Ridecamp: [RC] Nitchi Nicker Special Riders Endurance Event

Congratulations to Bruce Guest, Anniemieke Aardoum and their intrepid
gang of volunteers for pulling off an incredible FEI-Cat A ride Aug. 31.

The Nitchi Nicker, including a 100-mile FEI race along with a 35-mile
LD, a 50 mile ride and a 100-mile ride sanctioned by Endurance Riders of
Alberta, is named after the Cree word for Friendly. Proceeds of the ride
went to a local organization that offers therapeutic riding for people
with handicaps.
Now, Bruce and Annemieke, you have to find out the Cree word for Tough.
Although relatively flat, the trails were slick from a rainfall the
night before. The tricky footing took a heavy toll on equine muscles,
with numerous animals - mine included - pulling out early because of
cramps in the loin and butt muscles. Times were comparatively slow, with
riders having to face challenges typical of the Rocky Mountain
Foothills, including mud holes, bog, deadfall, range cows and grizzly
bears.
Bruce and Annemieke did an outstanding job of organizing crew stops and
vet checks, with natural water sources supplemented by the generous
distribution of large water tanks at strategic points along the trail.
Unfortunately, we have not been able to educate all riders about using
sponges in the troughs - despite the extra buckets made available at
each one. My horse seemed to prefer the mud holes along the trail and
made a serious attempt to suck them dry.
Just and aside: Can anybody on ridecamp tell me why FEI horses are
camped in separate areas from the other competitors, ostensibly for
health reasons, yet drink out of the same water troughs throughout the
day?
Unofficial winners of the FEI event were Audrey Grieb and Special
Delivery of Drayton Valley Alberta in first place by a length over
Kelvin Godin and Nero of Devon, Alberta. Best Condition and Best Vet
score went to Lana Halseth of BC. Sorry, Lana, I don't remember your
horse's name - but she was awesome: A high springy trot on the morning
after as gruelling a ride as anyone can remember.
I will post official results in a few days, including a breakdown of the
total entries and completions.
In closing, I would like to mention that Bruce apologized all over the
place at the awards ceremonies, stating that the ride hadn't gone as
smoothly as it appeared. Lighten up, buddy - my only complaint involved
the driving rain that soaked us through on the morning after, and you
know management can't control the weather.
Conditions were perfect on ride day, there were plenty of good
volunteers, pulse and vet checks went smoothly and we ALL want to do it
again.


bkbkbk


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