Ridecamp: [RC] Fort Valley

I had a great time at Fort Valley, where I am certain that somehow, I lucked
into the cushiest job there was.  I don't know about the riders, but  I had
a great time.  It rained a ton on Friday night, and I have to admit, that
driving on those dark twisty roads in the rain made me feel like I was in a
bad movie, or stuck in an old computer game (dark twisty passages all
alike).  I never saw any of the Shenandoah Valley except what I could see
from the ride.  Saturday Morning and day was bright, sunny and clear.

I did notice one major drawback that is never discussed on Ridecamp.  I have
a suspicion that it's so commonplace that nobody thinks about it.  YOU GUYS
CAMP OUT THE NIGHT BEFORE THE RIDE.  I haven't been in a tent since I was
ten.  I think this could present a problem.  I don't own a tent, but suspect
it's in my future.

I will admit, that my wife (Susan) description of eventing sounds a lot
better to me.  According to her, and from what I've seen on the spectator
and casual help side, they take their horses to the event location and put
them in temporary stables.  They walk the horse around, feed them, exercise,
etc and make sure all is OK.  Then, they leave for dinner, and spend the
rest of the night at a local hotel or motel.  The next morning they get up
early, and come back to the location and ride.  Does any ride offer such
convenience?  Is it possible to offer such convenience?

OK, that aside, I do have one question.  I had plenty of spare time, and
spent it taking pictures.  A lot of the time my camera malfunctioned or
delayed taking the picture so I got horse but instead of horse head.
However, in one sequence of pictures, I noticed a woman riding her horse
with a bright red halter and reins.  It wasn't till I looked the 3rd or 6th
time (today, I was too tired yesterday from having to cover for my son at
the local team penning, an event where people drink, chat and sit on their
horses for what is at most 90 seconds of excitement, and that's if they
aren't lucky) I noticed that it isn't a halter at all.  The horse was being
ridden with nothing but a rope wrapped up like a halter and reigns.  I think
the horse was there for the 30 mile ride, or ride and tie, I'm not sure.
The hip number was 30X but I'm only certain of the 3, and I'm only pretty
sure of the 0.

If you are this person, I have a few questions I'd like to ask about getting
my horse to do that.

Charles




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