Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Neither of the 2 riders from Great Britain will ride tomorrow. They  
both had foot soreness from the pads (sand underneath). They couldn't  
find horses to ride at this late date either, so they'll help crew  
for others and make the most of the day.

Spirits are generally very good though. To be here is very special,  
and several of the foreign riders are here for the first time. It's  
fun seeing their enthusiasm. Their first time to see the incredible  
spice souks, the camels that wander the desert, the big red ball at  
sunset, the amazing city landscape that sprang up out of the sand.

And the new friendships that are made - some of which seem to last  
forever. This is probably the one thing that keeps bringing me back -  
to know so many people from so many different countries, the  
friendships that span the years and oceans. That is the gift that  
endurance - these horses - have given me more than anything else.  
Miguel and Celina Pavlovsky are here, and their Gaucho train Hugo  
Mendez and his wife Lucia. Hugo is dressed in classic gaucho dress,  
handsome as usual. I love it. The Malaysians are here to support  
their King. Madiya and her great family of grooms and riders and  
trainers. And not just the riders - but the press and techies and  
officials and the whole world of Endurance.

There's a really nice feeling about the ride this year. We're still  
in the press room (9:30pm) - dinner is about over, the grooms and  
workers are cleaning up everything! Still a little music playing. The  
camels have gone to bed.

The horses must know tomorrow is a big day. They have to know - just  
like they learn to recognize a trail, or a stall, or a person. They  
did the vetting in today, they're here at the strange place, they're  
resting now. I bet they wake up just like everybody else before the  
alarm goes off :)

There are some new posts and photos at http://www.endurance.net/ 
international/UAE/2008PresidentsCup/ - another note from Kathy, and a  
message from Becky Hart - the new USA Chef d'Equipe. Plus a few more  
photo galleries. We have lots more photos to post, and John is  
cranking away ... but we might just have to sleep a little before we  
get them posted!

later-

Steph




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