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[RC] OD not Morgan Riding Weather this year! - RISTREEI spent a long day yesterday crewing for two Morgans at OD.First, Paul Calandra on Laura Lee Admiral Buoy -- who came in about 14th in the 50, alongside his Arabian sidekick, Quarencia Klasek ridden by Millie Turner. Lost count of the number of bags of ice we went through (one store close to Fitchett's ran out of ice by the end of the day) but those tough riders and horses took careful care of their horses and came in just fine. Then out to crew the last three holds for Mary Coleman and her famed Mighty Morgan, Hawk, along with April (Sullivan) Dobson and Judy Cottrell. More ice, countless gallons of water, and repeated joyful quiet murmurings from Mary about how much she was enjoying getting some sun, and the privilege of riding the ultimate challenge of OD in extreme heat/humidity conditions. (Not.) Four miles from camp, she and fellow Morgan rider Natalie worried about making time, but make it they did, and both looked just fine at the finish. I confess being obnoxious at the finish -- yelling and clapping. Chalk it up to Morgan Fever (perhaps literally) and a little heat exhaustion, a touch of overtired delirium, and the relief of seeing those tough horses rise to the challenge so brilliantly! Congrats to all. It was a good day to be spectating! :-) --Patti Stedman P.S. I think it's Ellen Tully who won the 75, with Pam Karner in 2nd. Somehow names just don't come out right phonetically, eh Steph? ;-D
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