Ridecamp: [RC] Newbie's first pull.........

     With the experience of three whole rides and a whopping 150 successful 
miles, I was feeling like Solitaire and I were on easy street and coasting  
toward my goal of 250 miles in our first year with no pulls.  
    Alas, we were pulled however, at the 3rd vet check of the Davenport Dare 
ride this past weekend.
     I would love to fault the terrain, but the truth is that it was not at 
all to blame.  I would love to blame the vets - but they were of the highest 
caliber and utmost professionalism.  I could try to lay the blame off on my 
mare, Solitaire - but she gave all I asked for.  Truth be told, there was no 
one to blame but me because I simply asked her for too much.
     I had a plan.  I stuck to it.  Oh boy, was that a mistake.  I did not 
alter or adapt when the weather turned suddenly warmer.  I did not read my 
horse well at all.  I was at fault.  The blame was entirely mine.  I made 
some rather stupid mistakes and let down my crew and my "girlfriend" 
Solitaire and I feel like $h!+!!!  LOL
     Solitaire is fine today, and when I went into her stall to bring her out 
for some grooming, she nudged her nose into the halter like always with a 
"let's go!" attitude.  She is truly amazing.  I intend to listen to her more 
closely from now on, now that we have firmly established that she is the 
brains of our little team.  :o) 
     Congratulations to all who did finish.  Solitaire and I will be back 
soon - with the wisdom only defeat can put under one's saddle.  
Scott

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