Another helpful devise is a Cool-Off bandana around the
neck. Not sure if they are still being made by a friend here in Santa Cruz
County, CA, but they are made of synthetic chamois lining a regular western
bandana. You dip it in water, tie it around your neck, and even on the
hottest day, it will keep you cooler for about 2 hours. Then re-dip.
She also made "cookies" of the same chamois to put inside your helmet.
That helped, too. We've saved heat-stricken riders a couple of times by
sitting them down and putting a sopping wet towel over the head. The head
really needs the cooling.
Okay, so I have been slowly bringing my mare, Valentina, along to do
endurance! I have been spoiled by nice COOL, temperatures all
winter. Well, imagine my rude awakening today, with 101-103 degree
temps, that I am not iron woman! Ranelle met me in Cool to do a 15 mile
ride. Well, a conditioning ride for me, and exercise ride for Ranelle
and Fellow! I have been riding off and on all winter with some wonderful
people. I haven't had to push Valentina or myself to the next level of
ANY kind because most of these riders are not into endurance and have no
desire to go much more than a walk/trot/walk!
I figured if I wanted to get Valentina up to another level I would need
to ride with someone that a) knows endurance; b) is GOOD at endurance, and c)
is highly knowledgeable about endurance! Riding with Ranelle on a couple
of occasions and crewing for her at Washoe Lake, was testament that I needed
to get a little more serious. Well, today, kicked my butt from one
end of the trail to the other. I was doing okay until about mile
8.5. We stopped for a bit and all of a sudden the heat of the day washed
over me and I felt like I was going to pass out! I sat down for a bit
and got back up. Rode another couple of miles had to dismount for a guy
doing weed eating! I couldn't get back up. The heat got to me so
badly all I could do is walk over to a tree and sit down. Ranelle went
up to get water from the Auburn Lakes Trail pool. She poured water over
my back, neck and head! Then she pulled rank and said the ride was over
and she was going to get a ride to pick up her truck and trailer. Which
she did. I sat with Valentina and Fellow! They stood so
still! They knew something was very wrong and they were THE BEST horses
ever! Valentina at one point nudged my shoulder with her muzzle.
Then surprisingly, Fellow nudged my neck with his muzzle! More testament
to how well horses are in tune with humans.
So, we got back to Cool, Ranelle gave me more water and some chips.
We hosed off the horses. And headed home.
Here is my conclusion of today! One I have been drinking far too
much tea and coffee lately! My muscles dehydrated far too fast. I
didn't hydrate well enough from last night to this morning. I had a
snack bar for breakfast! Bad idea when you are going to do lots of
posting! Listen to the experienced endurance person! If anyone
thinks they can get ready for endurance, training themselves and their horses,
without a coach, is INSANE! I am not the type of person to leave my
health and well being in the hands of any one else. Today, I learned how
to be humble, and what humility is all about!
I am back home. It's been a few hours. My daughter, Chris,
was here to pick up Raquel for the weekend. She stayed with me for
about an hour to make sure I was okay. Made sure I had lots of
water. And left me with some small bottle to freeze and put in my saddle
pack for next time! And yes, there will be a next time. Even
though at one point today I wanted to drop to the ground, cry, and swear off
of even thinking about doing endurance. I will continue. However,
not without a complete revamp of my training schedule, diet and exercise
programs!
Thank you, Ranelle, and your ever so patient Fellow, for the person you
are and the stand you take in life! I would have been in serious trouble
today if it had not been for your professionalism.
