[RC] V-Bar - new mountain region ride - Marlene Moss
We had a new ride in the Mountain Region this year –
V-Bar, near Westcliffe Colorado.It took place on a private cattle ranch next
to the Sangre de Cristomountains.There was a little bit of difficulty as the
ride manager got hurt right before the ride, but assistance came from all over
the mountain region to help her make sure the ride went on.
And it did happen and basically all went smoothly.Trails were marked pretty well – as
best as you can hope for with cattle around!But anything that wasn’t clear with ribbons was easily resolved by
looking at the map.Except our best map
reader in our little group was riding my mustang and she wasn’t totally
used to the idea of paper flapping around over her head.But he (hubby Stace) was able to discard the
map quickly and stay on as she threw a few bucks.Poor horse – she’s been so easy to
train we keep forgetting some simple basics!
There were nice (serious!) climbs and nice pastures, trees
and plenty of water.I was riding one of
my backup horses – pulled her off pasture 3 weeks ago and have been
trying to ride nice and easy – we did the 25.The only thing that kept us from going faster
than I really wanted was a significant lack of attachment of EasyBoot to hoof.Then later we took the steeps nice and slow, but after the hills this
little mare was gung ho.She’s got
the fastest recoveries I’ve ever seen (resting of 27) and is getting
pretty competitive.I just might have to
make her a primary competition horse instead of selling her like I’d
originally planned!
Anyhow, V-Bar was a great ride, gorgeous country, excellent
awards and a great display of everyone coming together to help make a new ride
a success.Let’s hope we get
another chance to ride both days next year!
