bit, and headed out a little late for the 15 mile blue loop. It was starting to warm up, and this loop was in the sun a lot. Bear headed out of camp nicely, and picked up a good trot. We cruised along steadily. Several 50 milers passed us, but Bear was pretty well behaved when I made it clear to him that we were not going to follow them. The trail was a mix of some wide singletrack through patches of woods, and lots of trail through open grassland and scattered scrubby trees. The wildflowers were awesome. I guess the recent rains really got them going. The orange butterflyweed (a kind of milkweed) was especially prevalent, and true to its name, had lots of different kinds of butterflies in attendance. There was also Indian paintbrush, coreopsis, skullcap, blue-eyed grass, and many other kinds of wildflowers.

The LDs and the 100s had to take a detour off the regular blue loop to add 2 miles. We made this turn and cruised along. The detour was actually quite pretty. We caught up to Bobby and Alex Wallis, and rode with them for the rest of the loop, as they were going more our speed now. This loop seemed extra long, I guess because of the 2 mile extension and because so much of it was in the sun. It was getting hot. The horses were all drinking well at the water stops, which was good to see. And even Bear didn't need to be asked twice to chow down on grass when we stopped. We finally made it back to camp. I think it took us nearly 3 hours to do this loop. I think we were all three glad that we wouldn't see this loop again today.

Bear was again pulsed down as soon as we hit the water tanks, which he tried to drain. He was somewhat better behaved in the vet area this time. Ann Kitzmiller offered to trot him out for me, which was very welcome, since my knees were sore from the first loop's battles. He again got mostly As, a couple of Bs. Back to the trailer for a 30 minute hold. Ross had arrived by now, and helped me with Bear. Bear ate some beet pulp and hay. I again went out a little late. As I was leaving, I passed Alex, who told me that her horse Faroh had been pulled for being tight in the rear. Darn!!! He's such a nice horse, with I believe several hundreds under his girth. I headed out at the same time as Bobby and Jenna. We all rode together for a while, then Jenna went on. This was the 10 mile yellow loop. We did it in around 2 hours or so. Bear was still moving out strongly, eager to go down the trail. He was now diving for grass as soon as we stopped, and guzzling water at every chance. This loop went by very quickly. Before we knew it, we were back in camp. Half done!!! Only 50 miles to go. Bear again pulsed right down and vetted through fine. He looked really good on the trot out. Guts were a B, which was not unusual for him. I wasn't too worried, since he was eating well on trail.

Back to the trailer for another 30 minute hold. Bear ate well, then took a little nap. We had four loops left to do. We'd do the 15 mile white loop, the 10 mile red loop, then repeat each. These two loops overlapped quite a bit. I figured I'd get the first white loop done before dark.

I should point out that by this time I'd acquired a wonderful crew. In addition to my husband Ross, Ann Kitzmiller was everywhere, helping at the vet check, asking what I needed, etc. Vicki Holzer was doing the same. And Lianne Lami, my riding buddy from Houston, was plying me with food of every type. During this hold they all decided that they would meet me where the red and white trails crossed one of the open gravel roads with food for Bear and food and drink for me. This spot was a little over 9 miles from camp on the white loop, and a little over 4 miles on the red loop. So far, I'd handled the heat ok. I had a headache and was starting to get a migraine, so took some ibuprofin and one of my magic migraine pills. I'd been making myself drink what seemed like gallons all day...I wear a 100 oz. camelbak while riding, and had drained it on the 25 mile loop, and nearly drained it on the other loops. I drank 32 oz. of strong Hydralyte (human elyte) and an Ensure at every hold. Plus I ate/drank various other things - yogurt smoothies, boiled eggs, etc. But, although I'd had a few touches of nausea, no vomiting so far.

After calculating when I would reach the road crossing at 9 miles, I headed out on the white loop. This one had some deep sand at the start, which we walked. Bear then picked up a nice trot and moved along fairly steadily. I was happy to see him still so eager to go down the trail. He was now taking the initiative and stopping for grass on his own. We took a couple of grass breaks, then continued on. We caught up to Jenna and a couple of other riders. We slowed to a walk and stopped for grass to let them get ahead. I like the red and white loops, since they have a lot more wooded sections, with winding singletrack type trail and more shade. After giving the other three riders time to get ahead, we moved on, zipping through the woods at a good clip. We caught up to the other riders, and I decided to pass them, since they were trotting fairly slowly, and Bear was in the mood to move out at a good pace. We passed and headed on, and they fell in behind us at our speed.

We came to a pond, and I was surprised to see cattle, since we had been told there were no cattle on the trails. There was a herd of cows and calves coming to water. I slowed to a walk till most had headed to the pond. Three calves were scampering along the trail, and Bear must have thought they were dogs, because he merely looked down at them, even when one brushed against his front leg. We trotted on, and entered a piece of singletrack surrounded by dense brush. We were in front, moving at a fast trot, and rounded a sharp curve to see a big horned hereford bull lying crossways in the trail about 30 feet in front of us. Bear hit the brakes and his eyes popped out on stalks. LOL The other three riders piled up behind me. I said, "there's a bull lying in the trail." On of the riders in the re ar, who couldn't see the critter, said, "There's a fawn?" "No, a bull!" I started yelling and waving at him, but he ignored me. I urged Bear to within maybe 20 feet, and kept shouting and waving, trying to get him up, as there was no room to pass. He finally slloooowwwwwly rose to his feet. Bear scooted backward ("OMG, look at the size of that thing!"). The bull calmly walked off the trail, and we went on past.

We continued on at a good pace. The other two riders fell back at some point, but Jenna stayed with me. After a number of miles, I slowed Bear to give him a break, but she urged Zar onward and kept going. Bear and I reached our 4-person crew at the 9 mile point right on schedule. Bear wasn't too interested in eating, although he did eat a little...he was more interested in continuing down the trail. But I munched on a few things, drank some Hydralyte, and had the luxury of someone else holding Bear while I peed. Vicki gave me some KM, the human elyte that Darolyn sells. I'd tried some years ago. It still tasted as bad as I remembered. LOL But my lingering headache did disappear about 20 minutes later. After leaving our crew, it was only a few hundred yards to a water tank, where Bear drank deeply, and grazed on a nice patch of grass. Only 6 miles to camp...we made it in a little over an hour, walking the deep sand and moving out on the good footing. Ross and Ann met me where the white trail enters camp, and we all walked to the vet check. Ross trotted Bear out, and I was again able to watch...he looked great.

Now we had another hour hold. Bear ate well, and took a nice little nap. My out time was 8:38. We had 35 miles left. I ate, drank Hydralyte, and relaxed. I put my headlamp in my pommel bag. I didn't plan to use it unless I needed to check something out. I was going to rely on Bear's night vision, and the moonlight. A full moon was predicted, so it should be plenty bright. The hold was over before I knew it, and we headed out on the red loop in the growing dusk. First stop was grass for Bear. LOL After his break, we continued on. As darkness approached, the Chuck-will's-widows (nocturnal birds related to nighthawks) began calling like crazy. At one poin t I could hear probably 30 of them calling from all directions. It was pretty cool. It soon got dark. The patches of woods were blacker than the inside of a cow, since the moon was not up yet. I couldn't see the ground, Bear's ears, or even my hands. But Bear could obviously see just fine, as he flew along at a fast trot, twisting and turning as he followed the winding trail. It was a total blast! Ever once in a while we'd go through a little dip - he'd suddenly drop out from under me, only to pop back up beneath me a second later. It was a bit lighter in the open. We arrived at our crew stop in about an hour or less. This time Bear ate. Lianne had had to go to bed...her sore throat and congestion had finally gotten the best of her. Vicki had done likewise, but not before sending plenty of advice along with Ann and Ross . After a brief stop we continued on to the water tank, and then the 6 miles to camp. Ann and Ross met us where the red trail hits camp. We came in and Bear pulsed down immediately again. He trotted out with spring in his step. Wow, 75 miles done.

Back to the trailer, 30 minute hold. Bear ate beet pulp slurry well, as well as hay. I wasn't looking forward to the next loop, the 15 mile white loop, just because it was longer. But with only 25 miles left, the end was in sight. Could it be that we just might do this??? My legs were sore, I had very painful chafing in unmentionable places, and my knees were killing me. But Bear looked and felt great. So onward we would go.

Time to go...back in the saddle, and out on the white loop. Jenna was out...Zar had been off on a front leg when she came in. It was not enough for the vet to pull her, but when he palpated the upper suspensory, Zar reacted very strongly, so she pulled RO-L. There had been a fair amount of deep sand. He'd had trouble with this suspensory last year, and apparently the sand had gotten to him. Darn! We headed out, gave Bear his grass break a short distance from camp, and continued on. The full moon was up now, and it was lovely. I was totally transfixed by the image of my and Bear's shadow trotting alongside of us. The grassland was bathed in a silvery light, and I could see for miles. The moonlight was so bright, that some birds were actually singing. I heard several Rufous-crowned Sparrows singing, and a couple of Painted Buntings as well. Of course, there were a number of mockingbirds singing, but they're known for singing at night anyway. The patches of woods were no longer black. However, it was no easier for me to see the trail. The bright moonlight had transformed the woods into a kaleidoscope of silver moonlight and black shadows, looking like pieces of silver and black confetti scattered on the ground. But again, Bear was not deterred, and flew along. This time when we met Ann and Ross, Bear dove into the beet pulp and didn't come up for air.

We continued on...just 6 more miles to camp. The frogs were really calling...they had begun at dusk,and continued into the night. I heard narrow-mouthed toads, cricket frogs, green treefrogs, and several other species. It was fun identifying all the different species as we passed various ponds. Bear had certain ponds that he'd developed a liking for, so we made sure to stop at those for drinks.

Camp at last...90 miles done!!! As Ann, Ross, Bear, and I walked through the sleeping camp to the vet check, I marveled that Bear had gone 90 miles...my horse had gone 90 miles!!! Wow...

He vetted through, but was a C on guts. He'd been eating, but perhaps not enough. Everything else was ok, though. However, since he was eating well, I wasn't too worried. We went back to the trailer for our last 30 minute hold. Bear chowed down on beet pulp this time, and ate quite a bit of hay as well. My out time was 3:10 am. I'd have 2 hr. 20 min. to do the last 10.7 mile loop. I wasn't too worried. We decided that that Ann and Ross would meet me as usual to check on me, but I'd not make a major stop. Bear was still being very forward, so I knew we could do the 10.7 miles in the allotted time. The two riders behind me had pulled RO, knowing that they'd be OT. Ann and Ross told me I needed to be at the crew stop by 4. I didn't have a li ght on my HRM (well, it did have one, but it no longer works), so I figured I'd just ride normally and see what time I got there. I headed out right at 3:10. Gave Bear his customary grass stop a half mile from camp. We continued on, walking all the deep sand, moving out at a good trot (whatever pace he wanted) when footing was good. Took another grass break or two, and arrived at the crew stop. I asked what time it was...Ann said 4 am on the nose. I hopped off to pee while Ann took Bear to some grass. Got back on, and headed to the water tank. Only a bit over 6 miles left between us and our first 100.

We alternated trotting and walking (sand) as we headed back. I noticed lightning way off in the distance, so far away that no thunder could be heard. Now *that* was really neat. Trotting along on my horse at 4 am under a full moon, watching lightning off in the distance. Does it get any better than that? Bear was still moving smoothly, slowing to a walk on his own when we hit deep sand, and resuming his steady trot when we reached better footing. I think he knew the end was near. Or else perhaps he could sense that I was getting tired, and wouldn't be able to continue this foolishness much longer. By this point I was getting very sleepy. When I'd stop for Bear to graze, I'd suddenly feel like he was falling over, and would grab the pommel...then realize that he wasn't falling. Or, I'd be sitting there looking at a red glowbar, and it would turn green as I looked at it, or would move from the right side of the trail to the left side. Very strange.

We reached the point where the red and white trails diverged near camp. Only about 1 1/2 miles to go! We veered right down the red trail, and Bear picked up a strong trot. I saw the finish line approaching. Gosh, I can't believe no one is waiting there for us! We slowed to a walk and headed in, and saw Ann and Ross. I dismounted and led Bear in. Turns out we did the loop in exactly 2 hours, even with 4 or 5 good grass breaks for Bear and walking all the deep sand. Bear was pulsed down when we arrived, trotted out with all As on gait, attitude, and impulsion, and his gut sounds had improved to a B. We were done...we were now 100 milers!!!!

I couldn't have done this without the help of my wonderful crew...my husband Ross and Ann Kitzmiller, who stayed up all night, right to the end, offering encouragement, food, water, a mounting block (thanks Ann!!), trotting Bear out for me, and doing all the little things that needed doing that I probably would have been forgetting by the end of the ride. And Vicki Holzer and Lianne Lami...who helped during the afternoon and early evening with encouragement, advice, KM (Vicki), and tons of food (Lianne). All of you guys were just great!!! And of course, ride manager Carla Jo Bass for offering the 100 mile distance in the first place...thank you!

Some thoughts...Patti Stedman said that the hardest part of a 100 is signing up for one. She's right. Although, in my case, I was eager to do one, so even signing up wasn't hard. Funny, but I wasn't the least bit intimidated by the thought of doing one...I couldn't wait to give it a shot. I learned a lot about my horse. He's in better shape than I thought...we could have gone faster, I realize now. But I erred heavily on the side of caution, and went very slowly. It not only earned me turtle, but I bet it earned me the honor of the slowest 100 ever completed at this ride. LOL

I never hit a wall...and Bear never seemed to either. I never felt him hit a slump. He always seemed eager to motor down the trail. His only problem was leaving camp. LOL But he's like that at every ride. Once we got out of camp, he happily zipped down the trail. I do feel cheated in that I didn't have any hallucinations. I didn't see any elephants, clowns, or little green men. Maybe on my next hundred. Because there *will* be another one...I'm hooked. This ride was the most magical experience of my life (even without any hallucinations). Just me and my horse out there for all those miles, trotting along toward one goal.

For those of you thinking about doing a hundred, give it a shot. I can truly attest, there's nothing in the world like it. And if I can do it, a middle-aged, "well-rounded" woman with two bad knees who works full time and can only condition once or maybe twice a week, trust me, ANYONE can do it. My horse is not a "super horse" with tons of miles, either. He only had 310 endurance miles (and 25 LD miles) before this ride. He completed his first 50 last July. So do a few 50s, maybe do two 50s back to back if you really want to see where your horse is (we did that in March), then find a 100 and just enter it, go slow, and see how far you get. There's a quote I like, can't remember who said it: "It is better to have tried and failed, than to fail to have tried."

Dawn Carrie, Huntsville Texas
and Little Bear TC

Meanwhile Back at the Ranch - Ride Story - Dawn Carrie

by Dawn Carrie

This past weekend hubby Ross and I headed up to the Meanwhile Back at the Ranch ride, which is southwest of Fort Worth, TX. This is one of my favorite rides in Texas due to the variety of trails and the wildflower display. The trails were as fun as ever, although it seemed that the drought had tempered the wildflower display a bit. But my favorite flower at the ride, the purple downy paintbrush, was as showy as ever, so I was pretty happy. :)

I always enjoy the trails at this ride...they're a mix of open pastures, tight woods with fun twisty-turny single track that's a blast when ridden at mach 8 (LOL), and a neat tall rocky "mountain" (ok, remember, this *is* Texas here, so allow me some poetic license ) to add some good terrain to the ride. All on a ranch owned by endurance rider Kim Reeves and husband Ted. There is usually plenty of natural water in streams, plus several cattle tanks and ponds. But this year they had to put water out in one location due to most of the streams being dry. It w as extremely hot this year...Saturday it was in the low 90s, but at least there was a good strong breeze all day to help keep the horses cool. We didn't pass up any chance to soak the horses down, which seemed to help them a lot. The first hot ride of the year took a toll on horses and riders alike, though.

Ross and I arrived around 2 pm and got camp set up for our two ponies. Rae Callaway got there around 3 or 3:30, and Lianne and Sharon arrived about 5 or so. We got all the horses settled in, and vetted everyone through. All of us would be riding, except Sharon, who came along for fun and to serve as our chef extraordinaire. I'm sure we were the only group in camp with a huge Weber grill. We dined on huge, decadent hamburgers, tossed salad, and S'mores Friday night, and gourmet garlic shrimp Saturday night, finished off with chocolate cheesecake brought by Rae. Lose weight at a ride? Not at this rate! LOL

This year the ride would extra special. Ross and his 12 year old Paso Fino gelding Diamante de Zeta would be doing their first 50, and we'd ride together. Lianne was just getting back into 50s, after work and some injuries (hers, not her horse's) had kept her out of riding for a year or so. We were all doing the 50 together. Rae was going to do the LD on her mare.

Lianne and Sharon slept in our trailer, so as to not wake Rae up when we all got up early for the 50. Ross did his usual 3 am feeding of the horses, so they'd have time to eat a good meal before the ride. We got up around 5 or so for the 6:30 start. Double checked on Rae at 6, to make sure she was awake for the LD start at 7:15. The three of us headed for the start, and Sharon wisely went back to sleep.

They had a controlled start this year for some reason...never had one before, and the start of the yellow trail is very innocuous. Oh well. My 7 year old gelding Bear did airs above the ground, cantering in place, etc. as we tried to walk along. Aren't they supposed to learn to conserve energy after doing consecutive days of 50s? He didn't learn anything from doing that last month...in fact, instead of fighting me for the first 15-20 miles of this ride, he pulled my arms off for most of the ride. Once they released the controlled start, we picked up a medium trot across the pastures and up the powerline to the base of the mountain (don't forget, poetic license here!). Ross hopped off to lead Diamante up the short but steep climb, and Lianne did the same for her horse Al, who was the least conditioned of the three horses. I told Bear he was going to have to carry me up, since my knee doesn't do well walking uphill. I offered Bear's tail to Lianne to help her up the hill...so Bear carried me and tailed Lianne. :) We made it to the top, and they mounted back up. We slow trotted and walked the rocky top of the mountain ridge. The views are really great from up there...this is one of my favorite parts of the ride. That's good , because we'd see it three times today. When we got to the steep decent, we all got off and led the horses down, all six of us slipping and sliding in the loose dirt and rocks.

At the bottom we mounted up and continued on at a nice trot, going through some woods on some neat single track. We alternated trotting with short walking breaks. We weren't out to break any speed records, just wanted to make sure everyone completed. All of the horses were doing well. We arrived at the "pens" which have a water tank and a spotter taking numbers. The horses weren't ready to drink yet, but we soaked them down using Lianne's collapsible scoop. We continued on across some pastures, up and down some short rocky hills, and into another patch of woods. This is called the "wild lot" and has lots of very tight, twisty-turny single track...our very fa vorite part of the ride. We normally like doing it at full speed (watch your knees!) but because we didn't want to overdo it on Al and Diamante, we kept it down to a more moderate trot this time. We passed Ted, who serves as a spotter, and continued on through more tight single track. Came out into nice shady woods, and knew we were nearing the end of the first (15 mile) loop. We had a trot by (everyone good), and headed out on the 10-mile red loop. This one went back around a lake, then into part of the "wild lot" again...more single track! Cool...

After leaving the wildlot behind, we headed across more pastures, up the entrance road to within sight of camp (sorry, horses, we're not going back!), and then turned into another pasture. We got to another nice water tank, and the horses drank some, and we soaked them down again. Lianne had been worried about Al, since he usually drinks before now. But he finally started drinking. We'd checked his hydration parameters, and all looked well, so we figured he knew what he needed. Bear was the last of the three to start drinking. But he always starts out so hydrated he's sloshing. I think he peed 5 or 6 times, nice and clear and lots of volume, in the first 25 miles. Once he does start drinking, he guzzles. The horses were taking advantage of the nice green grass that had come up from recent rains. Now up the mountain again...Ross and Lianne led up, with Bear tailing Lianne again. We admired the nice views from the top some more, led down the steep loose descent, and headed off into the woods and toward the pens again. Another chat with the spotter, the horses took advantage of the water tank, and we headed out on the last mile or so to camp and our first hold.

The horses were pulsed down immediately upon coming in. We gave them time to drink a few gallons each, then headed to the P&R box, and then to the vet area. We had about a 5-min wait to vet, as the only remaining vet, Carter, had to take his first pit stop of the day...poor guy!! Apparently a horse had returned to camp without its rider, and the other vet, Dennis, was putting it back together, as it had torn itself to shreds - probably went through a fence or two. This is the only down side to this ride (and is a major one) - there are always only two vets. I'd gladly pay another $5-10 in entry fees, if that's what it takes to hire a third vet. We didn't have a long wait, but I talked to some people who said there were over 30 horses in line earlier in the day, and one vet who was riding that day spent his entire hold helping vet horses through. Not fair to him .

We went back to the trailers for our one hour hold. Al and Diamante chowed down. Bear ate some, but not as well as I'd like. However, this was normal for him, so I was not unduly concerned. He needs to learn to eat better early in the ride instead of gawk or take a nap. Maybe doing all 3 days at the first half of Fort Stanton this summer will teach him something.

We headed back out on the 15 mile yellow loop again. Lianne decided to fall back, as she wanted Al to go slower. We were concerned about her completing, as we were already pacing to finish with little time left. But she was ok with not completing if that happened, and was smart enough to ride her own ride. Ross and I headed out, and Lianne followed a little bit later. Al has major separation anxiety issues. and we could hear him bellowing in the distance behind us.

After the first few miles, we were headed up the powerline ROW to the mountain again. Ross remembered that one of the water tanks on the red loop was only about 200 yards off the yellow loop. So, we turned off on the red loop where it joined the yellow, and headed to the water. The horses drank like camels. A huge koi (goldfish), nearly a foot long, was in the tank. It came up and was picking beet pulp shreds off the horses' muzzles as they drank. After the horses drank and we soaked them down, we backtracked to the intersection with yellow and continued on. Lianne had nearly caught us due to our diversion to water...we waved and continued on.&nbs p; Headed up the mountain for the last time, and down the other end. She caught up to us when we stopped to let the horses graze on some lush grass in the woods before the pens. She rode with us a while, then fell back, caught up, fell back, etc. for the rest of the loop. It was really hot on this loop...thank goodness for the strong wind that helped with evaporative cooling.

We continued on, through the wildlot and single track again, and on to camp. Ross and I got off and led in the last 1/3 mile or so. Lianne had stopped well over a mile out to lead in. We were pulsed down and vetted through by the time she got in. Al was bellowing and spinning circles around Lianne, wanting his buddies. She was worried because he wouldn't pulse down. We looked at each other, and Ross headed over with Diamante to serve as a buddy. Al pu lsed down right away and made it through the P&R and vet check, with Diamante serving as his buddy. I headed back to camp and got stuff ready. Ross finally arrived, and the horses chowed down with gusto, took a short nap, then ate some more. This hold was 45 minutes, but we gave them extra time, since Ross and Diamante had lost part of it while serving as Al's buddy.

One more loop!!! We all three headed out together on the 10-mile blue loop. No mountain on this one...we just went over the saddle in the middle. I have not-so-fond memories of this loop...it was on the blue that my horse Chivas had stepped in a hole hidden in the grass and somersaulted with me in 2002, sending me to the ER with a broken eye socket. But Ted had filled that hole in long ago. Nothing to worry about today. We passed the pens and the spotter for the last time, zipped through some more single track in the wild lot, and headed for the finish line. Bear was still pulling to go faster, but I'd been keeping him slow (or at least trying to) for < SPAN class=correction id="">Diamante's and Al's sake. Diamante and Al were both doing great. We caught up to Pete Harper on his TWH at the start of this loop, and passed him. He'd catch us at water or grass stops, then we'd pull away again, as our horses were trotting faster than his mare wanted to go. He caught us for the last time at a water stop about a mile before the finish. His mare was huffing and puffing pretty good, and w asn't interested in drinking. The heat was taking its toll on everyone.

We started off toward the finish. I'd decided I wanted the turtle award, since Lianne had told me the prize was a massage! As we approached the line, I looked back to see if Pete was anywhere close...I'd wait to cross last if he was. He was a couple hundred yards behind. Ross and Lianne crossed the line, and I sat and waited for Pete to cross, circling behind him. Turtle was mine!!!

We walked into the vet check, and our three horses were down as we came in, but we gave them time to drink a few gallons each, then vetted through. Ross and Diamante had their first 50 miler under their belt, and Lianne and Al had also finished. Ross trotted Bear out for me to give my knee a break...he looked great. Whoo-hoo! And our pacing had been right on...we crossed the line at 6:10 pm, with only 20 minutes left on the clock.

At the awards meeting, Becky said that 66 riders started the 50, and 44 completed...2 out of 3. We were happy that all three in our group made it. Most pulls were metabolic or RO...first hot ride of the year, and it took its toll. She said no horses were treated with fluids, although several were colicky. We saw several pretty droopy horses being walked or else lying down in camp. In the LD, 52 started, and 42 completed. Rae pulled after one loop due to her back hurting. :(

Bear finished the ride looking and feeling great. I had been thinking about trying the 100 at Bluebonnet next month, but this hot ride is making me reconsider...it was pretty rough on me. I'll have to think about it. Maybe I'll get lucky and there will be a cool front. :)

Many thanks to Ted and Kim Reeves for hosting the ride on their ranch again. We had fun. :)

Dawn Carrie, East Texas