As I remember, the actually traveling distance is
probably not more than a couple of hundred feet, if that. But it is quite
steep. I have not been on it for about 20 years, and I have heard that the
protruding rocks that give the horses' feet traction are wearing ever more
smooth over the years. I'm with Patty on fear of drop-offs. I can't
think of anything more scary than the horse stopping and trying to turn or back
down.
I must say that the video made it look quite easy in
most cases. There were a couple of horses that were uncooperative, thus
making it more dangerous for themselves and the riders, but most of the horses
went fine. If I were to do it again, I'd want to make sure my horse
understood that there was no option for quitting and trying to turn or back
down.
Being here in Arizona we have
lots of steep rocky climbs and
descents. The cougar rock video did not LOOK like it
was tough at all, but I know it must be from all the talk and
hoopla about it. For someone who has never been on it, I have a feeling
I might be in for a surprise. :) I am a chicken when it comes
to drop offs anyway...HATE them...I am learning a lot by reading
all your posts. I particularly liked the one where she said she just
trotted the cliff part of the trail to get it over with, while others
were walking along in the dark...I would definitely be trotting! The
sooner I get past a drop off the better! LOL... This cougar rock, I am
guessing, must look and be much scarier in real life than it is in the
video. And it does seem that the danger is when a horse does not
cooperate and wants to back down, is this true?
