Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Well after my brothers wedding and my computer getting fried by 
lightening, I finally have a ride story for the AHAM ride a few weeks 
ago. If anyone has any suggestions or corrections before I send it to 
the magazine please let me know.
Thanks!
Kari
Montalee Arabians
Holton, MI

A.H.A.M. Ride in Petoskey&

We headed for Petoskey on July 7 with our new trailer in tow. We had 
been debating trailers all summer and finally settled on one. The trip 
went well and my mare arrived in great shape after such a long haul. 
When we arrived at camp Wayne had saved us a spot to set up for the 
weekend. I was happy to see Cathy and her Mustang, Red Cloud, had made 
the trip up for the weekend as well.

We took supplies out to the mid vet check that evening and enjoyed the 
awesome scenery this part of the state has to offer. We prepared for the 
morning run after the ride meeting and were surprised to hear we had a 
later start time of 9:30 a.m. for about 20 horses in the 25 mile Limited 
Distance ride. The head veterinarian was Dane Fraiser, he was very 
informative and gave an inspiring talk during the riders meeting. Jim 
Yell was the trail boss and we were all sad to hear that this would be 
the last ride he hosted at his farm. He's been organizing these rides 
and trails for over 25 years and putting on at least two rides a season. 
Thanks Jim, we will miss you! The ride managers, Gene and Shelley Dake, 
are looking for a new location to hold the competition next year. It 
will be hard to top this area, it is a very challenging trail, most say 
it's the toughest trail in Michigan.

Saturday morning started with one of the younger riders getting thrown 
just as we started, she was fine and remounted to complete the ride. The 
first couple miles is all uphill and very rocky so we took it easy 
switching from walking to trotting often. Cathy, Wayne and I stayed 
together the first 15 mile loop, we had a good time taking turns in the 
lead and joking around. When we reached the first vet check we all 
pulsed down good but Red Cloud was slightly off. Cathy pulled her horse 
from the ride and the staff trailered them back to base camp. We started 
the second ten mile loop a minute apart and met up a few miles down the 
trail. The first loop was tough, when we weren't going uphill we went 
downhill! The second loop was even tougher, not only was the trail a 
challenge but by that time the sun had come out and it was very hot and 
humid. We took it pretty slow the last loop with our main concern being 
bringing in our horses healthy and sound. This isn't a ride to speed 
through if you want to ride day two. Wayne and I finished the ride 
together, and (as usual) his gelding pulsed down just before my mare 
did. Both horses looked great and we started planning for day two.

The potluck was great! Gene and Shelley had cooked up a load of chicken 
and everyone brought a dish to pass. Following the meal there was the 
awards and a big surprise for my mare. Though we came in third place, we 
were awarded Best Condition for top vet scores! We all talked for quite 
a while afterwards then made our final preparations for the next morning.

Sunday morning we started much earlier at 6:00 a.m. It was still very 
muggy but at least the temperature wasn't so bad. The ride went almost 
as good as the day before. We took it even slower to finish with first 
and second place (photo). We all cheered as Jeanie came in  this ride 
put her over the top for 14,000 competitive miles (photo). Good job 
Jeanie! All nine riders that started completed with no problems.

It was a memorable weekend with good trails and friends. We all headed 
home by mid afternoon reminiscing about the trails we will not be riding 
again. Riding the trails in Petoskey is about as close to mother nature 
as you can get  a very humbling journey. You can find more information 
about endurance and competitive trail riding at these websites: 
www.gldra.org, www.umecra.com or www.aerc.org.


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