[RC] Stopping at water (was:trail etiquette question) - rides2farThere's more you can do to help out a person you're riding with than just stop. I'd noticed my horse always drank more if he was the first one on a single track trail to get to the water...even if the other rider didn't leave me. There was still the worry that they would. He's very competitive and would rather dry up like a raisin and turn to dust than be left behind, so it was easy for me to see other riders experiencing the same problem. I sometimes suggest that we swap places so their horse gets there first this time, or after my horse drinks I don't just walk forward and wait for them, I turn my horse back to face them. It makes a big difference in the 2nd horse's attitude. He no longer feels like he's going to be left and will relax and drink. I've also had a very competitive rider up front who, though she technically "waited" for me, I thought intentionally sabataged me a bit. Every time my horse's nose hit the water her horse would suddenly take about 2 steps. Then she'd stop. It happened over and over. Each time bringing my horse's head back up. Granted, I know there are those of you who say my horse should drink no matter what and there is a point where he will, but when you're trying to keep one topped off and they're not *that* thirsty yet the other rider can help or hurt you a lot. So...just to let those people who *think* they're being sneaky know...I *know* what you're doing and I have the materials for a voo doo doll at home with your name written all over them. >cackle< Angie ________________________________________________________________ The best thing to hit the internet in years - Juno SpeedBand! Surf the web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER! Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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