I'll hate myself in the morning, but I am going to jump into this one :)? Yes, at most rides, management will try to get your things to vet checks and back.? In fact, they'll try to do anything they can to make your ride successful and enjoyable.? However, in my opinion, they are doing you a favor.? It is not their obligation to crew "for you" or to keep track of your things.? If something of yours gets lost or ends up at the wrong check or the vet has an emergency with another horse at another check and your bag was in his/her truck and didn't get to your check...that's the breaks.? Many of us now own very similarly colored items in the way of hay bags, crew bags, feed slurpies, coolers, etc. It certainly isn't done intentionally and if things go awry, you'll just have to be willing to graciously ask and borrow from others.? Many rides out west have very limited volunteers and they are often spread way too thinly.? If people who are experienced with a certain ride "highly recommend" that you have a crew, please try to get one or know that you will just be taking your chances with all of your things being exactly where you hope they will be.? If you are pulled on a remote ride where crews are recommended, it may take 4 hours or more to get trailered out by management.? I agree that almost all rides have some source of water at the vet checks and if they don't, they will let you know that ahead of time.? However, the water may be a natural source....pond, creek, river.? It may not be within 10 ft. of the vet check in a clean, shiny water tank.? You may have to hike down a hill and carry buckets or walk your horse down to the creek.? This is not shared as any kind of discouragement, but to help a new person realize that some rides are all frills and some rides are truly no frills.? Listen to experienced riders about specific rides.? There is not global answer for all rides-within a region and especially in different parts of the country.? Hope this makes sense.
