Elk Valley - One for the Books!

["Snodgrass, Bonnie" <snodgrab@ncr.disa.mil>]

This past weekend I went up to compete in the Elk Valley 50 (Grant , PA) on
Saturday. They do two 50's back to back and an LD on Sun. also. I met my
friend Becky Supinger from Summerduck, VA up there where we camped side by
side. My ride went uneventfully. River and I finished in the back half
(sounds better than back third) and it was a beautiful ride, wonderful
weather, super trails and scenery.  Becky has a super horse, Bacardi. We
definitely ride at different paces. Becky and Bacardi were in the top 10
coming in from the first loop (and probably would have stayed there) when
the twilight zone struck. Becky uses a sponge on a long biothane strap just
like me and most the riders around here. These straps have a snap at both
ends. After coming out of the river, Becky snapped her sponge back onto her
saddle and started up the last 1/4 mile of trail into camp. She hopped off
her horse and loosened his cinch when she noticed that the sponge stape
seemed to be hung under his belly. Unbeknownst to her, her sponge strap had
snagged  on a branch as she rode forward and finally a snap had given way.
The hook part of the snap had been bent open and somehow come flying back at
her horse. The tongue of the snap, about 1" + of metal impaled him in the
belly. The strap was hanging down from this snap that had driven itself into
his abdomen wall!!! Becky, (nurse by trade) just walked him on in to the vet
check and found the treatment vet who removed the metal and treated him.
Bacardi's ride was over. Who would of thought?? I learned of her mishap as I
came in from the first loop and rode the rest of the ride with my sponge
strap tucked up. Paranoia!!!

Bonnie Snodgrass