Goethe:A volunteer's story (LONG!)

["Lisa P." <bludoglady@juno.com>]

 I arrived at Goethe three and a half hours later than I wanted to, but
we still got a great spot! Denise my bestest bud followed in her truck. I
had run to Apopka to pick up Pamela and her horse Mazzy. Pamela, Denise
and I were going to volunteer, but I wanted to bring Arabi to get her
used to the noise and confusion. Pamela had wanted to bring Mazzy, so I
offered to trailer her since Denise had decided to see the action this
time and to let her horse Gracie at home.
 I brought my oldest boy along to let him see what a ride was like, and
to help keep Denise's son Garrett company. I know Dylan had a good time
playing with other rider's kids, and helping other riders when he could.
(If anyone wants to train a crew member, I am sure Dylan wouldn't mind.
As long as he doesn't have to hold War Cry again! Howard, that was TO
MUCH horse for him!LOL)
 I got off to a late start on Saturday (sorry Pat) but I got there before
the 25's got off. Arabi had discovered she could bully Mazzy in their
corral together at one am. I had seen the stories posted about loose
horses at two in the morning, so when they started their nonsense at one
am. I decided Arabi needed to be tied till daylight when I could separate
both mares. I am telling you, horse poop on bare feet at one am. does NOT
put me in a good mood! :0) I had tied Arabi to my trailer which was VERY
close to Denise's truck. Denise told me she woke up one time to see
Arabi's butt propped up against her truck while Arabi was sleeping.
Denise said she looked VERY comfy! LOL
  I enjoyed being an in-timer. I am sure I will learn more when/if I
volunteer for the P&R. However, I learned a lot about how to take care of
my mare when I first come in. I really like Endurance MUCH better than
CTR. I like the fact that you can walk in to the vet check giving your
horse less wait time to pulse down. I like the fact that you can have
someone crew for you, and allow your horse to relax in their own corral
for their hold time.
 I also learned that if you are in-timer, you better get an idea as to
who is first, second, third, etc. and know where the finish is for all
the different rides. :0) Sorry to that one crew member who was a little
put out that we thought WE were the finish. That is what Doyle was told.
I know it bothered him that he was misinformed. It is nice working with
someone who is concerned about doing the best job he can!
 I got to meet everyone I wanted to, as well as some of the other riders.
It was nice to meet you, Howard, Truman, Becky, Diane, Doyle, Donna. I
had hoped to meet Valerie Kanavy, but it got busy during the in-time and
I didn't have time to look at the names on ALL of the rider's cards. :0)
Maybe another day. :0)
 I hope to be in-timer for the Jennings Boogie. I will have more
information for those who ask me next time. I know some questions to ask
of the RM such as hold times, where to go for those who don't have their
own stethoscope to check their horse's pulse so they don't waste the vets
time.
 I also got to meet a nice couple. The wife rode for the first time in
25s, the husband in the 50s. Unfortunately he got pulled for lameness at
the vet check. His wife however finished 8th! What a finish for a first
ride huh? They both ride gated horses. When the husband got back, he saw
what the vets pointed out to him about his horse's head bob, but realized
his horse always bobs his head like that on the trot out. He learned to
make sure you go to the vet that knows gaited horses for the vet check if
you have a gaited horse. :0)
 All in all it was a great time. Oh, BTW for those riders who came past a
noisy bay mare, that was Arabi! :0) After Pamela took Mazzy for a ride
after lunch, Arabi greeted all the riders who came in. I hope you guys
enjoyed the greeting! :0) 
 From what I heard, everyone had a great time! Pat put on a wonderful
ride! I am glad to see that everyone kept their dogs on leash. The Jack
Russels were a trip as always! I will bring my dog along next time! The
generators were shut off at a good time (Thank you!) We got a large area
right near the porta potty! Thanks for all who put up with a rookie
volunteer at the in-time! You riders were GREAT! Not one bad comment.
Most of the riders were really good about getting us the rider's cards
(even if some were really wet! I will carry zip-loc bags for you next
time!) :0) 
 Okay, this has been long enough. I had fun! Thanks all!
In His Hands,
Lisa P.
www.outbackacres.com
North Central Florida
Riding: the art of keeping a horse between yourself and the ground.