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RE: [RC] Rest stops - Jim HollandI have never been chased out of an Interstate Rest Stop. I primarily travel I-95, I-40, I-20, I-85 in the SE, with Atlanta being about the center of that. However, not many rest stops around here are appropriate. I require a place to back up to the curb so my horse can step off on grass instead of pavement. An area of grass near the rear of the area is also required. It also depends on WHEN you stop. At peak periods on weekends, most Eastern rest areas are too crowded to accommodate a big rig backing up to a curb. Rest areas are not my first choice. I ALWAYS stop at least every 3-31/2 hours.AND I always take my horses off. There is a risk to everything, and you have to weigh risk against benefit. If you are not willing to take a risk, then you shouldn't be doing Endurance rides. If your horse has good ground manners and is well trained and comfortable around traffic and trucks, then IMHO, the chance of an "accident" is less there than corralled in ridecamp with 100+ horses over which you have not control, many of which are NOT well trained. There is also a "risk" that you will get dumped off at a ride and your horse will disappear into the hinterlands or get kicked at the start. If is, of course, appropriate to use good judgment when choosing a take-off spot. If the trip is going to take longer than 12-14 hours, I arrange to overnight at a horse hotel. My guys look forward to their 20-30 minute breaks, and when they figured out the routine, usually wait to pee until the break. Sometimes the stop has a weed/woods area where you can unload trailer poop. My guys enjoy a few bites of grass and a chance to stretch their legs. They drink better as well. I use a "special bucket" just for take-offs, and they always look for the "green bucket" water trough at each take off. Space permitting, I usually do a little mini-trot-out to be sure they are sound. I check for dings and injuries during that time as well. They arrive more rested and relaxed and seem to enjoy the trip more. You also meet some interesting people in the back of truck stops. Some McDonalds have nice places, and many Wal-Mart Super Stores have a HUGE parking lot.but if you do that, be prepared to be inundated with kids. J There is a great McDonalds at Old Fort, on I-40 just East of Asheville on the way to Leatherwood. They even have a water faucet at the back, and are "attached" to a small shopping center. The girls in the take-out were hanging out the window once when we stopped and Magic was REALLY interested, so we took him over. Stuck his head right in the window and gave 'em all a kiss. They lady said he wanted to order a large salad with no dressing to go! <grin> Both of my guys love attention and we try to be good "ambassadors" by being courteous and "asking" when in doubt about taking off at a spot. Large truck stops are the best take-off spots. Most Flying J and Hess stops have a truck facility with parking at the rear and usually a little grass curb. They have the best diesel prices as well. The biggest risk is the occasional trash and dog poop. The truckers have always been very courteous and helpful, often providing travel tips and warnings about traffic. We were parked in the back of a Flying J once and this guy came over to scratch Magic and tell us about his "younger days" and horses. I mentioned I needed to find a booze store, and he pointed us to a hole in the fence near some trees..a liquor store was behind the trees! J I know that lots of riders just "go hard until they get there", but Joan and I both like to enjoy the trip as well. Don't enjoy dueling with the trucks on the Interstate, but other than that it's less stressful on us. Sitting in a truck seat for long hours is not something I care to do..and my guys don't like standing in the trailer for long periods. It's not the same as a stall, even if you are stopped.and I don't ever stall my guys at home. We sometimes stop for ice cream, frequently for coffee, and sometimes just because something looks "interesting". "Getting there" is also part of the ride. We will occasionally try an alternate route off the Interstate. Sometimes there is less traffic there. When we go to a ride, we "document" good take-off spots, and plan our trip accordingly next time. We know in advance where we are going to take off, eat, buy ice, etc. Sometimes I can just drop Joan off with the horse and go fill up with diesel while she walks him. Works for us. Over 2000 Endurance miles on my two horses.never a HINT of a problem. JMHO. Jim, Sun of Dimanche+, and Mahada Magic From: ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of smuncy Sent: Monday, July 18, 2005 12:25 AM To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [RC] Rest stops I have one very well trained and behaved horse- can you say almost 'Bombproof' ; and I would not "think" of unloading him at a rest stop, beside an interstate highway, except in an emergency. In my 'little mind", it just is / was " not worth the risk ". =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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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