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Re: [RC] Dawn - crossing below the overlook - D'Arcy Demianoff-ThompsonThank you, Sheila, for this information. It is so very important to know the areas and the conditions we are riding in. With that in mind I wanted to let everyone know that rides in Sly Park to NOT go down to the waters edge even though the ground looks dried out. I learned the hard way, today, that the dried ground is superficial. Luckily nothing major happened to Valentina or myself. However, it was a very scary moment when your horse takes ONE step and sinks all four legs chest deep in mud! My first thought was to get off of her as fast as I could to give her the momentum to get up and out. She did exactly what she needed to do, so FAST, I didn't even have time to get off of her. Instead I was bailed half off / half on! I was amazed the strength it took her to lift up and jump up on all fours to solid ground.
I have never been in such a serious situation ever. For nothing to be wrong is a miracle in my book. I was prepared to walk her back the rest of the way. She kept nudging me to get up on her. After seeing that she was walking fine I got back up on her. She didn't miss a beat and decided it was a nice path to trot, canter, and gallop the rest of the five miles. Unbelievable to me to say the least! I have read about these things happening and the results have been costly! I consider myself and Valentina very fortunate today.
Again, Sheila, thank you, after this incident, today, I can't imagine getting a horse stuck in a river and not be able to get it out. Everyone take care out there!
D'Arcy
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