Re: [RC] [RC] Hopkins Creek, walking and sand - Deanna GermanJeannie wrote - "As for Deanna and Salina, they make a good pair.? But Salina has been telling me that she loves it here in our pasture.? She adores Rowdy and follows him everywhere!? And Deanna, you wouldn't hurt so bad if you had moved out just a tad faster.? Walking always makes one hurt more than any other gait!? LOL Jeanie" --------------------------------- Everyone who knows me knows I have a love/hate relationship with this horse. After this weekend, I've decided that I like her an awful lot. She was a very good girl. You can't keep her Jeannie! Whether Salina wants to or not, she's coming back to Ohio. As far as the walking goes, anyone who knows me also knows how much I bitch and whine about walking. As in, I can't do it. I hate walking. It kills my hips. So what happened the second 25? OK, this is gonna sound stupid to a lot of people but I really think this was a factor: I wear a Camelback because I've discovered that it's the only way I drink enough and smartie me decided that some ice in the Camelback would be a nice idea headed out for the second 25 since the day was warming up fast. What happens to ice when you trot? It makes a neat rattling noise that spooks the mare every third stride. Felt like I was riding a jack hammer until the ice melted. Note to self: condition with the Camelback. With ice in it. Jeannie and I talked about this -- I was also likely very tense. I don't get sore at all on two-day 50's anymore because they're old hat and I know all the trails. New trails, sand, shot-gun start (the LD's I have done were a controlled start) down the same road that crew vehicles were using, being worried about this first 50, plus all that had preceeded Saturday probably made me tense and wore me out on the first 25 miles. Also, I remember that the only other sand ride I've ever done (Oak Openings CTR in Ohio) wore me out too. I think the sand changes the horse's gaits; it certainly was harder for me to get Salina to round herself at a trot. I have to do more cantering during conditioning so I get accustomed to riding through the spooks so they don't wear me out. Yeah, that last 10 miles I was thinking how ironic it was that my favorite gait was a walk! Whodathunk? And that loop even got us out of the worst sand for a long while. But by that time I was too tired. Another reason to really like my mare -- she has a 5 mph walk, even after 40 miles. I often curse her 1/4 Saddlebred momma for making my horse so goofy, but those long legs she got from momma are good for something! Anyway, now that it's Tuesday and I'm feeling better, I'm already plotting and scheming for the next ride. Can't wait! (Of course, gotta get a horse and a trailer! LOL!) Deanna =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
|