Ridecamp: [RC] Not-So-Happy Camp Experience

To Nina,

I am so glad you escaped! I am also just so so sad about your sweet gelding. I had thought as I had to keep brushing back tears that you thankfully had a cell phone with you. I sat down and rehashed my OWN list of stuff to keep ON me since I have gotten lazy and stick everything on my saddle, including water and cell phone. I haven't carried my pepper spray with me for over a year. I will now. 

As tragic as this is - and even more so COULD have been - to me it was a wake-up call as well, both about riding alone and riding without those things that can keep you safe. I used to ride when alone prepared for just about anything - a weirdo on the trail, a mountain lion, even a landslide on the trail - after El Nino. Tomorrow We will troop out to teh parb since we will be cleaning tack anyway and refurbish our saddles AND wasitpacks with those things needed to be safe. 

Nina, thank GOD you were not lunch or something. You are in our prayers. We love you - and for that very costly and hurtful lesson for ALL of us, thank you.
San